11/6/11

Old Mens T-shirt Sewn Into Women's Dolman Tee




 My husband and I are runners so we have a million t-shirts.  I love transforming these boxy, oversized tees into something I will actually want to wear other then for a nightgown. I love this heather grey and wanted to make it into my favorite style tee. I love the comfortable, effortless style of the dolman tee...

It took me about 15 minutes or so. I played around with seams to get the fit right. It's a great new shirt for one of those "I've got nothing to wear" days. I can always count on a dolman! 

Supplies:

DIY intructions: 

Full Video go here (it's old though).
Begin by removing the collar of the shirt, pull to create an off the shoulder look. 
Mark your 1/2 your hip measurement inside the t-shirt so it's even. 
Pleat about 4 inches up by folding accordion folds and pinning through front and back. Do this on both sides. 
Mark your arm hole measurement and pin from the under arm seam to that measurement. 
When you sew, start at the bottom hem and sew up to the under arm seam in a gradual line. Once you reach the underarm seam, lift your presser foot, pivot, and then finish along the sleeve line the sleeve hem.
Cut all the excess interior fabric away or serge the interior.

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81 comments:

  1. Kat @ KaydeeBunzNovember 11, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    This is awesome!! And your blog is pretty cool, you have some amazing "Re-Do's" :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jones MorrisSeptember 2, 2018 at 6:54 AM

      I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. madre

      Delete
  2. WobiSobiNovember 11, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Super cute, I love this!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Heather McCoyNovember 13, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    You are such an inspiration!!! I have been trying to figure out how I'd make a dolman shirt for so long! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. HillaryNovember 14, 2011 at 1:32 AM

    Do you cut the bottom of the sleeves and the top?

    ReplyDelete
  5. marina miouprincessNovember 14, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    this is so cool!! lovely! :)
    www.miouprincesslovespink.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. EugeniaNovember 14, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    Love your blog! I want to try this this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  7. HillaryNovember 15, 2011 at 11:38 PM

    Thanks! I tried sewing it by hand with an XL and it was a wretched outcome. I was a bit disappointed. Did you cut some length out of the sides or just shape them? I think that's where mine went awry!

    ReplyDelete
  8. VanessaNovember 16, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    Lovely! This looks simple enough for a beginner, right?

    ReplyDelete
  9. AfternoonAbbeyNovember 16, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    Thank you for this...found it through pinterest and made it out of a free shirt I got. I appreciated how you showed where to sew on the shirt.

    ReplyDelete
  10. MrsJGlutzNovember 18, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Love this!! I would love to see you do a video as well. I am going to try my hand at this today actually hopefully it turns out awesome

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousNovember 23, 2011 at 5:37 AM

    PLEASE do a video! I have so many huge shirts and I would love to put them to good use :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jenny LendleNovember 28, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    Hey, I love this idea and am working on it as we speak. I am so nervous to cut! Should I sew the top of the sleeves before I cut the sides and the bottoms of the sleeves?? Thanks so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Katie D.November 29, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    This is amazing!! I would love to see a video on how it's done. This is my favorite shirt style and this is such a good way to add more to my wardrobe!

    ReplyDelete
  14. TatumDecember 10, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    This is a FABULOUS idea!!! You're so talented and creative. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Aneta HayneJanuary 5, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    Totally cool !!! And i have the same t-shirt asking to be rediscovered and reinvented !yey, new project for this weekend :) thank you :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dana Calanan - Creativity ConsultantJanuary 21, 2012 at 3:20 PM

    love this!

    ReplyDelete
  17. LenoraJanuary 25, 2012 at 11:23 AM

    Adore!

    ReplyDelete
  18. MichelleFebruary 5, 2012 at 7:51 AM

    I don't have a sewing machine, can you make me one and mail it to me LOL. I don't even know how to use a sewing machine. I would love to try this though. I think I will get with my sister-in-law and have her help me. Where do I get dye's for T-shirts and what is the cost there? My husband has a ton of xxl t-shirts that no longer fit him and I would like to make two of these.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousApril 26, 2017 at 9:17 PM

      You can teach yourself. I did, just followed my instructions and your book that will come with your machine that you're going to buy. Don't buy a singer they're all crap now. 1. Read how to thread and load your bobbin. 2. Read how to lower and lift your presser foot. 3. Read how to thread you machine. 4. Read how to lower and lift your needle. 5. Read how to replace your needle. 6. Read how to and where you back stitch. 7. Read about the tention. 8. Read up on your stitch settings, Pinterest or google. Anything you can't figure out google it. Don't forget to lower your presser foot before you start sewing. Okay I think that's it, good luck.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousMay 19, 2017 at 10:25 AM

      I have a janome 525s it's a great machine will do any job you ask of it, great beginners machine 😊

      Delete
    3. AnonymousMay 19, 2017 at 10:26 AM

      I have a janome 525s it's a great machine will do any job you ask of it, great beginners machine 😊

      Delete
  19. mkloockMarch 29, 2012 at 11:33 PM

    First off I wanted to say I'm in LOVE with your work.
    Second, I wanted to ask, you work a lot with jersey, do you use a straight stitch or a zig zag?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Virginia CeloriaApril 2, 2012 at 12:08 PM

    What a great tutorial! I love reconstructing boring t-shirt into something fabulous like this. I like it so much, I ended up including it on my blog... http://darlingadventures.com/?p=574
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  21. wnedynnu05April 3, 2012 at 4:09 PM

    Saw this on pinterest and enjoyed reading through some other projects. I have always had an aversion to sewing (bad childhood memories with my mom who is a seamstress), but this is the first project ever that makes me want to try! Any tips for how a beginner could tackle this?

