Well this was so fantastic. I’m going to watch it again. And I have to save it. I have a great little T-shirt that I just love. But it’s just too tight. And at 72 I just can’t wear those cute little tight T-shirts anymore. So now I know what I can do. Thank you so very much. This is going to be fun. I love watching every one of your videos. I thought the only thing I could do with it was make it into a pillow. Lol thanks for the great ideas. You’re my favorite. Thanks so much.

I have been sewing for over 55 years and have done it all but I watch you and I feel like a kid learning something new & fun Thank you

VIDEO REQUEST: Love your upcyling videos and I need your help! Now that I'm in my 60's, I don't want my upper arms to show! I have so many clothes where the sleeves are now too short; I'd like them to go to the elbow or three-quarter. I also have sleeveless shirts that I love and I'd like to add sleeves. I live in Florida so I can't wear sweaters or jackets most of the year to cover that upper arm sag. Please help!

For the people saying why didn't you just buy a bigger T-shirt? At my job we wear a company T-shirt every Friday. The biggest size is 3x and they shrink even in cold water. Each year we get a new one with a new theme. I contacted a local screen printer and they want $65 to copy it in a 4x. So this tutorial is a blessing.

I just found The Bob Ross of sewing! I can't wait to watch more of your videos!

Thank you for making mistakes and not editing them out ! 1) it makes me feel better knowing “ picking “ happens to everybody and 2) I learn how to fix mistakes watching this ! Thank you !

I admit, I buy clothes on clearance, sometimes a little small, sometimes a little big, but when a shirt is $1 to $3, I can't resist. You've got some great ideas so I can hopefully customize my bargains into something new. I'm not a great sewer, hopefully it won't matter.

I LOVED THIS VIDEO!!! I'm a 3x gal - so a lot of tees don't fit well (especially in the "suffocating" armpit area). I just bought my first serger - and in this video I learned SO MUCH! My favorite part was I learned what to do with those pesky serger 'tails' ! ❤❤❤

Ahhh lovely! Just low-key, simple, well-explained & executed tips. No sound effects, no snazzy flash. I can watch you ALL. DAY! Too sensitive for my own good... but learning to choose the KZfaq teachers wisely. THANKS! Can't wait to set up my sewing area!

This was just what I needed! An artist friend of mine was giving away extra screen printed dresses, and I loved them…however, WAY TOO SMALL. I thought about shortening to a top but still too tight. I had given up and put them in my goodwill bag last week, then I saw your video today. Dug them out and made a fun and decent little summer dress that I can wear with leggings also. Thank you! I wanted to post a pic, but I don’t think it will let me 😔

The v neck is nice. Gives me some ideas for thrift shopping, the cutest stuff never the right size...

Well.... I was looking for a video showing how to add side panels to a shirt to make it larger.... and you had to go and show me 5 cool ways to do that! Thanks so much for the neat ideas. Now I'm gonna go look thru my older shirts and see what new shirts I can make. Thank you so much for sharing these ideas. This is gonna be so fun to do! 🙂

This is perfect!!! I broke my back a few years ago and then also being on steroids, I have put on 40 lbs. I just hate buying new clothes when I already have some. I also love the trick with stitching over your thread chain. Perfect way to hide it! I have been sewing for 35 years and never thought of doing that!!!

I don't know how it came to be that this video was in my "recommended" section since I've never sewed a day in my life, nor have I ever watched another sewing tutorial before. But since it was there, I decided to give it a watch. And OMG, you are crazy talented and creative! I truly enjoyed watching this, even though I'll never attempt it myself 😄 And your personality is everything. You're seriously adorable!

I just discovered you today! Thank you for your channel. I'm 77 and learned to sew in junior high school. I've been browsing sewing channels for some time wanting to learn something new. I've been making quilts for nearly 30 years but now I've tried to go back to garment sewing. Your channel is like both a refresher course and a master class in one. Thank you!

