There's probably a T-shirt in your wardrobe that fits you perfectly, but looks too plain. It can be transformed by getting a new original item that is in no way inferior in design to fashionable new items. You will need a little lace and your imagination.
The easiest way to decorate a plain T-shirt is to sew horizontal ruffles at the same distance from each other. To do this, gather lace (you can buy it in the color of the T-shirt or a contrasting shade), baste it to the knitwear, then sew it on a machine with a zigzag or knitted seam (so that the T-shirt can stretch when put on).
The stripes can be made circular (along the front and back) or only in the front of the garment. In this case, you will need to open the side seams to sew in the lace.
How to beautifully decorate a T-shirt with lace
Lace frills sewn to the neck in the form of a frill will look no less impressive on a plain knitted T-shirt. Gather the lace and sew parallel to the neckline. You can make several rows or work one row of lace around the neck of the T-shirt in a circle. Add a frivolous bow made of the same lace to the chest - and you're done!
The original model will be created if you sew wide lace onto a T-shirt with thin straps so that it goes over your arms. The result will be something like an angelica neckline.
The best options for decorating T-shirts and tops with lace
Updating a T-shirt and turning it into a designer masterpiece is not difficult at all: you don’t need the superpowers of a seamstress to gather the lace and sew it to the T-shirt. Moreover, this can be done even without the help of a sewing machine. And the colored seam will enhance the attractiveness of the model.
You can customize your T-shirt using:
- sew-on and removable collars, brooches, decorative details;
- guipure and lace inserts, frills;
- lace appliqués.
Attaching the openwork collar
A simple knitted jumper with a lace collar will look impressive. A removable collar (or even several in the wardrobe) will allow you to quickly turn an office outfit into an evening one.
The collar can be made from store-bought guipure or crocheted. Make a pattern out of paper, cut out two identical parts from guipure, sew them together and turn the seams inside out. Sew the last side with a hidden seam, sew on hooks or buttons. Sew loops or the second half of the button onto the jumper (from the inside of the neck) so that they align with the collar. Voila!
Stylish ladies will love the shawl collar. It will require wide, thick lace. You will have to work a little with scissors and cut off the upper part of the T-shirt (above chest level). The lace is sewn to the jumper; the new neckline can be decorated with knitted bias tape.
Guipure sleeves: varieties and nuances of sewing to a T-shirt
You can make a jumper with sleeves from an open T-shirt. There are many decoration options you can come up with:
- cut out full sleeves from knitted guipure and sew them into the armhole;
- decorate the shoulder with lace, getting small “wings”;
- buy ready-made openwork elements, sew them to the shoulder: you will get an original design for the front and shoulder of the T-shirt.
To sew a sleeve on a T-shirt, you will need to rip off the facing and sew the sleeve with a stretch or zigzag seam (to maintain elasticity).
Wedge-shaped inserts made of chiffon or lace
Guipure inserts will transform the T-shirt. In this way, you can make a loose “flow” from a straight T-shirt and increase the size of a jumper that has come together after washing.
Inserts can be made in any part of the T-shirt by making slits, cutouts in the front or back of the garment, and sewing them into the side seams. In this case, it is better to use soft lace so as not to experience discomfort and irritation in the armpits.
Wedge-shaped lace details sewn into knitwear look original, but you can make them straight, or you can make a lace back by making a large oval cutout on it, into which guipure is sewn.
Attaching an imitation guipure scarf
Decorate a knitted jumper with a guipure scarf. To one shoulder we sew (it is better to back up part of the shoulder seam) a strip of thin openwork fabric, chiffon or tulle, folded in half. The scarf can be made long so that it can be wrapped around the neck, then tied on the side with a large bow, a beautiful knot. Don't want or are afraid to sloppily pick up the seam? Do without this by using brooches and pins that are fashionable today.
Create an imitation by sewing around the neckline and leaving the edges of the guipure ribbon free at the front. Now you can tie the scarf with any knots you like.
How to create lace decor for decorating T-shirts, T-shirts, tops
To decorate knitted T-shirts and tops, you can use ready-made decor that is sold in handicraft stores or create it yourself.
Options for openwork colors
A simple jumper can be easily decorated by pinning an openwork brooch made of guipure or tulle on the chest. It’s easy to make: gather a narrow strip of lace on one side, then pull it off - you’ll get a flower. Give it an attractive look with sewn beads and seed beads.
