The 45-Minute T-Shirt Makeover

Here’s an easy 45-minute t-shirt makeover that you can do for any size shirt (kids or adults). Since this month is all about the boys, I couldn’t resist a dinosaur themed shirt for my son.

What you’ll need:

A pre-made plain t-shirt (I found mine at Target for $4)
Knit fabric for sleeves (the yardage requirement will vary based on the size shirt you’re making. For a boys’ size 5/6 I used 1/2 yard.)
Freezer paper
Fabric paint (like Tulip soft)
Water-soluble fabric marking pen

Don’t forget thread, an x-acto knife, and a fabric paint brush. You’ll also need another long sleeve shirt in the same size that you’ll be making. You’ll use this shirt as a pattern for your sleeves.

Check to make sure that your pattern shirt (here shown with stripes) fits nicely under the shirt you’re making. (Tuck them inside each other to check the size of the sleeves.)

Fold the knit fabric in half and lay your pattern shirt on it matching the outer sleeve with the fold of the knit fabric.

Using a water-soluble marking pen, trace the outline of the sleeve.

When you reach the shoulder, fold up the pattern shirt along the seam line of the shirt and mark this line. You’ve now got your sewing line marked.

Cut out the sleeve with 1″ extra around your sewing line.

With right sides together, sew along the length of the sleeve with an appropriate stitch that will allow for stretching. (I used an overedge stitch.) Make sure to leave the top and bottom open. Trim excess fabric.

Turn your t-shirt inside out. Insert your t-shirt sleeve into the long sleeve you made.

Pin sleeves together along existing seam from t-shirt.

Sew along the sleeve on the existing seam. (I used a straight stretch stitch and then an overedge stitch.) Make sure you don’t sew in from the existing seam line.

Here’s a view from the other side.

Turn sleeve cuffs up 1/4″. Fold up again another 1/4″. Pin in place. Sew around cuff (using a straight stretch stitch) 1/8″ up from the edge. Repeat the above steps for the other sleeve.

Turn the shirt right side out. You’re half way done.

Draw a design on your freezer paper which compliments the sleeve fabric. I chose a T-Rex skull. To get a copy of my T-Rex skull and a triceratops skull go here. Iron the freezer paper onto your shirt.

Using soft fabric paint, paint your design on. Remove the freezer paper when you’re done. (I like to let mine dry a little so I don’t get smudges.)

And you’re done!