Makin' It Monday-Resized Shirt to Cardigan

I have a lot to show you today!!  I am so excited about this tutorial.  I have become addicted to shopping at Goodwill, and this is one of the bargains I found a while back.
First, you need a shirt or sweater that is too big...or if you have one that fits, check out this tutorial. 

Turn the shirt inside out and lay a shirt that fits well on top of the big shirt.

With a pencil trace the top shirt.

Since my shirt is way to big I need to take the sleeves off and resize those too...that part comes later.

Next cut the big shirt down to size, cutting about 1/4-1/2 wider than the pencil line.

Pin the sides together and sew a straight stitch down the pencil line.  Once this is done flip the shirt right side out and try it on to make sure it fits like you want.  If so...GREAT...continue on.  If not...take out the seams and adjust accordingly.

With the shirt inside out sew a zig zag stich on the outside of your straight stitch.  This will help hold the material more securly. 

Now for the sleeves.  You will want to fold the sleeves in half and put place a pin to mark the top.  Line this pin up with the top seam of the shirt.  Pin down one side of the sleeve, and then the other. 

Sew around the sleeve to attach to the shirt.

Pin the excess sleeve material and sew a straight seam as an extension of the side straight seam.  Now, zig zag stitch all the reamining seams you sewed on the sleeves.  Cut any excess material from the sides and sleeves.

Flip the shirt right side out.  You can easily stop here and have a beautiful, well fitting shirt.  I really wanted a cardigan to wear with another Goodwill bargain. 

Here is what I did after altering the shirt.

Cut the shirt down the middle.  It is best to do some quick measurements to make sure you cut as close to possible to the middle.

Pin some bias tape to the front of the shirts.  Sew along the crease...about 1/8-1/4 in. seam allowance. 

Flip the bias tape over and turn under.  Pin in place.  Now sew the bias tape down...stitching from the front.  I added a small piece of elastic to mine and a button.  That way my cardigan will stay closed and not fly open all the time. 

Here is the final product.

I love my new outfit!!!

Happy Sewing!


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