Lace appliques
Fabric stores sell many ready-made lace appliqués. It is enough to carefully sew them to the T-shirt or use adhesive interlining. If desired, you can sew beads and sequins onto the applique.
Applications are easy to make with your own hands. Needlewomen who know how to crochet can easily knit openwork flowers, butterflies, and even make large lace elements with their own hands. Spectacular details can be made using the macrame technique.
Embroidery with elements of openwork flowers
Nowadays hand embroidery is in fashion: individual elements on T-shirts and T-shirts are embroidered with a cross or satin stitch. “Aerobatics” - cutwork embroidery. Once upon a time, our grandmothers used this technique to embroider (“embroider,” as they said) tablecloths and napkins, pillowcases and duvet covers. Now you can decorate a knitted T-shirt or blouse with such inserts.
Everything is good in moderation, and no finishing can save a T-shirt that has stretched out over time. When decorating knitwear, it is worth keeping in mind:
- the decor must match the style of the product;
- in a sporty style, individual accents and a minimum of decor are appropriate;
- You need to be careful when decorating things with prints.
Do not use heavy accessories for decoration - they can stretch the item, giving it a sloppy look.
We can say with almost one hundred percent certainty that you have a couple of T-shirts in your wardrobe that are too early to retire, but it’s difficult to call them special. If you are ready to give them a second life, look in our selection for a method that suits you and get down to business!
1. Collars
Removable or sewn on, it doesn't really matter. The main thing is that they magically transform the appearance of an ordinary T-shirt, turning it into an elegant top.
Whatever collar you choose, decide on the style, because your T-shirt acts as a blank canvas on which you can create absolutely any mood.
The Peter Pan collar looks touching and cute, but at the same time quite restrained.
Photo: sozowhatdoyouknow
A lace collar, which, by the way, is very easy to make from an ordinary napkin, gives a retro touch and will certainly appeal to lovers of romantic style.
Photo: itsalwaysautumn.com
Plus, don't forget about the luxurious beaded collars that instantly create a festive mood.
2. Application
Photo: Topshop, John Lewis
This method of decoration provides a huge space for the flight of imagination! Children will especially appreciate this option, because with the help of appliqués you can make an ordinary T-shirt truly colorful and fun.
You can appreciate hot-melt appliques, since this method will easily help you turn absolutely any fabric with a pattern you like into an applique.
Photo: blog.colettehq.com
Also be sure to pay attention to the leather appliqués.
Photo: Pinterest
3. Embroidery
One of the most versatile ways to decorate anything, any way!
Pocket embroideries, such as bouquets of flowers or (for advanced embroiderers!) animals, are very popular, so if you have a T-shirt with a pocket, it's worth a try.
Photo: Sara Barnes, Hiroko Kubota
In general, embroidery can be placed anywhere: on the chest, on the back, on the shoulders, on the neckline, and it will look great everywhere.
Photo: HandyshopStore, Tessa Perlow
4. Sequins
Photo: pinterest, Esprit
An ideal way to transform an ordinary T-shirt into a festive version, because sequins always look elegant!
Using sequins you can create entire designs. By the way, if your T-shirt already has a print, you can embroider it as a template.
Photo: Pinterest
If highly artistic paintings aren't your thing yet, try a pre-made sequined fabric to replace the sleeves!
5. Prints and designs
They can be easily done with your own hands, so don't worry if you don't know how to draw, because this skill is not always critical.
For example, with our step-by-step instructions, everyone can try themselves in the role of an art designer - decorating an ordinary white T-shirt with a plant print with their own hands.
A watercolor print will look impressive and unusual.
Photo: www.brit.co
In addition, you can make stamps and decorate not only a T-shirt, but anything else you want, because these stamps are reusable and very easy to use.
The most popular outfits in the summer are tank tops, tops and T-shirts. But no matter how limitless the range of these outfits is in modern retail outlets, we always want something more. And to become the owner of such an original T-shirt, you need to purchase its plain version and decorate it to your taste. Moreover, today there are a lot of options available, how to decorate a T-shirt or any other outfit in the most interesting ways.
Add some flair to a simple white tank with lace
How to decorate a T-shirt with your own hands
Summer is exactly the time when you want to endlessly renew yourself, changing your wardrobe in every possible way. But for this it is not at all necessary to wander around fashion stores all the time and leave all your fortune there. It’s enough to set aside a little time, prepare an old T-shirt and use your imagination. Such a modest set will allow you to shine in new outfits every day. Perhaps this will be the first step towards creating your own fashion line, and your design ideas will not go unnoticed, becoming very popular. And to get started, you can consider the ideas of “experienced” stylists for decorating T-shirts with your own hands.
