Sewing

Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew

Learn the Basics of Sewing a T-Shirt

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Sewing clothes is one thing.  Sewing clothes that actually get worn is another.  When you’re choosing a pattern, it’s easy to get distracted by the wide variety of options.  When I’m sewing for myself I like to think about the types of clothing I actually wear.  Because it doesn’t matter how beautiful that dress is, or how unique the styling lines of those pants are, if it’s not something that will integrate into my wardrobe it’s probably not going to get worn. 

With all that in mind, one article of clothing that I can make for myself that will almost always get worn is a t-shirt.  I wear some form of a t-shirt just about every day.  You can make a t-shirt as dressy or as casual as you like depending on the material you make it from and how you style it.  Make one from a print for a wardrobe basic.  Or make things interesting by using a fun print.  And t-shirts are pretty easy to sew, especially once you know the basics of how they’re put together.

Melissa from Melly Sews has a tutorial that will step you through the whole process of sewing your own t-shirt.  She’s got several free patterns you can use to start with.  Or if you own a t-shirt that you love, you can easily recreate a pattern from it.  She’s also got help for choosing the right fabric, which is important for getting the fit you want.  From there, she takes you through the construction of a t-shirt.

Once you learn the basics of sewing a t-shirt, you’ll be able to create them in a range of colors and styles.  And then you can start playing with the pattern, lengthening and widening the bottom to make an A-line dress.  Or maybe a t-shirt bodice with a circle skirt or gathered skirt attached. 

Go to Melly Sews to learn all about sewing your own t-shirts.

[photo credit: Melly Sews]

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Comments

  1. Thank-you a million times over for posting this – after 60 years sewing woven fabrics I am finally going to try sewing knits and this tute link you’ve posted is just what I need to bolster my sewing adventure. Thank-you:)

Have you read?

That Time a Thrift Store Employee Shamed Me – And Your Honest Responses

 

A few months ago, I wrote ” That Time a Thrift Store Employee Yelled at Me – And Changed How I See Thrift Flips Forever”  

My inbox was flooded with messages from all of you, some agreeing, some furious, and many sharing your own thrifting wake-up calls. Today, I want to revisit the debate with your voices front and center.

The Incident That Started It All

If you missed the original article, here’s the gist: I was browsing my local thrift store for vintage linens (my weakness) when an employee called me out for being a “TikTok flipper.” She wasn’t wrong—I had repurposed thrifted finds before—but her frustration hit hard: “These used to be $ 2. Now they’re $  because of people like you.” 

Ouch.

I left that day with my fabric and a guilty conscience. But after hearing from hundreds of you, I realized this isn’t just about me—it’s a big, messy issue with valid points on both sides.

What You Told Me: The For & Against Thrift Flipping Debate

“Thrift Flipping is Gentrification – Period.”

From readers who sided with the thrift store employee:

“I work at a Salvation Army, and it’s INFURIATING to watch resellers clear out our plus-size section just to chop it up for ‘aesthetic’ crop tops. Those clothes were someone’s only affordable option.” – M., Ohio

“My mom raised three kids on thrift store clothes. Now? She can’t even afford to shop there. The ‘sustainable’ crowd priced out the people who actually need these stores.” – Anonymous

“If you want to upcycle, go to the ‘damaged’ bin. Leave the wearable stuff for people who can’t afford to be picky.” – R., Texas

“But Thrift Flipping Is Sustainable – Don’t Shame Creativity!”

From readers who pushed back:

“I’ve been flipping thrifted clothes for 15 years—long before TikTok. Thrift stores have always had resellers. Blame corporations, not crafters.” – L., Portland

“I’m a college student. Thrift flipping lets me afford ‘new’ clothes. Should I feel guilty for not being poor enough to ‘deserve’ thrift stores?” – Anonymous

“The real issue is overproduction. Fast fashion dumps 100B garments a year, but we’re fighting over who ‘deserves’ a $5 shirt?” – K., UK

And then there were the nuanced takes:

“I stopped flipping name-brand or plus-size items after reading your article. But I’ll still upcycle stained tablecloths or torn sheets—stuff nobody else would buy.” – J., Michigan

“Thrift stores themselves are the problem. They’re corporations now. My local shop is owned by a millionaire who jacks up prices, then blames ‘flippers’ for the backlash.” – Anonymous

Where Do We Go From Here?

After reading your messages, here’s where I’ve landed:

  1. Blame the system, not the stitchers. Thrift stores are becoming corporations. Fast fashion is the root issue. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.
  2. Be mindful. Ask: Is this item still usable as-is? Could someone else need it more? If yes, maybe leave it.
  3. Get loud about the real villains. Petition thrift stores to cap prices. Boycott brands like Shein. Support actual charity shops.

Your Turn

This isn’t a black-and-white issue, and I’m not here to lecture. But after hearing from you, I’m convinced: we can thrift flip ethically—if we’re willing to adapt.

So tell me: Have you changed how you thrift since this debate started? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going.