Upcycle 2 old T-shirts into a DIY raglan T-shirt: NO PATTERN, NO SERGER; Double needle topstitching!

Рет қаралды 37,533

3 жыл бұрын

Turn 2 old T-shirts into one cool new raglan or baseball T-shirt, without a pattern! Learn to use double needle topstitching as a way to finish your edges and give a beautiful finish.
MY FAVE SEWING TOOLS: My sewing machine - Babylock Sofia 2
My serger - an old Kenmore
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/ @catherinesews
For more project tutorials like this, visit this playlist: • Sew a Scrunchy from Sc...
Music: New Day by Patrick Patrikios from the KZfaq Audio Library.

Пікірлер: 113

@lyndsayhindbo7583 Жыл бұрын

"Don't let those little puckers get away with it." Hilarious 😂

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Haha, thanks, Lyndsay!

@robinwhitehead6658 4 ай бұрын

I can't wait to try this using your instructions. My past attempts at raglan top refashions were not great. And a Huge thanks for instructions for folks without sergers. I know I am one who asks for that, and just love how you answer my questions before I can ask. You have an amazing "teacher" vibe. Thanks!!!

@retroredo9850 Жыл бұрын

Adding....you sew the way I do. My mother, both parents, were born in Scotland. She had basics of sewing but not professional. All the tiny basics I know to solve problems most were from her. Eventually taking classes through adult ed I passed her up but she had me on her used treadle age 5 and on her new Singer electric age 10. I also would pick the brain of anyone I met that sewed well. I borrow techniques from quilters though I never quilt. Most is front of a jean bag! I love all the upcyle looks and how anything goes now. Even more so than my hippie days where we made circle skirts from round table clothes. Even though I bought material if on super sale through 70s, 80s I still bought thrift clothing for material. I loved buying Doris Day dresses for fabrics I never see now to make mini skirts and vests! I'll be checking out more of your videos. But going to my sewing room which is a total separate building the size of a 2 car garage. Came with our retirement purchase! Im making christmas items but may break today or tomorrow to try that raglan sleeve shirt!

@BOOKKAT74 7 ай бұрын

I love this idea. Im halfway there because I already have a great raglan pattern. I’m going to the thrift store this afternoon to see what I can find in the men’s department. Thanks for the clear instructions. Your students are very lucky to have you for a teacher and mentor.

@azblondi2730 2 жыл бұрын

You are such a blessing! I have never sewed anything in my life, but I have watched videos for days, so, I feel like I should be an expert at it by now! ( hahaha) I knew there had to be a way to do it where it wasn't so difficult! Thank you for this!

@CatherineSews 2 жыл бұрын

Your comment makes my day! It's always such a thrill to hear from someone who is just starting to sew, especially when they are as excited and determined as you are. Let me know how it goes and if you have any questions along the way! Enjoy the journey!

@jemtebelle Жыл бұрын

"Don't let little puckers get away with it." Words to live by. 😄

@kathyoverton998 2 ай бұрын

My brother passed away a few years ago and I inherited a lot I've practically new t-shirts with guitars on the front of them I also have custody of his daughter and she looks good in Ragland sleeps. So I'm definitely going to make one of these for her!

@lilaholland5764 2 ай бұрын

What a wonderful way to keep her dad's memory close for her...

@momtomany Жыл бұрын

I finally had a day off and tried this!! It’s sooo cute! My daughter loves the shirt.

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Omg, I couldn't be happier! Your success means so much to me!!

@momtomany Жыл бұрын

@@CatherineSews I hit the thrift store and bought 3 new 2XL T-shirts that were 2 bucks each. I’ll be watching for T-shirts to mix them with. I want to make some for my grandsons.

@lilaholland5764 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing! I enjoy thrifting & updating my wardrobe. All your videos are so informative & inspire me to stretch my wings. Thank you Catherine!

@user-dq2ym1nn9k 2 күн бұрын

Sewing and asmr. yes.

@victorialockhart6400 Жыл бұрын

This is the second video of yours I’ve seen now and I am so impressed! Your Panda tee came out beautifully, and your instruction was so thorough. You are such a gift! Thank you for inspiring me to sew again!

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Yay!!! This is exactly what I was hoping for when I started my channel. I absolutely love the idea of inspiring people to sew and upcycle!

