Are you growing a huge stockpile of old tshirts you never wear? Do you have memories attached, and don’t want to get rid of them? (How in the world does the t-shirt stash seem to “grow” bit by little bit until they take over your dresser?) Today, I get to show you a fun DIY: how to reinvent your boring shirts with an easy Fringe T-Shirt Makeover.
It’s not that this basic old t-shirt was “bad” by any means. I liked the asymmetrical hemline and soft fabric but it could definitely use more character. I rarely reached for it in the morning and almost never gave it a second thought. This is especially weird because lately I’ve been trying really hard to only keep pieces that make me feel great when I put them on. I love the thought of a closet full of incredible clothes that make me feel unstoppable…. and this simple cut t-shirt just wasn’t cutting it. To give this basic top an update, all it needed was a little sew-on fringe from the local craft store and about 15 minutes of my time.
To update your t-shirts the same way, set aside just 15-20 minutes of time to follow these easy steps. This project is a great idea for the beginner and if you don’t have a basic sewing machine (or feel intimidated using one)\ you can get the same look a few different ways. You can use No-Sew Fabric Glue
DIY Fringe Top T-shirt Makeover Supplies:
My supply lists are now shoppable for your convenience! Just click any aff. link below to gather everything you’ll need on Amazon.
- An old, basic shirt
- Sew On Fringe
- Matching Thread
- Dressmaker Shears – I’ve used these ones for years and they are ON SALE right now
- Basic Sewing Machine
- Dressmaker Pins
The Steps:
Start by pinning the fringe to the bottom of the shirt at the hemline. I like to place a pin every three inches or so to keep everything nicely in place. Your fringe will likely come with a thin plastic thread running along the bottom (as shown) to keep the tassels in place. Don’t remove this clear thread until you are completely done sewing.
Next step, pin some more fringe to the neckline of the front of the shirt. I feel like this really makes it unique and adds just the right amount of texture to your finished look. It’s like a sturdy, no fuss fringe necklace!
Now get sewing! Using a basic zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine, secure your embellishment in place using a ballpoint needle. Go all the way around the neckline and hemline with the back of your t-shirt facing you, until everything is fastened in place. You can remove your pins just before you sew over them.
Now, remove that plastic thread that holds your fringe together and slip your new shirt on. Enjoy!
Before, this t-shirt was a basic, boring casual tee that never got worn. Wth a few simple idea tweaks, you have a new top! A lovely top that feels so much better on and is worthy of wearing with different styles. It can easily be dressed up or down for date-nights, dinner-parties, and get togethers.
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