One Seam Shrug Belly Dance?

A Basic shrug made from stretch fabric, recyled or new

Posted by Jamie O.

About

This is a super easy shrug. Great for recycling old shirts or you can make it with a small new piece of stretchy fabric.
They are great for layering and adding color and texture to outfits. Also excellent when wearing sleeveless tops for extra warmth or coverage. I made this one as a sample for belly dance costuming to cover my shoulders and back.

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You Will Need (5 things)

  • Fabric Scissors
  • 1 Large T Shirt
  • OR Sewing Machine
  • Thread
  • Sewing Needle

Steps (5 steps, 15 minutes)

  1. 1

    Cut off the bottom 9" inches of a shirt with stretch. It could be a cotton knit or any other type. Stretch lace or velveteen would be pretty. The shirt should be pretty large - at least 36" around the bottom.
    (If you are working with new fabric, cut a piece to 9" wide and 36" to 48" long. Fold in half and sew one seam along the 9" side to make a tube that is open on the longest ends.)

  2. 2

    Turn shirt inside out. Mark fabric with pins or a marking pencil on the long, hemmed side of the shirt.
    For small fore arms, mark your fabric about 4" in from the either side. For larger arms, try marking it 6" or 7" in from the edges.

  3. 3

    Sew one seam between the two marks, with 1/4 inch seam allowance.

  4. 4

    Turn shirt right side out. Slip your arms into the holes and wrap the rest abound your back and neck. The seam will lie in the middle of your back.

  5. 5

    Wear with flair!

    (Here I sewed the seam on the cut side, so these sleeves do not have a finished edge)