How to Upcycle a T-shirt Neckline

heather handmade sewing

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Learn how to upcycle a t-shirt neckline so that you can turn an adult t-shirt into a child sized t-shirt using a free tee sewing pattern!

Today’s tutorial is similar to yesterday’s upcycled a basic tee neckline except I’ll teach you to reuse a regular scoop neckline. I’m showing you on a baby shirt, but it can work for almost all sizes.

I will warn you that I did make a mistake and didn’t realize it until I was editing the pictures, but I know you’ll be able to learn from my mistake!

How to Upcycle: Baby Cap Sleeve Tee Neckline // DIY Sew

Here’s some tips for sewing knit fabric.

what is upcycling?

Upcycling is to reuse material to create something better than the original. I usually use this to describe when I’m sewing adult clothing into clothing for children or I’m sewing clothing into an accessory or house item.

Upcycling saves time, saves money, saves the environment, and saves memories.

Save time by reusing details from the original shirt. Save money by using something you already have.

Save the environment by keeping t-shirts out of the landfill. Save memories by reusing a favorite adult t-shirt for your toddler or child.

How to Upcycle: Baby Cap Sleeve Tee Neckline // DIY Sew

I saved the sleeves for some leggings and the bottom of the shirt for some bloomers which you’ll see later in the series. It’s great for a perfectly matching outfit!

How to Upcycle: Baby Cap Sleeve Tee Neckline // DIY Sew

How to Upcycle a T-shirt Neckline

Supplies

Instructions

1. Draw on the neckline seam allowance.

*If your pattern has a neckband, figure out how tall it will be and add it to the neckline. This pattern has a bound neckline which means I should have had the neckline line up right with the edge of the pattern. What I did was line up the edge of the pattern with the seam allowance line. All it did was make the neckline more open than the pattern was designed.

2. Cut the shirt along the side seams up through the sleeves.

3. Fold the shirt along the center front and line up the pattern on the fold. Line up the neckline with the neckline edge of the pattern.

*These pictures look exactly the same, but one is the front and one is the back.

4. Do the same for the back.

How to Upcycle: Baby Cap Sleeve Tee Neckline // DIY Sew

5. This pattern has a bound sleeve pattern piece, so I cut it from some of the scraps.

How to Upcycle: Baby Cap Sleeve Tee Neckline // DIY Sew

6. Construct the shirt the way the pattern recommends.

Find the big list of all the upcycling tutorials I’ve created!

Share any upcycle inspired projects for your children with the hashtag #upcycledkid!

How to Upcycle: Baby Cap Sleeve Tee Neckline // DIY Sew

heather sewing

I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather

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OK, this is seriously adorable! I used to love seeing what you and your sister were always sewing and creating when we worked together doing alterations, and now I love seeing what you make for your kids! You are super mom!

3 things from one shirt. How awesome are you?