@inforestsweheal Жыл бұрын

I got lost around 12 minutes in... didn't understand your instructions. I'm new to this so maybe after a few more times watching I'll understand it. Love your videos though. I was able to take in some tshirts based on your videos and they turned out amazing!

@charleasor4225 Жыл бұрын

This video is AWESOME!!!!!!!! This is exactly what I need!! Never thought about doing a raglan sleeve! LOVE LOVE LOVE watching your videos!!! TY!!!

@Amy-bk9bk 2 жыл бұрын

That is exactly what I was looking for. Been searching for days what to do with my dad’s big tee shirts and did not see any raglan. So beautiful. Thanks !

@CatherineSews 2 жыл бұрын

Your comment makes me so happy. I absolutely love this project. And it'll be so nice for you to wear your dad's t-shirts!

@momzilla9491 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Catherine, I'm starting to follow your lessons. Love your easy way of explaining. Your Mom must be a treasure. Great restyle. Thanks girl!

@CatherineSews 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! So glad to have you on board. And yes, my mum is a treasure 😀

@loriearii474 10 ай бұрын

Such a great teaching video! I was actually looking for how to do a raglan sleeve on a thrift shop woven dress I took apart. I think because this was so well explained and fun, I'm going to start looking for cool tees to upcycle!

@naefa Жыл бұрын

You have helped me so much. Your ideas are innovative and instructions clear, great for a novice like myself. you also have a tone of voice that is very pleasing to the ear. Thank you

@bonniecrowe1531 Жыл бұрын

I love this idea! I was thinking of getting new clothes but this makes the old new again. I will definitely be trying it.

@elspeth108 2 жыл бұрын

You are so talented! And your voice is very soothing-- I've always been too intimidated to learn to sew, but you make it seem possible and not scary at all! Thank you! :)

@CatherineSews 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and for the lovely comment. I'm thrilled if my videos are helping you to have the confidence to sew! It's a wonderful journey to embark on.

@elspeth108 2 жыл бұрын

@@CatherineSews Thank you so much, Catherine!! You are lovely! :)

@nwunder3 2 жыл бұрын

i've never cut up, customized or mashed t-shirts, but i reeeeaaally want to after watching your great creations. i'm a bag maker, so i think i'll be able to jump into this, with your video guidance. you make it look very do-able. i love what you do and your t-shirt choices, your vibe. thank you for making your very informative vids. this is the second one i watched and i'm very motivated to try.

@CatherineSews 2 жыл бұрын

Yes! I love this project and am very excited to have other people try it! Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

@Maplecook 3 жыл бұрын

Loved this, and the music choice was so nice on the ears, I wanted to just keep on listening to the melody, even after the video ended! hahahaha

@CatherineSews 3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha, me too! I tried to make it happen and it cost me a 2 hour battle with iMovie, lol. My next video should be called 50 things to try when iMovie won't render your video.

@christi4169 Жыл бұрын

Me again! I learned to sew in Home Ec about 45 years ago and I've made a lot of clothes over time. I have never used the double needle!!!! I'm so excited to use it now that I know what it can do. THANK YOU

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Oh, yes, Christi! You'll love it!

@Silly_Goose68 Жыл бұрын

I love u your Hong Kong panda t-shirt

@dianejohanson98 Жыл бұрын

I have to try your method of making these raglan t-shirts. Turned out great. I’m already thinking of which t-shirts to use for this! Great tutorial.

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Great to hear, Diane! Thanks 😊

@nancyruth2008 2 жыл бұрын

you are amazing! I wish I had followed you a long time ago. I followed your video on how to make an extra large t-shirt fit better and it worked a treat. Thank you! I can't wait to make some raglan t-shirts!

@CatherineSews 2 жыл бұрын

That's so great to hear! The t-shirt fitting video is my most viewed, but I love this one too! So glad you're going to try it!

@dorothydishman4664 3 ай бұрын

Great hints for sewing on t shirt knits and a simplified pattern conversion. Thanks

@retroredo9850 Жыл бұрын

Another thing I tried and was a disaster! A raglan shirt. I copied my brothers. The arms were very odd and very tight even though my brothers shirt fit me. I see now using the base shirt to guide the size and placement where to cut it. I too have wide shoulders for my body size. Came in handy hiding the mom tummy having 10 lbs kids! Im going to try this. My goal is to blend tshirts together. Even using 3, 4, more! Also to do in various sizes to sell at tiny market! This town is well known enough to have a lot of event tshirts showing up at thrift store too. Ive collected a lot. I usually make drawstring totebags from them. The tourists do show up at Christmas time too so they are excited to buy them. I dont charge much because most locals work part time and i only pay $1 for most things at thrift and town gives me things. Ive gained 7 more vintage sewing machines to add to my already 3. Ive taught myself to fix them in my old age. Not learned tensions yet but knwo enough to clean and do minor fixes for the town.