All of the ideas were great, Catherine, but the last one (pink and gray with customized neckline) really did it for me! I've gained over 50lbs due to medications for atrial fibrillation that I cannot seem to get off. I have a few t-shirts I absolutely loved when I was 50lbs smaller and I've been thinking about trying to find a way to "save" them--aka make them wider and possibly longer. Your tutorial sparked ideas for me of what I need to do in my particular circumstance and I thank you for that. I didn't have much of a tummy until the medication-related weight gain, but do now and want to lengthen a few too. I've decided to go with the idea of the princess seam inset all the way through the sleeve and finish off the bottoms with a more decorative item such as wide, stretchable lace (3"-4" wide) or moderately sheer fabric in the color of the side inset. I've sewn for years and years and should have been able to figure this all out, but watching your video saved me a few days of tweaks to get the method right -- thank you! Another idea would be to do a wide pie-shape inset underarm and down the sideseam in a soft, drapey knit or even drapey woven to make the t-shirt into more of a "swing top", if that makes sense. The narrow end of the pie wedge would go at the armpit and the wide end of the pie wedge at the hip. Just another idea for you if you feel like trying it out. I think that one would work best with a t-shirt that is already a really soft knit versus the t-shirts that are a bit thicker like you usually get at concerts and other events. Keep up the great work! Much appreciated!

I am an experienced sewer for many decades and I have to tell you, your ideas are some of the best I have ever seen. I will definitely be using this technique many times I am sure for myself, my granddaughter, and for doll clothes. Thank you

You are blessed with nimble fingers and a keen mind. May you continue to live healthy & prosperous 🌹

I used your technique to add a panel down the sides of a hoodie that was just a little snug round my middle yesterday. Super easy to do and looks great. I can now wear it easily. Thank you for the tips 😊

Great ideas and so well explained! I have a favorite tshirt that experienced Covid shrink, and I’ll have to find a mate to use to biggen it up!

It looks like it was always there!! Nice job! The pink stripe matches the pink flowers beautifully too! Love it!

SO CLEVER! I can salvage my “little French” tee shirt!!

Thanks! Brilliant hacks! You are the first person to explain how to efficiently unpick a serged seam! I have a favorite top that is stained and I want to unpick it to use as a pattern, but it has about 10 seams and I was intimidated! I also appreciate the tip on encasing the serger ends! Thanks again!

I don’t know how to sew, but I love your calm, positive, light hearted teaching method. You’re amazing!,

Loved all five of those tees! Surprised that the pink striped side panels looked so good, as if they were part of the original design. Thanks for the great demos and instructions. Request (time and interest permitting): demo for soft fold-over waist yoga pants with straight or wide legs. I know there are other videos out there for yoga pants, but I like your style and method of showing/ teaching.

Thank goodness! I was upset that all my "ladies" tshirts shrank so much!! I am so happy that I found this video. I like loose clothing and pockets. I also shop at the thrift stores because: 1. cheap 2. I can find cotton and older styles. 3. I have kids and a limited income. I have my grandmas sewing machine, just have to learn how to use it. 🥰 p.s. subscribed

I’m just discovering your channel and I am enjoying learning new things. You are a great instructor and I look forward to seeing more of your creations.

Thank you for your tutorials and leaving in the parts that go wrong. It really makes me feel better and not like it only happens to me. I’m very new to sewing and I love your tutorials and encouragement ❤

I love how you explain the little details ( like how to edge the hem and then fold it over). Please keep making these videos.

Really cute & I’ll soon be 74. Enjoyed the technique also. My Mom was a Tailor. I wanted to learn to sew but because I was young & didn’t know or appreciate having to take things out ( seams, stitching, etc). I now know It all works together and there can be more than one solution regarding construction and/ or reconstruction of a garment. I wish she would have shared that it was all part of learning and there is joy in knowing. She took the sewing from me saying “Then you’lI never make it as a seamstress!” I did begin sewing again after I had children later in life. I enjoy your voice and style of teaching❣️🌻🤗 TY so much.