Try making a beautiful weave on a T-shirt
Perhaps someone is intimidated by the prospect of picking up a needle and thread. Indeed, many women simply hate sewing. But you don't have to pick up a needle to turn a stretched-out T-shirt into a fashionable tank top. It’s enough just to use scissors to trim off all the excess on the T-shirt: the neck, sleeves, part of the neckline - both front and back. It should be a full-fledged T-shirt. Next, all that remains is to decorate the chest with any sticker you like - transfer it using an iron, and fasten the straps with decorative braid, first wrapping them around the back in a tight cord.
Very beautiful and original
Cut out the silhouette...
...attach lace with thermal tape from the inside...
...and glue with a hot iron
You can decorate another one with flounces and lace cut from one T-shirt. To do this, cut strips from a T-shirt are decorated with lace along one edge, and sewn to the base T-shirt on the other. First, the flounces are attached from above, starting from the neck, and then the decoration continues downwards. Moreover, the upper balls are wider, and downwards they become smaller. The result is a kind of picturesque frill. This option is suitable for romantic girls.
You can sew a kind of corset lacing on the back
Beads, stones, buttons...
And of course lace
From T-shirt to T-shirt; lace included :)
An ordinary undershirt can easily be turned into a top that is suitable for both a club and a youth party. You just need to decorate a T-shirt, for example, lilac, with roses made from the same lilac ribbons and beads. It is advisable to use ribbons and beads of different sizes, and make rosettes of different sizes. Such a flowerbed will make the girl simply fragrant.
T-shirt decor ideas
There are many interesting ways to decorate a T-shirt with your own hands. You can either pick up ideas on the pages of glossy magazines or on the Internet, or come up with them yourself. First you need to decide on the clothes that will need to be altered. So, for cutting with scissors, a cotton T-shirt or T-shirt is more suitable, because it will not stretch, fray or lose its shape, unlike stretch models. You will also have to practice to get the perfect result, because what is planned does not always work out the first time. Then you need to decide on the decoration method, prepare the decor and you can start working.
This cute T-shirt can be made from a regular T-shirt and lace ribbon
One option is to decorate the back of an old T-shirt or tank top. After all, in summer an open back looks very sexy and stylish. Gentle romantic girls can make a T-shirt with a huge heart-shaped cutout on the back. To work you will need sharp scissors, chalk, adhesive fabric tape and regular silk tape. First, the T-shirt itself, which has a loose fit, is selected and carefully laid out on the table.
Interesting and stylish idea with a zipper
Next, take a sheet of A3 format and depict a neat oval heart of the required size on it. But to get a proportional heart, you need to fold the paper in half, draw one half so that the middle of the heart is on the fold line. After this, the sheet is opened and the heart is cut out. The pattern is applied to the T-shirt, its middle is determined, and a stencil is outlined with chalk. Then the heart is carefully cut out with scissors along the outlined contours. The contour of the heart is laid with adhesive fabric tape and ironed. In this case, the glue transfers to the fabric and the tape is removed. Now a silk ribbon is laid over the resulting layer of glue. Due to the glue along the contours, it is simply glued, the ends of the tape are bent inward. If there is no such adhesive tape, then it is enough to simply sew the tape on a machine or by hand - with a hidden seam. This neckline can also be made in the form of skeletons, and the T-shirt can be decorated with lace, an old zipper, paint, buttons, or twists of twine. There are a huge number of such methods. It's just a matter of taste, imagination and diligence of handmade craftswomen.
A ruffled “cuff” that you can design yourself will add charm to any outfit
Video
We've taken a look back at all our T-shirt makeover ideas and want to bring you 10 fun ways to cut up white T-shirts and wear them all summer long! Our master class “How to remake a T-shirt”, in principle, is suitable for a T-shirt of any color.
The most important thing in this process is to constantly try on the item during the alteration! On the table it may seem that it is too short or too little has been cut out, but when you put the item on yourself, everything changes. Mark the neckline or armhole (sleeve) line with colored chalk. White T-shirts aren't the only thing that can be repurposed. Clear out your closet and give t-shirts you no longer wear new life! 
Geometry + fashion = YES! 
