Turning your old t-shirts into flattering new garments is inexpensive, resourceful, and easier than you think. Try out any of Cal Patch’s many methods and wind up with a whole new wardrobe.

How to Upcycle a T-Shirt into a Cardigan

This sweet layering piece might become a new favorite!

Transform Your T-Shirt into a Tunic

Transform a tired tee into a sweet tunic to welcome spring. This is a simple project for the moderately experienced sewer; you need to be comfortable with machine sewing, fitting, and making some renegade alterations.

How to Make a Flirty Flapper T-Shirt

The classic gathered-type ruffle isn’t always flattering, especially near the waist or hips. By cutting ruffles out of circles, curves, or spirals, you get a fluttery ruffle that’s flat at the seamline and gently drapes at the outer edge. This top reminds me of something a modern-day flapper would wear!

How to Restyle a T-Shirt with Pintucks

Pin tucks, those tiny stitched pleats often seen on vintage blouses or dresses, add a dimensional element, but each one also uses up a smidge of fullness, and that fact means they can be used to add shape to something shapeless, like the ubiquitous boxy T-shirt. Traditionally, they run parallel and very close together. You can use this technique to practically sculpt the fit of the shirt, without creating any new seams!

How to Restyle a T-Shirt into a Tiered Tea Dress

Revamping old T-shirts into new styles is one of the best ways to get new clothes without spending a dime. And when you make them into a dress, you’ve got a whole outfit!

How to Restyle a T-Shirt into a Gathered-Yoke Top

Transform an old T-shirt into a pretty style by sewing a gathered yoke.

Threads Recommended Products

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Vogue 1642

Pattern A has pleated patch pockets with flaps. Pattern B has side seam zippers. This Vogue sewing pattern kit was designed and printed in the United States and comes with sewing templates, instructions, fabric recommendations, pattern pieces, and sizing guides for (2) shirts and (1) pair of pants. Women's clothing patterns can be made to fit sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14.

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McCall's 8241

McCalls Sewing Pattern 8241 Tops A (XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL). McCalls-8241-A

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Style Arc, Hendrix Coat

The Hendrix coat sewing pattern from Style Arc is an unlined, panelled design with long two-piece sleeves, a button or snap front, and optional top-stitching. It features binding along the neck, hem, and sleeves, along with angled patch pockets and dropped shoulders. Recommended fabrics include wool, linen, faux fur, or velvet, with fabric estimates and trim details provided for sizes 4-30.

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A plain old tee, ready to be transformed!

An oversized t-shirt can become a fitted tunic.