https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/off-the-shoulder-t-shirt • Posted by Recycled Miracles
My sons girlfriend wanted an off the shoulder top, so I grabbed to old t-shirts and started my idea. It was so simple after I understood how to accomplish it. The pleats take the longest time and the purple t-shirt was a little more stretchy so it took longer to sew. She wears a m-l t-shirt. Both t-shirts started out as xl.
My sons girlfriend wanted an off the shoulder top, so I grabbed to old t-shirts and started my idea. It was so simple after I understood how to accomplish it. The pleats take the longest time and the purple t-shirt was a little more stretchy so it took longer to sew. She wears a m-l t-shirt. Both t-shirts started out as xl.
Start by folding 1 t-shirt right under the sleeves and cutting that upper area off. Save is to use for another project. Make sure you keep the bottom in tact so you don't have to worry about hemming anything. I love t-shirts :-) Now take the second t-shirt and cut the bottom 8-10" off. Cut the band so you have one long rectangle. It depends on how tall you are on the length. You can always cut more off later if it is to long.
Here is a close up of the top pleats. I added small pleats about every 1". Since I am one to wing things as I go, I did not measure or figure it out in advance, I just pinned the pleats in place and sewed them. Once all the pleats are sewn try the piece around your shoulders. If you want to go all the way around add more fabric from the remaining piece of t-shirt until you reach your desired length.
We liked the more open look so we only added a little more fabric to the original piece. Now find the center front and back, mark it. Mark the back all the down the shirt, you will be cutting that later. Mark about 8" from the center back and the center front towards the sides. This is where your arm hold will be. Pin the pleated piece in the front and back center to where your 8" marks are and sew those area. Make sure to only sew the front and back together and not the armholes. Try it on, do not worry of the bottom is unfitted, we will take care of that in the next step.
Now cut the center line on the back that you drew earlier. I cut up to 2" from the top, the pleats hide this area. Now lay your shirt down so the 2 cut pieces are now on top of one another. Cut strips 3/4" wide, 3" deep up the shirt. Now unless you have a dress form it is better to enlist the help of a friend. Put the shirt on and have your friend tie the strips that you cut, to customize the fit to you. If you need to cut the strips a little deeper to get a good fit.
Not only will it work for an off both shoulders look but also for a one shoulder look. I found the 2 front corners would curl so I pinned them to the under t-shirt and made a little t-shirt and button flower for a little pop in the front.