@SuperNette101 Жыл бұрын

Your videos are game changers in my t-shirt life. Re-sized two shirts in a matter of a few hours. Thank you sew much!

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

So great to hear, Antoinette!

@rivergrrrl1256 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tips I had wanted to do a raglan sleeve tee shirt alteration and you’ve really helped. I’m saving this for winter sewing ‘cause now is garden time. New sub too!

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

So great to have you on board!

@MarissaBjobs Жыл бұрын

You're marvelous. I have a lot of big size T-Shirts given by my brother. Your channel is a really big help to do my alteration. Thank you.

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

So great to hear! Thanks, Maris!

@bonniecrowe1531 Жыл бұрын

I finished my T-shirt remake. As imprecise as i was, it still came out cute. Love it!

@MA-mv8pw Жыл бұрын

Great idea and a great tutorial!! Thanks!

@linkay6 Жыл бұрын

You are amazing. I always enjoy watching your videos!!

@sherijones8710 Жыл бұрын

I don't do this, but I enjoy your videos so much. I had to tell you. I could say so much more, but I won't. Many blessings to you.

@tvaris4870 2 жыл бұрын

Perfect. I've been looking for this how to do. THANK YOU!

@CatherineSews 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I love this project and wish this video had more views! It's one of my favourites, so thanks for watching and commenting.

@shescraftea9107 Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you mentioned that about stretching the fabric a bit when you sew. I've had threads snap on a resized T before. I'm going to try this. I have another volunteer shirt to alter.

@singingtick Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the step by step instructions. You took the mystery out of the sleeves. I am so glad your background music is low so that I can hear everything. Plus your camera angles are spot on. I appreciate you showing things on lighter material so that it is easier to see. I have to try this!

@gillianwoods8610 Жыл бұрын

Hi Catherine. I ve just found you on KZfaq. I wish you'd been my sewing teacher at school. I ve been sewing for quite a few years now and I ve just done my first mash up of 2 tshirts. I'm really pleased with the results. I've managed to watch a lot of your videos over the last couple of weeks and picked up a few tips. Thankyou. Xx

@nancybarroso1450 Жыл бұрын

I started sewing by hand at first then, I got a sewing machine for my birthday. My first clothes was for my daughters Teddy bear. Lately I've been wanting to try clothes for myself. So I attempted this raglan shirt upcyle. I am pleased with the turn out. Thanks so much for sharing.

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

That is awesome! So great to hear. You've got to give yourself a big pat on the back for how far you've come with your sewing!

@CMeyer-ut3dd Жыл бұрын

This is the answer to my tight sleeves on my T-shirt. Thanks for this video

@pamelabartlette6354 Жыл бұрын

That was a really fun project, and it's really cute!

@AngeVPV Жыл бұрын

I am watching all your videos. This one is a gem! Great!

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ange. It's so great having you on board. I'm so glad you found my channel!

@khadijahashanti-shabazz9645 Жыл бұрын

Thank You so much. Love your tips.

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

So glad! I had a student with the same first name name as you! I always thought it was such a pretty name.

@vcfredericks4381 Жыл бұрын

That's awesome t'shirt.

@dawnecamacho2601 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for showing us this. I love raglan sleeves.

@lorainejones2375 Жыл бұрын

Love the tutorial!

@agourdiva Жыл бұрын

This video is my favorite of all your videos. I LOVE the possibilities of using the graphics and two different colors. I started watching you because of a tech festival I registered to attend on the 30th of this month. I've always wanted to learn how to use a serger but as you did not use one in this video, I see that a serger is not necessary to get perfect results. Thank you so much.

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Agourdiva! A serger is not essential, but it is very useful. It's kind of like a microwave. You can get by without it, until you get one and wonder how you ever survived without it!

@rjabja Жыл бұрын

Many good tips…thank you

@momtomany Жыл бұрын

So cute!!!!!

