Welcome to my step-by-step sewing tutorial, where I'll show you how to create a stylish fall outfit by upcycling old clothes.
In this DIY transformation, we'll remake an old t-shirt by adding sweater sleeves. The inspiration comes from Free People's trendy sweater sleeve t-shirt, but I'll copy the look affordably with thrifted clothes. And we'll make a super cute skirt from the remaining sweater material.
Read on or watch the video.
Materials
Long sleeve t-shirt
Long sleeve sweater
Tools
Sewing machine
Scissors
1" wide elastic
Thread
Time
2ish hours
The inspiration
Free People has a youthful, boho-inspired look that I adore. When I spotted their $78 thermal top with sweater sleeves, I couldn't resist recreating it for just $5 during my thrift store's 50% off sale. Plus, the remaining sweater material was perfect for making a stylish skirt.
Step 1: Cut the sleeves
Cut the t-shirt sleeves 2 " above your elbow.
Cut the sweater sleeves long enough to cover the back of your hands to include room for thumb holes.
Step 2: Taper the sweater sleeves
If your sweater sleeves are wider than the t-shirt sleeves, taper the upper half with a 3/8" seam allowance.
Use a serger or sewing machine to sew the sleeve seam.
Step 3: Sew the sweater sleeve to the t-shirt sleeve
Slide the sweater sleeve over the t-shirt sleeve with the right sides together, aligning the seams.
Pin, and sew together.
Turn the sleeves right side out.
Step 4: Cut thumbholes
To add thumbholes, carefully pick apart the original sweater sleeve seam. Stretch the sleeve along the seam near the cuff to locate the horizontal lines. Gently pick apart the seam about 1 inch above the cuff and tack the ends.
And now we have thumb holes!
Step 5: Cut and sew the skirt
Use one of your existing knit skirts as a pattern by laying it over the bodice of the sweater. Cut around it with a 3/8" seam allowance.
Pin and sew the sides of the skirt.
Step 6: Cut and sew the elastic waist
Wrap the 1" elastic snuggly around your waist, allowing for a 1" overlap and cut. Sew the ends together with a 1" overlap.
Step 7: Sew the elastic waist to the skirt
Pin the elastic waist to the right side of the skirt and sew in place.
Flip the elastic to the back of the skirt and secure it on the sides.
Final Thoughts
This quick and satisfying upcycle project takes less than 2 hours to complete, resulting in a stylish fall outfit perfect for sweater weather.
The sweater sleeves elevate the look of a simple t-shirt, while the thumbholes give it a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
Pair it with the sweater skirt, and your ensemble is complete!
Enjoy your environmentally and budget-friendly fall refashion.