Like most parents, I volunteer a lot at my kids’ school. Because of that I have a lot of volunteer t-shirts I’ve had to order through the years. I love t-shirts but I also love when my clothing reflects my personality too. So I came up with an easy way to change my t-shirts so I can love them even more. Here’s what I did….

Hmmm… What should I do?

Blue is one of our school’s colors. I thought the shirt was boring as just a red t-shirt with red sleeves so why not incorporate the other color in? I could simply taken the red sleeves off and use them as a pattern to make some Navy blue sleeves, then just re-attach them.  But where’s the fun in that? It would definitely be more fun with contrasting Navy blue raglan sleeves. Plus I think the raglan sleeve gives it a more “Sporty” look.

Lets get to it!!

I have a couple of raglan patterns so I just went with the one I use the most, the Rivage Raglan by Blank Slate Patterns. First I cut down both sides of the t-shirt since it’s easier to install a raglan sleeve with sides open.

Then, with some tailor’s chalk,  I traced the neck and the part where the sleeves will attach on to the front and the back sides of the shirt. I blended it into the sides when I cut the shirt. Then I cut it out making sure to leave the original hem. It saves time to keep it and not have to hem it again. 

Next, I cut out the new raglan sleeves and a new neck band out of some Navy blue cotton knit fabric I had. I really like the look of the contrasting sleeves with this shirt. I can already tell I’m going to love this shirt!

I pinned and sewed the sleeves to the shirt. Once they were attached I sewed down the sides of the shirt. I made sure to match up the hem since I was keeping the original. It saves so much time when I can utilize the old hem. I could either hem the sleeves ½ inch or make a band to put on it. I chose to make a band but I may take it off and hem it later.

The Results!!

 Once the sleeves were done I attached the neckband and wah-lah! It’s done. I think this took me about 45 min total. I wore it that same night to volunteer at the football game and everyone was asking where I got it. We all ordered our shirts from the same place and no one had seen this one. It was fun to say, “I made it.”  

It goes with EVERYTHING!!

Whether is be Moto leggings, cropped pants or shorts, I have a totally original, super comfy, volunteer shirt that goes with whatever I chose to wear it with. I absolutely LOVE this! Have you ever thought of changing your t-shirt up a bit? Let me know in the comments.

Two great Raglan shirt patterns!

If you need a raglan shirt pattern, here’s two pdf patterns I love!

 

The Rivage Raglan by Blank Slate Patterns

Rivage – a raglan style dress or top that goes together in a flash! Make a top or a dress and wear it the same day – that’s the easygoing style of Rivage. 

Rivage Details:

• For knit fabrics
• High low t-shirt hemline or above the knee dress 
• Long and elbow length sleeves with room to roll cuffs or banded hem short sleeves
• Wide neckline
• Patch pockets 
• Sizes XXS-3X (bust 31-53 inches)

 

The Rockford Raglan by Love Notions Patterns

The Rockford Raglan is a loose-fitting raglan tee. Views A & B are fitted at the bust and then flowy through the waist and hips. View C is a straighter fit with asymmetrical overlay in tunic length. View D is a straight fit with banded hem. The scoop neckline is both easy to do and flattering to wear. This top is meant to be sewn with knits that drape nicely.

Rockford Raglan Features:

• 4 Body views: tunic length with swing, shirt length with swing, tunic length straight fit with an asymmetrical overlay and shirt length straight fit with banded hem
• 3 Sleeve lengths: short with cuff, 3/4 with cuff and long with cuff or hemmed
• Two lengths: shirt and tunic
• Full Bust option

Sizes: XS-5X (See Size Charts here)

Skill Level: Confident Beginner

 

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