    ReplyDelete
  22. D. BadartApril 8, 2012 at 4:20 PM

    You are amazing. I love your stuff.
    badartworld.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. AliciaMay 9, 2012 at 8:21 AM

    This is a brilliant idea!!! I am going to try it! I have a large tshirt, that i love! But i never wear it because its way to big! I love sewing, I just haven't done it in years, so.. you've inspired me!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Kylie JamesMay 9, 2012 at 10:15 PM

    That's a great design idea. This is one of the first T shirts distributors to use this idea!

    ReplyDelete
  25. KpJune 1, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    Now there is 100% likelihood that I will have to go to the thrift store and find some cool t-shirts tomorrow. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  26. SmoellerJune 13, 2012 at 8:36 AM

    Did it, and LOVE IT!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Sarah BeacomJune 14, 2012 at 2:55 PM

    Super cute! I love how you did the dolman sleeves! This is a great idea, and a dangerous one, since I will now want to hoard my boyfriend's old shirts to add to my wardrobe! Thanks for the tutorial. I also have an old t-shirt up-cycle/re-do tutorial :-) Mine is a no-sew, racerback workout/beach coverup tank with either a high-to-low hem or high-sides hemline! Check it out at http://sarahbtexas.blogspot.com/2012/06/from-blah-b-to-fab-diy-workout-tanks.html If I do try out this shirt, I will definitely let you know so we can collaborate and I can give you credit! Have a FABulous summer :-)

    ReplyDelete
  28. MarleneOctober 11, 2012 at 4:36 AM

    I just love this!!
    Thanks for inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousNovember 24, 2012 at 4:30 PM

    Seriously this was so easy!! I am a beginner at sewing this was easy and fast even for me!! THX!

    ReplyDelete
  30. lotusbombJanuary 10, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    I wanted to share with you the shirt I made based on your tutorial. Thanks for the inspiration!
    http://lotusbomb.blogspot.com/2013/01/t-shirt-refashion-from-boxy-tee-to.html#

    ReplyDelete
  31. baby clothesJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:52 AM

    Loved Your Blog!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. styxFebruary 11, 2013 at 1:03 PM

    Unbelievable .. I like it very much
    Thanks for inpiration

    ReplyDelete
  33. Dame PatienceFebruary 19, 2013 at 12:43 AM

    Merci beaucoup =D

    ReplyDelete
  34. PaulaFebruary 20, 2013 at 11:58 PM

    Wow I can't believe it. This seems to be quite easy. Must try that! That's soo cool. Thank you very much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ashley HolthusenApril 5, 2013 at 10:38 AM

      I just finished trying this. I took a practice run with a t-shirt I planned on donating... and wow! So easy and it looks great! I am so happy I stumbled upon your page!!!! Thank you!:)

      Delete
  35. Madeleine MacyApril 5, 2013 at 2:57 PM

    Great polo shirt, the color and detailing were as in picture. Easily washable and doesn't fade. Arrived right on time!

















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    ReplyDelete
  36. DeAnnaApril 10, 2013 at 11:49 PM

    I love this! Very creative, especially when it was so big. I recently took a turtleneck and turned it into a cute summer top. It's called The Red Shirt Project for anyone looking to check it out.
    deannamcneil.blog.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Ammi KooApril 11, 2013 at 2:34 AM

    Hello,
    I was wondering if I could use some of your cool photos for a school project about repurposed things? They would be part of a slideshow at the screens in our school halls, part of the national Thriftness week (in Finland)...

    ReplyDelete
  38. glitterrsJune 25, 2013 at 3:51 AM

    Great tutorial and great idea--thank you so much for making a you tube video because I was just getting back into sewing when I tried this and needed all the help I could get! I blogged about it, too...http://glitterrs.blogspot.com.au/2013_05_01_archive.html

    ReplyDelete
  39. isabel laavaDecember 9, 2013 at 2:31 AM

    classic

    ReplyDelete
  40. SamJanuary 6, 2014 at 7:43 AM

    This is awesome! I have my husband's almost new shirts lying in the closet that he doesn't want to wear 'cause apparently the colors are "too girly." Well good for me as I can turn them all into Dolman t-shirts for myself :) Thank you thank you for this tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  41. blank t-shirtsMarch 13, 2014 at 4:54 AM

    That's a pretty neat idea! Will definitely give it a try. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
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  43. Aida MajzoubApril 17, 2014 at 5:25 PM

    My husband passed away 3 months ago...and I've been wearing his t-shirts as pi's... When I saw this idea, tears came down my face immediately because now I get to wear my husband's t-shirts all the time, I will try it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. AnonymousMay 4, 2014 at 11:02 AM

    Hi there. I noticed in the youtube tutorial that your sewing machine is oriented opposite standard machines. Is this a left-handed machine?

    ReplyDelete
  45. ILLANGOApril 13, 2015 at 1:56 PM

    I like this idea! It is wonderful to bring to life old, unused T-shirts or clothes.

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  46. collegedistrictMay 11, 2015 at 4:49 PM

    Great post! I love your blog about sewing and styling.This is really useful post.Thanks for posting useful information about sewing.

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  49. Pauline GarnerOctober 1, 2015 at 5:56 AM

    Gorgeous idea! I have few favorites among my husband's old tees that would look so great recycled into women's tee for me. Thank you for the inspiration!

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