Spring weather has me ready to clean out my closet and get ready for summer. I rounded up over 18 t-shirt refashion ideas to get inspired about refreshing old shirts into fun, new tops! These are great sewing projects for beginners, especially if you’re new to knits, because you aren’t spending a bunch of money on fabric. If you spread the word, your friends and neighbors will give you their handmedowns to makeover for free, too! This list is strictly for taking a tshirt and making it into a different style tshirt; if you’re looking for ways to use up tshirt material like into a bag, check out this other post: 25+ ways to repurpose old t shirts.
If you like this post, check these out too!
- tips for thrifting to refashion and upcycle
- tips for actually sewing refashions
- 25+ ways to refashion purses & bags
- 20+ ways to refashion clothes that are too small
- 12+ thrift store dress refashion tutorials
- 15+ denim refashion ideas
- 15+ sweater refashions to recycle old sweaters into new clothes!
- 20+ creative ways to hide stains on clothes
Pin this roundup of T-shirt refashion ideas for later, using this collage image or link. Please click through to the original sites to pin individual images so no wires get crossed!
13+ T-shirt refashion ideas
What’s the biggest issue you have when it comes to refashioning tshirts? I think lots of these would be perfect for refashioning boxy men’s shirts into more feminine shirts for women. I’m having trouble choosing which one to sew for summer next, let me know your favorite t-shirt refashion ideas!
Open back t-shirt refashion from Sew Much Love, Mary – I haven’t tried an open back shirt yet, but this would give some great ventilation for summer I think!
How to add fabric to bottom of shirts here at Swoodson Says- if you shrunk a shirt in the wash, this is an easy way to add some length.
Fun gathered back t-shirt refashion from Mabey She Made It – I love the back detail with a surprise of the different print.
Reverse applique text t-shirt refashion here at Swoodson Says – this was my most recent refashion and I get so many compliments on it.
Cute wrap waist tshirt refashion from Bonnie and Blithe – I love how this looks, I would’ve never guessed she made it!
Geometric t-shirt refashion tutorial here at Swoodson Says – an oldie but goodie for me, this could be replicated with any geometric shape.
Blousey overlay tshirt refashion here at Swoodson Says – a unique silhouette, this tshirt refashion is a great way to hide stains (or a big lunch).
Bow neck tshirt refashion at Michael Ann Made – simple and chic, this looks really easy to do.
How to add fabric to a shirt to make it bigger – fast and easy refashion tutorial here on Swoodson Says!
Creative lace-up tee refashion at 5 Feet of Style – perfect for summer, I think this looks cute in front too (click through to see that). Edit: it looks like she deleted the tutorial, but I’ll leave it for inspiration.
How to make a t shirt bigger with a back panel with an easy tutorial here at Swoodson Says!
Plain tee to ruffle tee from Heather Handmade – this looks really fresh and easy!
Freezer paper stencil refashion here at Swoodson Says – the easiest way to make a diy graphic tee, I use this method all the time.
If you have more than one similar shirt, see how to chop them up and leaf print on them in this tshirt refashion!
I used applique & a little zipper to change the fit and look of this sweatshirt tee! See how to sew an exposed zipper and give yourself more hip space here.
Turn a plain tshirt into a ruffled, asymmetrical tank with this tutorial from Creative Fashion Blog.
A unique detail that looks cool and also would make too-tight sleeves fit better, at Trash to Couture.
I cannot get enough of this band tshirt romper, isn’t it fun, she said she modified Simplicity 1355 to make this work of art!! Victoria gave me permission to share it after I saw it in the Mildly Offensive Fiber Artists group, find her on instagram here.