How to make your own Recycled T shirt

Hi StitchStealers!

If you follow me on CraftySteals.com at all you know that I have a little bit of an obsession with t-shirts...I love to make them, wear them and dress my family in them! So I screenprint and use heat transfer vinyl but special for you guys I decided to sew one!

Now I am by no means a seamstress, in fact making this shirt was probably the first time my trusty machine has been used in at least 6 years (I know because my oldest son is almost 6 and I definitely have not used it since he has been born).

So my lesson for today is making a Valentine's Recycled T-shirt. So I took a new "distressed" shirt that I found online and a too small kid's shirt that was in my "to donate" bin and made a cute, inexpensive & earth friendly shirt for me to wear to all my Valentine's parties (i.e. a 4 year old & a kindergarten class party).

Step 1: Cut your shape out of the "recycled" t-shirt. I made a pattern but it could be freehanded.

Step 2: Cut the same shape only about 1/4 smaller on some iron on stabilizer. Then iron on the stabilizer to your shape. This just help keep the fabric from stretching and sagging whenever I sewed it on. I used this but I am sure there are many different varieties that would work.

Step 3: Sew the shape on with contrasting thread, I used white. I placed mine on the back of the shirt but anything goes.

Step 4: You are done! I did decide to add some strips to the sleeves just to add a little bit more color. I just cut some fabric and sewed it on, no need for stabilizer.

I have plans to make a few more shirts...so I will post them as I create them if you all are interested in seeing more.

Enjoy!

Stephanie