You won’t believe how quick and easy this is – took me just a few minutes! Fold the shirt in half and cut up the middle (of the front layer only!) like so:
Then cut off the binding around the neck – I guess you could leave it if you want to, but the shirt came up pretty high so I took mine off:
Then I angled a little “v” to make it look a little more blended – it’s kind of hard to see:
Now, up until this point I had planned on hemming the cut edges. But they rolled in just a little and I thought they looked great as-is – – so that was it, a no-sew project. Just cut and be done! I told Trevor “look what I made today” as I wore it and he was very impressed until he said “wait, did you just cut the front of one of your shirts” – can’t sneak anything past him.
Anyways, I really really like it! I couldn’t decide if it looked better with a necklace or a scarf, and thought I loved both – they’re both just different looks – so I included both to give you an idea of how to wear it.
And I even took a picture like the inspiration one. I tried the “look meaningfully at the ground” pose – enjoy:
So seriously, you can SO do this! just grab a shirt and some scissors. If you don’t have a shirt you want to cut up, start hunting the thrift stores…..
Karen says
So cute! It looks fab either way. I am going to keep this in mind as I scour clearance racks ~ somehow I always find shirts that aren’t my size.lol Thanks for sharing.
Ashley J @ MommyByDayCrafterByNight says
SO cute! I love LeAnn’s cardigan too! This one turned out darling! Love that you didn’t even have to sew it!
xoxo
Ann On and On... says
That’s a great idea….and I have just the t-shirt. Thanks!
valentinegirl says
very cute and I also liked your “look meaningfully down at the ground pose”! I am really into scarves right now too…especially those thin, gauzy ones. Great for mix and match!!
melody-mae says
I have been meaning to do this too! I love the ‘look meaningful at the ground pose’!!!!!
April Vernon says
Love it! I’ve been looking for a tutorial and haven’t found one this easy. I just made one for myself! Thanks!
Amy says
As usual, it looks fantastic on you! I also have been on the lookout for a shirt to do this with, someday. 🙂
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
Super cute! What a difference. . . love both outfits.
Little Ladybird says
What a fabulous idea! I’m going to keep this in mind next time I clean out my wardrobe of old tees 🙂 Tash
michellespicka says
Great idea! What a wonderful way to use some shirts I just don’t love as an actual shirt anymore! By the way, I am totally a scarf person so I vote for the scarf look! 🙂
Cranberry Morning says
Mandy, this is so cute! I love it that your knit fabric simply rolled back so you didn’t have to stitch a hem. I did this project last fall. It was kinda scary to cut into the shirt, wasn’t it?
Kristin says
Genius…I never would have come up with that!
Andrea says
It’s totally cute! I love that you say to cut the front layer only. I can totally see myself rushing and cutting both sides. Then making an itty bitty cardigan and taking an extra hour 🙂
JKclark says
Very cute. I haven’t had the courage to cut one of my shirts yet, but this might have convinced me. You could also wear this with a skinny belt on top. … hmmm I also need to pick one of those up….
milliemorganmedia says
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Kassi at Truly Lovely says
It does look good both ways! You’re not the last one… I haven’t done it yet! 🙂 But it looks easy enough!
Mandy says
cute! i love it with the scarf. now you have made me want to find a shirt and try this!!! thanks for sharing 😉
lookfindinspire says
Wow, that is pretty cool. I will have to try that myself 🙂
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Ashley J @ MommyByDayCrafterByNight says
Ya did it again girl! One of the top hits for my linky party:) You will be featured at midnight!
xoxo
Kami @ Sweet Charli... says
Thanks for linking up to refashion week!! Love this idea!
MSbeautyblogger says
Love this simple yet cute ideal!
maddeeshawbeautyblog.blogspot.com
The McGraws says
I have a knit shirt I’ve cut into a cardi just waiting for the seam binding, but maybe I can skip that step! I’m going to have to try it on and see. The sequins might necessitate sewing, but this is a great shortcut for the future. Thanks!
AlishaR says
This is a really cute idea. Some caution from a sewer on this method. If you plan on machine washing…..don’t because your sweater will stretch. If you plan on sewing your sweater. Draw a line down the middle. Sew a seam on 1/4 inch on each side BEFORE CUTTING. This will allow you to add fabric to the closure without stretching. Anyway….hope that information helps someone!
Erika Huth says
I came across this today and thought of a black turtle neck I haven’t worn in forever because it’s too small. My question would be, what happens when you wash it? Does it roll and get annoying and then iron it to get it out or does it turn out fine? I’m a newbie at the clothes refashioning. Thanks!
Mandy Beyeler says
the edge rolls under a little, but not annoyingly so – I don’t iron it or anything. I didn’t hem the edge, so I don’t mind that it turns in a little. Good luck with yours!
Erika Huth says
Thanks so much!
Alicia says
I really needed to come across this today as I have a hooded pullover that I cut down the front and was going to add some bias tape to ONLY find out when I pulled out my sewing machine it’s locked up and won’t budge!! No sewing for me today! Now I know that I can wear it as is and be ok with it! AWESOME! Love your striped shirt…I’ll be hitting the thrift stores soon for more patterns to add to my wardrobe… 🙂
Mandy Beyeler says
happy hunting for new refashions!