I'll never have the skills or patience to create these shirts but love watching what you do. You have a sweet, funny & calming vibe, i think that's what makes your videos so enjoyable to watch even for ppl like me that like your shirts but could probably never have the outcome you have😂

You popped up after another video , I’m totally thrilled with how clear you filming is and the speed . I thrift almost out my outer wear , so this is a tool I will surely use .

I LOVE that you gave us 100 tutorials in one. I have outgrown a lot of my favorite clothes and am not a great sewer. I can't wait to try some of these skills on some random tees and flip my clothes into fresh styles. Thank you!

Thank you so much for such an entertaining & informative sewing video! I enjoyed your bubbly personality. You’ve given me some great insights into thrifting my closet!

I love the colors and adjustments on your tee shirt.

I'm of an age were it was mandatory that girls learn to sew. Although I hate sewing I'm glad I know how as it has been handy a few times in my lifetime. (Gifts, making the odd piece of clothing, masks 😉, etc) This is another very helpful piece of info. Even at my advanced age I'm very much a t-shirt loving woman. Now I know how to do simple modifications for some favorite shirts that are currently too small. Thanks so much for this video.

I’ve heard the added fabric at the side seams called a godet. You sure make it all look so easy! Thanks for all the details!

This is terrific! Thanks for showing the v-neck again so it’s easier to see. I can’t believe that I am sewing on my own clothes!! I’ve made some things for so much better.

Wonderful tips and ideas to use the clothing we all bought and love! We all have favorite things that have shrunk, or we have grown and we need them bigger. Thanks for showing me what to do at the side of any garment. What I am going to try to apply this to are two different things. 1.) A sleeveless dress that I used to love to wear in the spring and summer, some years ago, and I still love the colors of it, but it is now tight to zip. I see I can pick a color and open it at the seams under the arms and add one of the colors in the flowers to the sides of the dress. Thank you! 2.) Have you ever opened a beloved jacket to make it bigger for use in the winter? I would still use it! It seems thick, yet I think maybe it could be done on a black ski style winter jacket. I have a new sewing machine to start using and take out of the box! Thank you!

t.h.a.n.k. y.o.u. so very very much for making this video and sharing so many tips. you are infectious, charming, real, and such a wonderful teacher. i was so happy for each new idea you tried out and shared. i will be watching this over and over again b/c there is so much, for an inexperienced and brand new t-shirt customizer, like me. rescuing great graphics is now my new mission! lolz,. you are awesome.

I have been sewing for over 30 years. My newest adventures have been to alter slacks. Thank you for all these! I am stoked to dig into the leftovers of my kids T-shirt quilts!

Loved the shirt with the pink flower and pink stripes on the sides. Also, the shirt with the face was quite funny!

Genius! I’ve been serging for over 30 years, and have never seen the trick with the serged tails! Genius!

The grey v-neck on the contrasting pink and grey tee shirt really makes it look more finished than leaving the collar pink! So cute! 🌹 I love the stripes on the sides of the 1st shirt, the floral graphic tee, too! Adorable! Would love to see a floral shirt mixed with both stripes, AND a different section with large polka dots, too! ⚫️🔴🟣❤️⚫️🔴🟣❤️🟣🔴⚫️❤️🟣🔴⚫️

It’s still tight enough that you can put your stripped material across the shoulders for mor arm room. Hey thanks for the “sew the serger tail down trick”, that was good to know. 👍🏼😉 The pink and grey shirt might be a bit challenging for someone that hasn’t worked a lot with fabric but that really came out so cute and it looked even better after you added the V neck collar.

This comment may get lost in the others but I just wanted to thank you for a great video. Have recently found you and I'm hooked. Great sewing ideas and great instructions You also have a very pleasant voice to listen to as well. Thank you.

Fun idea cutting up the graphic and resewing the strips!