@georgygirl64uk Жыл бұрын

I've been looking for something like this for the longest time! You explained everything so perfectly and now I feel confident 🙂 Thank you so much! New subscriber! 💕

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad to have you on board! Thanks for your kind words.

@rendmendecclesiastes3728 Жыл бұрын

I am so glad that I found your channel! Thank you for sharing your talent! Adorable T-shirt!

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Rend & Mend! I'm so glad you found me too!

@myrtlejeanne6526 2 жыл бұрын

A scrap of soap makes a good marker

@CatherineSews 2 жыл бұрын

Yes! Good idea!

@clothingalterations Жыл бұрын

Amazing

@charlotteanderson3727 Жыл бұрын

Hi Catherine - thank you for another helpful video. And in case you didn't already know, I learned that scrap of fabric that butts up against the start of the seam is called a 'spider'. No clue about the origin of that name :/

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Interesting! I never knew it had a name. But spider? Really? I'm not a big fan of spiders, lol.

@nickijaycox7773 Жыл бұрын

This was cool! 👍🏻👍🏻♥️

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Nicki!

@matrixmom3300 2 жыл бұрын

I just found you Catherine! Where have you been during my 2 year sewing life! lol. Love your tips, and why you do something over the other (right angle when chalking for example) Subscribed!!

@CatherineSews 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful! So great to have you on board! And congrats on embarking on a beautiful hobby.

@matrixmom3300 2 жыл бұрын

@@CatherineSews I feel inspired sometimes from my late godmother who sewed all her life. She was one of those people that never needed a pattern - i use to show her what I wanted, and it looked exactly like that after she finished the piece. Hopefully one day I can get there too to her level and yours! Thank you

@CatherineSews 2 жыл бұрын

@@matrixmom3300 What a great inspiration!

@cindydrake7057 Жыл бұрын

I have a long sleeved Tshirt that I would like to make seamless. Would you consider doing a video on that? Or perhaps you already have, and I just can't find it? Your tutorials are very easy to follow and to understand. Thanks so much. I've used your "how to resize a t-shirt" several times, with great success. I'm excited to learn more. :)

@mdteders Жыл бұрын

My budget Toyota also tends to gobble up my fabric, and I have learned to grab the ends of my thread and pull it as soon as I start sewing to ease that first bit of fabric through the feed dogs. An additional bit of tissue paper helps slinky fabrics not to get stuck in the throat plate. Thank you for this clear tutorial, I'm off to our local thrift shop! ;-)

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Yes! Holding your threads for the first few stitches can make a world of difference. I've fallen out of the habit of doing this with my latest machine because I've gotten used to using the thread cutting button, so when I start the next seam, there are no threads to grab!

@retroredo9850 Жыл бұрын

I keep adding comments. I dont always add back the original necklines...actually more like never. Im too lazy to be that picky. Sometimes on sweatshirts but I cut the bottom or cuff ribbing in half and apply back on like a binding. I did discover or just gave up on hemming a tshirt that I took off weird polo collar...why do they do that to light weight tshrit knit tops?. I often shorten sleeves because I need a V inset piece to add to size seams to do fit and flare for my mom tummy. Or I use lace etc. if not long sleeves. I couldnt hem the top the correct way. It kept rolling to the front. The top was printed in a way the back looked white with a muted print. So I let it roll up to front and did a tiny zig zag over the edge. I know do that on problem tops sometimes using a lurex thread, silver etc. I also do a lettuce edge. Like camisole tops that also dont fit my mom tummy. I cut off the sewed retail hem and stretch and do lettuce edge on them. It even adds a ruffle look if I use camisles under a slightly too short top.

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Thanks for all your comments, Retro! So interesting to hear the details of your sewing experience! (I also love a little lettuce edge--so cute!)

@cocasio7190 3 ай бұрын

Hello! This video is great ! Thank you for sharing all your tips and demonstrating how to thread the sewing machine for double needle. What size of the double needle do you recommend for this project? Thanks again!

@susanramsay4189 Жыл бұрын

On many knit patterns there is a ruler printed on the envelope. To check the amount of stretch; measure your fabric flat; stretch it as far as you can on the ruler; Check one against the other. Do the same for your new sleeve. The difference in the two numbers should be the same. If you start with 4" fabric and it goes to 8" stretched, that's 100% (4 divied by 8) If you only get a 2" difference...2 divided by 8 = 25% (.25)

@susanramsay4189 Жыл бұрын

oops My math is wrong on the 4" to 8" stretch. The difference of 4" is 50% stetch. Sorry 'bout that

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

That's great info, Susan, and thanks for clarifying the math!

