How to make a t shirt bigger with a back panel

I had so much fun with my last tshirt refashion, I keep brainstorming new ideas to try! I’ve shared about my postpartum stomach before and how it makes tight tshirts uncomfortable so expect plenty more refashions like this! This time I’m sharing how to make a t shirt bigger with a back panel.

This is a standard issue, Gap, old school striped tshirt.

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Please forgive my face, but here is a shot of the back! I used a floral rayon spandex from JOANN, I’m ready for spring colors!

Much more comfortable! Can you believe I didn’t actually cut any from the front panel, it’s just sliding forward? I thought about adding a pocket to the top, do you think I should do that next?

The back fabric peeks out to the front subtly, which I love. Florals & stripes mixed together is my jam.

How to make a t shirt bigger with a back panel

Ready to make your own?

Pin this tutorial for how to add fabric to a shirt to make it bigger with this link or collage image:

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How to make a t shirt bigger with a back panel

Supplies

• 1/4 yard of knit fabric that is similar to your original tshirt in weight 
• HeatnBond Soft Stretch Lite Tape – optional, for hemming
• Ballpoint needles
• Coordinating thread
• Iron
• Rotary cutter
• Scissors
• Pins
• Quilt ruler
• Tracing paper

Steps

Step 1- Time to chop out the back! I could just follow the seams and a stripe over, but use a pen to mark if your shirt is solid. Be sure to cut so the pre-existing seam is removed along the side seam, but *leave* roughly 1/4″ of extra fabric away from the seam on the arm.

Step 2- Trace the back piece you just chopped off on to tracing paper.

Step 3- Add a seam allowance to all sides, and a hem allowance to the bottom.

Step 4- Trace your new back pattern piece on to tracing paper, just in case you need to tweak things again from square 1! Then cut it in half, along the exact middle.

Step 5- Draw straight lines up the middle, cut, and flare them away from the straight line that will eventually be along the fabric’s fold. Trace a new pattern piece! Use it to cut out a “muslin” – I usually use knit jersey sheets for cheap practice fabric.

Step 6- I’d suggest pinning and/or clipping the muslin back to the shirt and try it on, inside out, and adjust if needed. Once you’re ready to sew the final version, be sure to put right sides together before sewing the seams. Keep in mind the fabric should overhang the bottom of the front, since you’ll be hemming it.

Step 7- Press the seams to the back, using a presser foot to prevent shininess if there’s any spandex in your fabric! Also mark and iron to make a hem.

Step 8- Stitch your hem, and you’re done! Your tshirt has some extra swing and sway in the back and you can eat some extra cookies after dinner.