I love your videos, especially the fact that you include those little incidents we all encounter like a missed edge, running out of thread midway in a seam, because you show us how to recover neatly! One thing I like to do to increase a size is to cut the side seam and add a small bust dart. It means losing a little length but as long as the garment can afford to be a little shorter it works well and looks much more flattering than a ‘unisex’ shape, especially if you curve the side seam slightly. This process makes room for a bigger bust and I’ve used it a lot in the past :)

The first one was the same technique a friend used to improve the fit of a secondhand designer dress. The second one was unexpected, the third one was amazing and a very flattering red on you. I love it that you use a Kenmore machine. My mom worked for Sears in the 1970s and all our appliances were Kenmore (Sears brand). Thanks for bringing up some nostalgic memories. Edit: And the last one, the color blocking, was gorgeous!

I don't care about t-shirts BUT YOUR SEWING MACHINE SKILLS are unbelievable!!!❤

That last one looks terrific with the v-neck. Thanks for all the new information

I have a short attention span, and this video kept me totally focused. So many good ideas. Great video.

Fabulous ideas! I loved how you redesigned and enlarged those T-shirts. V-neck was my favorite ❤️

Loved this. I've had a few tshirts i havent worn becasue of weight gain but you gave me some really great ways to redo them. Thank you.

I love the striped fabric with the flowers. I like longer T-shirts or tunics. I bet the striped fabric would look nice along the bottom too.

great video Catherine. I LOVE upcycling my clothes and thrifted items. I'm on a "no buy" month and this video is helpful👍

By the way, and sorry if this has been pointed out: you can slow the video using the settings (cog wheel) > Playback speed. This is great, and I so appreciate the visual process. I haven't sewn on a sewing machine since I was in 8th grade (early eighties), but now I'm determined to alter dozens of giant T-shirts into fitted. :-) Much obliged for giving me the ability to turn a couple of my favorite tees into wearable again with this here vid.

I just came across your video today!! I love, love, love what you did with the T-shirts!!!! You make it look so easy but I know it takes skill and you have it!! Thank you for these ideas!!!

Oh my word what an awesome tutorial, love that you show each step clearly but the techniques of switching up 2 T-shirts is genius. May thanks for sharing 🙌🤩🥰

Great!! I never have thought doing some of the makes you have sewn today. I am definitely going to save this video for future use. Thanks!

Thanks for this! I have a couple t-shirts from a friend who good-naturedly assumed I wore a much smaller size. I didn't want to seem ungrateful, so I just took them without saying anything. Now I can try and make them wearable.

Cutting the graphic into strips is such a genius idea!

Really great tutorial. Great explanations and I like the way you show what you’re doing so clearly.

I am so happy that I found your channel! Thank you for your amazing and inspiring videos! I have been teaching sewing for over 28 years and am still learning. You have already taught me so much (in just 3 videos 😊 so far) and I applaud your up cycling efforts. I think your Jacket restyle turned out great! I was seriously worried and pleasantly surprised with the marker accent!

I haven't added a side panel to a tshirt since like 2008, so thanks for the refresher! Cool flip over trick to fold the hem, too. Thanks to you, I've saved my old Jurassic Park babydoll tee.

Hi!!! New here. I can’t get over how people know how to use sewing machines!!! You make it look so easy but we all know it isn’t!!! 💛

I appreciate this tutorial so much! I have T-shirts with sentimental meaning that I have not worn in years due to weight gain. Now I know how to make them wearable again. The tip on hemming is so helpful. I love that you did not edit out your mistakes. It's refreshing to see someone not afraid to show imperfection. Your explanation about removing serger seams is helpful, since I have always found removing serger seams so frustrating. Thank you!

This is a great video! I'm new to sewing and I started sewing, because my size is generally sold out in stores, gets an insane plussize fee, or old clothes that are still awesome, but don't fit anymore. This is exactly what I needed to save some of my wardrobe :D

I really like how they all turned out. I think I could do it. Thanks for sharing ☺️

Best innovative sewing video I've seen so far! 👍

Wow, that last shirt came out sooo cool! I love it❣️ I wish I could do the same but pretty sure mine would come out *severely* wonky! Lol I’ve made all kinds of things but haven’t dared any clothing.. too afraid of wasting lots of fabric. 😞 I’d *LOVE* to make shorts like *I’d* like them to fit, wish we were neighbors! 🤣

You’ve inspired me. I just sorted all my tshirts and am going to have a sew-a-thon with your great ideas. Thank you, and keep sewing. ❤

What a sweet, sweet sound both your machines make. And delish job on the T

Thank you for this. I've always enjoyed sewing but lost my passion. This has reignited my passion. I have liked and subscribed

This is a wealth of knowledge and information for me. I can’t thank you enough. I will be saving this video to practice with. I am so thrilled to have found your channel and look forward to seeing lots more of your channel. I love your philosophy on thriftiness and being innovative on thinking outside the box.

