Ruffled T-shirt

This is a craft idea I came up with because all the clothing you see for the summer has ruffles.

Approximate Time: 2 hours

Supplies:

• two t-shirts of same color
• sewing machine
• sewing thread to match t-shirt
• needle and thread

Instructions:

Take one t-shirt and cut up the side seam. Cut (6) 2-1/2 inch strips from bottom of shirt that are 12 inches long. Cut (2) 1-1/4 inch strips that are 12 inches long. Cut (2) 1-1/4 inch strips as long as the sleeve on t-shirt.

Sew together 2 of the 2-1/2 inch strips on narrow edge to make a 24 inch length. Do this to remaining 2-1/2 inch strips also.

Sew together the two 1-1/4 inch strips on narrow edge to make a 24 inch length.

Setting sewing machine on longest stitch, gather the 2-1/2 inch width strips along one long edge about 1/4 inch from the edge. Layer them on the t-shirt on front as shown and gather to about 7 inches. Pin in place. Sew in place.

Gather narrow ruffle down the middle of the strip and pin that in place at neckline. Sew in place.

Lay last 1-1/4 inch pieces on sleeve starting at bottom of sleeve and ending at the seem at the top. Use large stitch on sleeve to gather it up. Pin, then sew permanently in place.

Lastly make roses for the neckline by rolling a narrow strip and sewing the ends to form a rose. An optional choice would be to make one rose from some other kind of fabric. In this case, I chose chiffon in the same color. The last picture is a closeup of the roses.

Now I have a trendy t-shirt instead of a plain old shirt.

By Elaine from IA