All you need is a T-shirt and scissors. 
Take scissors and cut off the sleeves, neckline and bottom seam. Then we fold the bottom part by about 5 cm. Cut out the triangles and unfold the T-shirt. We got diamonds!
Pair with this T-shirt: a high-waisted skirt or sheath dress. To play up the geometric look, add an interesting necklace.
Double knot and open shoulders. 
You also only need a T-shirt and scissors. 
Trim the neckline and cut off the bottom seams on the sleeves. At each shoulder seam we cut out a semicircle. Cut off the lower part of the back, and cut out oval ties on the front half. We tie them with a double knot and put on a T-shirt. 
Yes, you won't wear a basic white t-shirt anymore, but it's perfect for hot summer days!
From the front to the office, from the back to the party! 
We will need:
Now it's time to take out your sewing machine or borrow it from a friend for a day! 
We cut off the seams on the neck, sleeves and bottom of the T-shirt. We cut out triangles on the back at the top and bottom, not reaching the middle, cut off one side seam at a time, twist it, pin it and sew it on. 
Wear with a cute top and patterned leggings.
We will need:
For this look we will be using a V-neck tee. 
Cut off the sleeves and bottom. Find the middle of the back and cut it completely. Then we simply sew the buttons down from the collar about 20 cm and round the edges. 
This option is great for hot days. We wear it with a strapless top and a printed skirt.
Slots
Geometric slits - what else do you need to be on trend! 
We will need:
Another remix of the V-neck T-shirt. 
Cut off the sleeves and lower back. Want a fitted model? Sew in from the sides! Fold in half and make triangular slits on top. Make sure you ONLY grab the front side. Then make long triangle cuts at the bottom. 
A tight skirt and heeled shoes will give you a stylish look for a night out on the town.
We will need:
It should be a large enough t-shirt to make a tunic out of it. 
We cut off the sleeves, cut the top straight and cut out a small triangle in the front for a better fit. Fold the top and sew so that there are holes for the lace. Make a cord from thin strips of the same T-shirt. Thread through the received loops and tie. 
Beach tunic is ready!
Attention, this is how you can make two T-shirts from one
We will need:
We will use off-white lace to create a boho effect, but you can use other, brighter colors. 
We cut off the sleeves, make a deep neckline, cut off all the seams. Pin it to the lace and cut out the same part from the lace. Sew the sides and shoulder seams. 
The T-shirt for a date on a summer evening is ready!
Let's add some chic to a simple T-shirt! 
We will need:
I can’t believe it, but you need to start this alteration by cutting off the sleeves, bottom and neck. Create deep V-shaped cuts in the front and back. Measure three lengths: the first from the bottom of the neckline to the neck, the second from the waist to the waist through the middle, the third length along the midline of the back. Cut the chain and sew it onto the T-shirt. Connect them together using rings. 
Now you are the most stylish!
Yes, we love to weave. 
We will need:
If you're ready to experiment, you can take T-shirts in different colors. 
Cut off the neckline, seams at the bottom and on the sleeves of the first T-shirt. We cut off the side seams and the seams on the sleeves and use this fabric for the vertical stripes. We cut out a large rectangle from the second T-shirt and cut 8 strips about 5-7 cm wide, not all the way through. We secure them with pins on the sides and sew them together. Don't sew the sleeves! We weave vertical stripes and sew them to the bottom horizontal one. 
Very interesting, isn't it?
We will need:
Very elegant cut! 
Cut off the sleeves, neck and bottom of the first T-shirt. We take the second one and cut off the neck and sleeves as well. Fold in half and cut along a curve 10-15 cm from the sleeve and neckline. We unfold and cut off everything from the bottom, and also cut to the top. Overlap the halves front and back, insert the first T-shirt and secure with pins. We sew where necessary. 
We can't miss this layered makeover! This is what we must do this summer!
Any, even the simplest knitted T-shirt, can be turned into a designer wardrobe item, you just have to show your imagination and creativity. And there is no need to have special handicraft skills: let’s try to create an original thing from scrap and simple materials.
You can update a knitted item that is tired but still looks good in different ways. If you have any knowledge of any crafting technique, use your abilities. A kitten's face embroidered with a cross or satin stitch, or a small bouquet of flowers will give plain clothes an attractive look.
Using fabric paints, you can create an exclusive item. Even if you don’t know how to draw, abstract contours and patterns will transform the thing and give it a stylish look.