I love these ideas! I want to show my sewing class and inspire them ! Thank you!

I'm a seamstress and I learned a lot from your video, thanks!

Sometimes when you are shopping at the thrift store you find shirt that you know will be tight. This is such a great idea.❤️

Awesome tips. I have a rather large bust so I tend to have to choose between comfort or not wanting to look like I'm wearing a tent when it comes to shirts and dresses. I knew how to alter the ones that were too big, but was at a loss for how to alter ones that were too small (or had become too small over the years). Any chance you might be planning a tutorial on how to make shirts and sleeves longer by giving them a mock layered look?

I have just the tees in my stash pile!! The pink and gray mash up design will work for the shirts I've been hanging on too! Yay!!😁😁🤩

I think putting the v neck on the red and grey shirt totally transformed it. I made it look meant to be. You are an Awesome teacher! I have learned a lot from you.

Great ideas! I like the t-shirt with the roses.

Brilliant video! Fantastic ideas with great tips and how to’s.

EXACTLY what I needed! Such a great video. Thank you for making this. I recently ordered a t-shirt for an event that came way smaller than the size chart. I don’t have time to exchange it so I will add a panel to the side seam. I want to try the Princess seam that goes into the arms but I would definitely need to practice that first.

I love the finishing options. You’re upping my game.

I love that you take a useful piece and save it with an adorable touch and it’s better than before! Very inspiring as I love t shirts!

This was FABULOUS! I have a few crew necktshirts that are too small now and I’d love to make them a V. I never thought of grabbing a V off another shirt… duh! Perfect solution. Thanks!!! Also thanks for showing us in depth how to deal with the V!,❣️

I did the same thing with a tshirt I bought at a thrift store when I was visiting my friend. (Added a strip on the side) Next time I went for a visit and wore it, she thought I was so smart! 😊

So excited to have found you! This is a great tutorial, and the V-neck bonus is LIFE CHANGING! Thank you!

I love the first floral tshirt. I would buy one if I seen it in the store. The alteration turned out great with the striped material.

Thank you for sharing your techniques for enlarging t-shirts. I think I learned from that, thanks again. 😊

I think that 1st t-shirt came out great, I'm subscribing, I can tell I'm gonna learn a lot from you. I went out during COVID & was so sad cuz I gave away so many shirts I could have salvaged.

Thanks, I liked that little hem trick of folding it over the other side and sewing it down.

yaaaaasss!!!! ma'am, thank you. from every corner of my heart, thank you! i have a bunch of tshirts that need to be smaller, and a bunch that could be a bit larger 😌 i am hoping that some of them may be a match made in heaven 😌😌😌💜💜💜 and i'll have little to no waste fabric ✨💜

I ALWAYS change the neckline in a standard crew tee!! My Vs in the front aren't consistently nice and now I know why. I found them easier to manage sewing by hand. I also like just making the neckline a gentle scoop or even square-ish. These are super inspiring ideas!! Now to find a video on threading my old serger!!

Thank you for showing us how to save money and do what you do!❤

I don't have enough imagination to figure this out myself lol. I need more hip AND bust room. this is a good start for what I need to do! Thank you

This is so fabulous, Catherine!! I love all of the repurposed shirts you created here. Makes me want to take up sewing!

Thank you for this. I have several t-shirts and t-shirt dresses that a bit too snug, but did not want to throw away. I am going to follow you suggestions and give them new life. I really appreciate this. Thank you again