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DIY Shirred Top: Upcycle an Oversized T-Shirt

Jan 15, 26

 

Looking to turn an oversized t-shirt into a stylish, modern piece? This DIY shirred top tutorial shows you how to take any oversized tee, whether it’s new or previously loved, and transform it into a fitted, elastic shirred top that’s chic and wearable. Perfect for anyone who loves upcycling and refashioning and wants to try a creative DIY sewing project.

Why You’ll Love This Project:

  • Upcycle & Refashion: Take a roomy t-shirt and turn it into a trendy, form-fitting top with a few simple techniques. This upcycle tshirt DIY is perfect for giving oversized tees a fresh, modern update.
  • Elastic Shirred Top DIY: The elastic shirring hugs your body in all the right places, creating flattering ruching that’s both stylish and comfortable.
  • Versatile Materials: You can use any oversized t-shirt. It doesn’t have to be old - just make sure it’s roomy enough to allow for the shirring and ruching.

What You’ll Need:

  • A lightweight cotton t-shirt or cotton blend works best for elastic shirring, as stiffer fabrics won’t gather as smoothly.
  • Choose an oversized t-shirt, at least 2 to 3 times your width, so there’s plenty of fabric for the shirring and ruching.
  • Shirring elastic, you’ll need to hand wind your sewing bobbin. I used 4 elastic bobbins for this project.
  • Tailors chalk or heat erasable pen for drawing all the shirring lines directly onto the t-shirt.
  • 1 cm (3/8 inch) wide tape, cord, or ribbon for the ties.

I used cotton webbing tape. Drawstring cord, shoelace, or satin ribbon are also good options.

You'll need 1/2 your body width + 60 cm (24 inches) per tie, x 6 ties total.

This project is perfect for anyone who loves DIY upcycling and refashioning. Using elastic shirring, you can transform an oversized t-shirt into a fitted, stylish top, and the techniques can easily be adapted for other garments.

Ready to create your own? I’ve made a full, step-by-step YouTube tutorial showing you how to upcycle an oversized T-shirt into a chic, modern shirred top. Follow along and create a completely handmade piece that’s uniquely yours.

Final Look:

Here’s a look at the finished upcycled shirred top!

This project is a great opportunity to build your sewing skills and get creative - experiment with different T-shirts, adjust the length, or play with the amount of shirring to make it truly your own. If you enjoy YouTube tutorials that guide you step by step beyond ready-made patterns, this one is sure to inspire your next upcycling project.

Please feel free to tag me @tessjeanpatterns on social media — I’d love to see your creation!

Enjoy your custom-made DIY shirred top, and happy sewing,

Tess XX

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