How to Make a Bodysuit From an Old T-Shirt

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How to Make a Bodysuit From an Old T-Shirt

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Everyone has that old t-shirt that they’re just not ready to get rid of. Maybe it’s faded, or maybe it’s just always been too big for everyday wear. DIY projects are usually the answer to saving old clothing from meeting the trash can! Check out this technique for turning a big, old t-shirt into a versatile, trendy bodysuit!

Step 1:

Find your old t-shirt. Shirts that are at least a little bit oversized work best. Choose something awesome, like a band tee!

Step 2:

Try the shirt on. If it’s too short or too tight, it’s probably not the right shirt for this project. You want it to be a little bit oversized.(Source: Lyst)

Step 3:

Gather your materials. You’ll need:

• Another t-shirt that fits you well (You’ll use this as a guide)
• Elastic lace ribbon
• Scissors
• A pair of underwear that fits you well (classic underwear cut or by shorts style works best)
• Your sewing machine
• Pins
• A needle and thread for hand sewing
• 2-3 snaps
• A stitch ripper (or small nail scissors)

Step 4:

Unravel the hem all the way along the bottom of the t-shirt. Use your stitch ripper or small nail scissors to cut the hem stitching.(Source: Outstapop)

Step 5: 

Place the pair of under wear you’ve chosen on top of your shirt so that the center of the bottom lines up with the middle of the shirt’s front along the bottom. Cut the t-shirt in line with the leg holes in the underwear.

Step 6: 

Measure the height and width of the material along the crotch of the underwear.(Source: Pinkini Swimwear)

Step 7:

From the scrap t-shirt piece you just got off, cut two strips of fabric that measure the same height and width as the crotch of the underwear.

Step 8:

Place your correctly sized shirt on top of the oversized shirt.

Step 9: 

Cut pieces from the larger shirt around the smaller shirt to size it properly to your body. The smaller shirt acts as your pattern.

Step 10:

Turn the newly cut pieces of your larger shirt over so the outsides (i.e. the front and the back) face each other. sew the side seams together with the pieces turned this way.

Step 11:

With your bodysuit still turned inside out, line up the two pieces of material you cut for the crotch earlier, pinning them to each other. Then, line up the end of one piece with the back of the bodysuit where it tapers. Sew the edges and the seam.

Step 12: 

Fold and pin the hem around the leg holds of your bodysuit in place. Pin your lace elastic into place along the hem as well. Sew it all into place using a zig zag stitch on your sewing machine.

Step 13:

Fold the edges of the crotch pieces under and sew along the fold.

Step 14:

Hand sew your snaps into place at the edge of your crotch panels. This lets you undo the bodysuit to get it on and off.

Step 15: 

Enjoy your new bodysuit!

Do you have a friend with a large collection of old band tees? Share this article with them for a little inspiration!(Source: Keep Calm and DIY)