Consider your clothing style:
- A glamorous finish is not suitable for a loose T-shirt;
- for a sporty and casual style, a minimum of decor or even one accent is appropriate;
- models with prints or stripes require a particularly careful approach to decoration.
Advice! Do not use heavy decorations - the fabric will not support their weight and will tear or stretch.
Technological features
When working, take into account the ability of knitted fabric to stretch. To decorate clothes, you should not use sew-on or thermal appliqués made from fabric that does not have similar properties. When worn, the item will be deformed, unable to fit the body.
What materials are suitable for decorating T-shirts with your own hands?
To update the jumper you can use:
- lace;
- rhinestones and beads, sequins and beads;
- thermal stickers;
- fabric paints;
- colored threads;
- decorative chains, ribbons and other materials.
Sometimes you don’t need to buy anything at all, just arm yourself with scissors and make a few cuts on the back. The design can be made not only in the form of horizontal or vertical stripes - show your imagination, and the thing will be transformed.
Another option is to lay out an abstract pattern by sewing buttons of different sizes and colors along the contour.
Handicraft techniques that even beginners can do
You don't need to learn complex techniques to create an exclusive item. Take an elongated T-shirt, cut the bottom edge into strips 2-2.5 centimeters wide - you get a fringe. Another option is that the resulting “ribbons” can be intertwined with each other. Is there a print on the T-shirt? Complete it with pieces of tulle, creating a three-dimensional pattern.
In handicraft stores you can find decorative chains of different colors and types. They can be sewn to the sleeves or back, chest. Or you can not sew it, but simply pin it with small safety pins. Now you can look stylish every day by simply changing the pattern of your chains.
A white T-shirt is a great base for creativity. You can focus on the back: make a slit on the back and sew lace into it - white or colored. You can sew a decorative bow at the top. If you make several horizontal slits on the front and insert a bright satin or nylon ribbon into the slits, the emphasis will shift to the front of the T-shirt.
Cut off the short sleeves and replace them with ruffles made of lace or knitted fabric.
Advice! In sewing supply stores you can buy ready-made lace elements of various shapes. Just carefully sew them onto your T-shirt, and your stylish item is ready.
Do-it-yourself exclusive: how to decorate a T-shirt for a girl using an original method
Little ones love to be fashionable: create several removable decorations for a T-shirt that can be changed every day:
- bows made of satin or nylon ribbons;
- flowers, butterflies made of tulle.
The main thing is that they do not contain sharp elements that could injure a child.
Use of embroidery - threads, beads, rhinestones and sequins.
It’s easy to decorate a knitted item with beads or rhinestones. They can be arranged in the form of an ornament, the outline of a pattern, or randomly, thus decorating the yoke, neckline, or the entire front part of the T-shirt.
Advice! Use beads or rhinestones of different sizes - this will make the design appear more voluminous.
Embroider a nose and eyes on the sleeve of a plain T-shirt, and sew the ears of a kitten, bear or fox into the seam connecting the sleeve to the product.
If your polo shirt has a pocket, you can embroider it above it - as if a small animal is peeking out of the pocket.
How to carefully sew an applique on a children's T-shirt
You can find ready-made applications in the store or make them yourself. For knitted items, appliqués should be made of elastic fabric, since the main feature of knitwear is its ability to stretch.
Sew the applique with a zig-zag seam, having previously basted the decorative element to the product. There is no need to stretch the fabric too much, otherwise the item will look tight. First, a “cobweb” is glued to the back side of the applique with steam (!), then the decor is turned over and the T-shirt is ironed in the desired place. The applique is fixed and can now be sewn on.
Using non-standard techniques
Batik is another way to decorate a knitted jumper. Fabric paints and markers are sold in craft stores. The rest is a matter of taste.
Invite your child to paint a T-shirt themselves - you definitely won’t find another unique thing like this!
Points to consider
When choosing the method in which you decide to decorate a knitted item, it is important to consider several nuances:
- so that the clothes do not irritate the child’s body, all elements must be sewn on the front side, so you should not make lace inserts on a child’s item;
- before embroidering on a T-shirt, check the quality of the threads so that they do not fade, otherwise all the work will be done in vain;
- Glue interlining to the back of the embroidered item - it will prevent the threads from irritating the body.
There are probably a lot of things in your closet that “you won’t wear, but it’s a pity to throw away.” They will be a wonderful basis for the manifestation of creative abilities.