@revecarodriguez709 Жыл бұрын

I have problems threading some of my machine needles , I use card stock , or cardboard preferably white , cut out a square , set it behind the needle! This will show the eye of needle , works with hand needles too ! I’ve got a stash of long cardboard strips in my sewing supples & anywhere on top of my machine, cut up a square & I’m good ( replace ) when I’m done ! I don’t like the white tape method, where you apply to your presser foot bcoz it doesn’t help like the cardboard!

@lauriepayseur5897 5 ай бұрын

Ohhhh I didn’t get to see the bottom curved hem finished, but it is pretty

@CatherineSews 5 ай бұрын

Oh darn, you’re right! I just rewatched the end and you’re absolutely right. I didn’t show the final hem at all! Sorry about that! It’s a shame because it really did look great!

@lucilledaub5991 Жыл бұрын

I can’t understand completely the way to cut the raglan sleeve. But I’ll have to try .

@ireneolsen8131 Жыл бұрын

where did u get those little scissors you used to cut off the neckband? i love how small they are with the long rung! plz let me know! Just found your site and love it!

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Gosh, I wish I could remember! Probably just the front counter of a fabric store. Anyway, I'm glad. you found my channel!

@DanaCarroll2000 6 ай бұрын

Hi Catherine! Would it be possible to use one shirt and turn it into a raglan style? I see that the black sleeves cut off of the body of the t-shirt were used as guides for the red sleeves, would there be anyway to do it all with the one black shirt? I want to get into upcycling once I can buy a sewing machine and your videos are great. Thank you!

@CatherineSews 6 ай бұрын

I don't really think so. The sleeves took up the whole body, so you really do need two bodies. I'm excited for you as. you buy a machine and start upcycling!

@sandybush1661 Жыл бұрын

This is the third time I've watched this video. Working up my nerve to try this myself. Questions: Do you have a machine for regular sewing and one threaded with the double needle or do you just switch needles back and forth? Also, is your double needle ball point?

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, Sandy. I just have one sewing machine (and a serger), so I just switch out the needle. To make this a bit easier, I sew all 4 raglan seams, then serge all 4, then do the double needle topstitch on all 4. Hems come last! And yes, my double needle is a ballpoint.

@adrienlefebvre5017 Жыл бұрын

Love your videos. When I use the twin needles I always get tunnelling - the seam doesn't lay flat but bunches together. Do you have any advice for preventing tunnelling?

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

Hmmm, great question! It sounds to me like the bobbin thread is pulling the two lines of stitching too close together. If you have a separate, removable bobbin case, you could loosen the tension on it by turning the small screw counterclockwise just a smidge. If your machine has a drop in bobbin, this video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bt1xZsR82LbDeGw.html from #sewvacretailresources is really helpful.

@stephaniepaterson6340 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, great video, thanks. I’m afraid I’m going to hound you again with my question I still haven’t solved….I’m making a top like this, have a free (orla) pattern….it’s a square with raglan sleeves…but the side are enormous! I tried to take 3/4 inch off each side…easy right as straight sides ?! ……but if I go up too far on side then the armhole gets made smaller. If I stop at the armhole the amount of materials ie armhole and side of the top don’t fit. I feel so stupid…please can you help?! Thanks ps it’s for woven fabric

@CatherineSews 2 жыл бұрын

I totally get what you're saying. Don't feel stupid! I'm going to see if I can look at that Orla pattern and see the best way to go. Is it like this top: www.etsy.com/listing/1040692402/orla-raglan-sleeve-boxy-style-top

@sheilacarsins6222 Жыл бұрын

Oh boy! I was anticipating you cutting the neckline and then you said not to cut it yet, because it would mess up the back neckline! I didn't even think of that until you said it, so I would have completely messed up, had I been trying to figure this out on my own! Is there a save for that, if the back WAS cut as low as the front? 🤔

@CatherineSews Жыл бұрын

I have had students who accidentally cut the back neck too low. To salvage it, we cut a curved piece to fill in the gap and tried to make it look like a purposeful seam. Sorry, that's probably not exactly crystal clear, so I'm glad you didn't make that mistake!

@sheilacarsins6222 Жыл бұрын

@@CatherineSews Thanks! 😊❤️💕