Tutorial: Flannel Shirt Refashion

Flannel is like the ultimate autumn-wear, and with the days getting shorter and cooler, it seemed like the right time to go flannel hunting at the thrift store. But since I’m not really into wearing huge, baggy, oversized flannels (except for lounging around the house), I wanted to make some modifications. Also, because I’m a broke college graduate, I love making unique, cute clothes for a really low cost! So today, I’m going to show you how to make one for yourself. This is a super easy refashion, and took me about an hour to do, even with stopping to take pictures every two seconds.

To get started, you’ll need:

• A flannel, several sizes too large (it doesn’t matter what size, since you’ll be tailoring it to your size and shape)
• sewing machine, pins, etc
• matching or coordinating thread
• chalk pencil
• scissors
• iron

First, lay your shirt out flat and cut off the sleeves about 1.5 inches down from the shoulder seam (see picture below for reference). Don’t cut too close to the seam, because later, you’re going to fold that under the existing seam for the hem of your cap sleeves.

 Once you’re done cutting, put on your shirt inside out and button it up. We’re going to simultaneously shrink the armholes and get rid of the bagginess. Pinch the two layers of the shirt together exactly where you want your armhole to be, making sure to line the seams up. Pin together, directly on the seam. I recommend using a safety pin for this part, so you don’t stab yourself.

Repeat for the other side. I recommend pinning both sides while you are still wearing the shirt to make sure it’s not too tight across the chest. When you’ve pinned both sides, you will have two “wings” of fabric sticking out on the side of your shirt. The safety pins are marked in the picture below.

Next, lay your shirt out flat, still inside out, being sure that there are no wrinkles on the front or back of the shirt (it’s easier if you button the shirt), and that the side seams are straight. Using your chalk pencil, draw a straight line from each of the safety pins down to the bottom edge of the shirt (see photo below).

Double check your safety pins to make sure that the existing armhole seams are lined up (see below), and then pin along your chalk line.

Sew along both chalk lines. When you’re done, turn it right side out and try it on to make sure it fits. It should like something like this. The only thing you have left to do now is hem the cap sleeves.

Turn your shirt inside out again and trim the excess seam allowance, angling it at the bottom of the armhole, like so.

Fold back the seam allowance, so that the existing seam becomes a nice, crisp edge. Press in place.

 
Fold the raw edge under. Press and pin in place.

Turn the shirt right side out again and sew along the existing stitches, being sure to catch the hem underneath. When you get to the bottom of the armhole, your stitches might not actually connect in the middle. That’s ok, as long as everything is secure. Here’s what mine looked like on the outside and the inside.

It doesn’t look the best, but it holds well, and let’s be honest… No one is going to be looking at my armpits anyway. But if you know a better way to do this, go for it!

Guess what. You’re done! That’s all there is to it. You can wear it as is, or with a belt.

Happy sewing!