This guide will detail how to transform an oversized or ugly T-shirt into a fitting sleeveless shirt. This easy no-sew process focuses primarily on sleeveless shirts for girls, guys can refer to this guide to making more masculine sleeveless shirts.
Items needed for women’s sleeveless T-shirt no-sew reconstruction craft:
Scissors
Large or oversized T-shirt(s)
Model shirt
(The model shirt is a sleeveless shirt that fits well. This shirt will be used to determine armhole depth and T-shirt looseness. Cannot be spandex or other material that stretches to fit the body, as that results in an inaccurate measurement since T-shirt material doesn’t stretch as much.)
Begin the craft by spreading the T-shirt out flat and positioning the model shirt on top of it, lining up the collar and sides. If the T-shirt is less than an inch wider than the model shirt, it will not work with this craft method.
Following the contour of the armholes of the model shirt, cut the T-shirt, starting from the shoulder working downwards. Cut a half inch out (wider) than the model shirt to allow for the ensuing curling of the T-shirt material. Upon reaching the bottom of the model shirt armhole, cut straight out towards the sleeve (at a 90 degree angle from the initial direction of the cut.) Cut two inches; cutting through the sleeve seam if it is closer than an inch.
If the T-shirt is more than two inches wider on each side than the model shirt, turn 90 degrees and cut downwards parallel to the side of the model shirt, leaving two inches of cloth. If the T-shirt is not more than two inches wider, make the downwards cut meet the armpit seam then slit open the side of the T-shirt. Repeat with the other side.
Begin making horizontal cuts from the end of the extra cloth to the model shirt, making two inch strips for tying. Make these a half inch to inch apart. Repeat on the other side.
Tie each front strip and back strip together, until the bottom of the shirt is reached. In cases of really long shirts, tie the top half of straps on each side and then try on the shirt. Mark the shirt an inch below the desired length and then only tie to that point. Cut off the bottom of the shirt. Allow the extra inch to make up for the ensuing upwards curling of the cloth. You now have a useful, fitting, no-sew sleeveless T-shirt.
Botched up T-shirts may be recycled for night time pajamas. Be sure to save the sleeves for making T-shirt sleeve headbands with.
