DIY Shirred T-Shirt: Upcycle an Oversized Tee

Looking to give an oversized t-shirt a fresh, modern twist? In this refashion t-shirt tutorial, I’ll show you how to transform any roomy tee, new or previously loved, into a stylish, fitted DIY ruched t-shirt. Using elastic shirring and simple tie channels, this project creates flattering ruching that hugs your body in all the right places, making it both comfortable and chic.

This upcycle t-shirt tutorial is perfect for anyone who loves refashioning clothes or wants a fun, creative beginner sewing project. I’ll guide you step by step so you can see exactly how to sew the elastic shirring, create the tie channels, and adjust everything to your own measurements. You’ll finish with a handmade piece that looks polished, modern, and totally wearable.

I’ve included all measurements in both metric and imperial, so US viewers can follow along easily.

Once you’ve mastered the technique, it’s simple to customize your top by changing fabrics, length, or ruching to create multiple versions from different t-shirts.

What You’ll Need:

• A lightweight cotton t-shirt or cotton blend works best for elastic shirring, as stiffer fabrics won’t gather as smoothly.
• Choose an oversized t-shirt, at least 2 to 3 times your width, so there’s plenty of fabric for the shirring and ruching.
• Shirring elastic, you’ll need to hand wind your sewing bobbin. I used 4 elastic bobbins for this project.
• Basic sewing supplies: tape measure, pins, scissors, thread
• Tailors chalk or heat erasable pen for drawing all the shirring lines directly onto the t-shirt.
• 1 cm (3/8 inch) wide tape, cord, or ribbon for the ties.

I used cotton webbing tape. Drawstring cord, shoelace, or satin ribbon are also good options.

You'll need 1/2 your body width + 60 cm (24 inches) per tie, x 6 ties total.


I create from my home studio in Vietnam, sharing step-by-step tutorials designed to help makers of all levels sew beautiful, wearable pieces and build a handmade wardrobe you can feel proud of.

Leave a comment if you have questions, I’d love to help!

Happy sewing,

Tess

TIME STAMPS

00:00 Introduction
00:40 What you need
04:00 Marking the bust line
04:33 Unpicking the collar
04:57 Sew the neckline
05:15 Marking rows shirring
07:10 Marking channels
12:13 Finishing sides
14:09 Body and sleeve hems
14:53 Sewing channels
16:20 Preview before shirring
16:32 Shirring settings
17:32 Shirring t-shirt
19:38 Shirring neckline
20:28 Quick fit check
21:19 Cutting ties
21:34 Inserting ties
22:24 Finishing tie ends
22:52 Final look

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