Men’s Shirt ReFashion!

[@florencemoran2746]

Wow! Putting in a dart , reshaping the cap of the sleeve and taking in the sides really made the fit more feminine! Very insightful!!! 5 stars for this up cycle!!!

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you, Florence! Great to hear!

[@sylviamaxwell504]

You did amazing and looks wonderful 🎉😂❤

[@mssixty3426]

Thank you for saying, "lives are not at stake here." Really put my perfectionist leanings into perspective! 😄

[@maxinegautier3313]

This is so fabulous! I'm kind of over the men's shirt refashions that essentially treat them as fabric and turn them into something that I would never wear. This, however, is so helpful for thinking about how to turn a too-big shirt into a more fitted blouse. Thank you so much!

[@CatherineSews]

Oh thank you. I really didn’t want an off the shoulder milkmaid look! I’m glad you’re on the same page!

[@doriscassan6996]

It took me a minute to figure out what you were doing to reshape the back but when you did it, wow! What a great way to hide a "dart". I love the fabric that mens' shirts are made from...often easy care and always looks crisp.

[@tallem6233]

Thank you for this. I love all your videos, but as I’m six foot tall, I’ve always been drawn to men’s shirts. I’m going to try one of these. You are so easy to follow along with. Absolutely the best.

[@tineejohnston9737]

Success, the armhole and sleeve dart was epic tutorial ❤️❤️❤️

[@Cathy16011]

Catherine - what a great community you're building here! Everyone is so positive and helpful. I've bought some men's shirts to upcycle. A lot of people make them into dresses, but I'm not into the micro minis, lol. These techniques should work better for me.😊 (Though I'd like to see your take on making them into a dress.)

[@donnaalexander753]

I’ve seen the same and didn’t want mine so short either. I found 2 identical shirts that I cut off the bottom portion of the top of the dress and cut off the top portion of the bottom of the dress. I connected them and had to add a panel at the sides but it works!

[@melissaegbertson9100]

A wonderful lesson, Catherine! The adjustment at the back yolk is so cool and I love the box pleat on the armhole- I can’t wait to try this kind of upcycle!

[@HisStolenIdentity]

This is what I've been looking for. I have TONS of men's button downs to upcycle. If you think of more styles, I would LOVE to see more❤

[@CatherineSews]

Great! I’m working on one right now!

[@kenn1936]

New Subscriber - you are such an AWESOME TEACHER!! In case no one ever told you before, your voice is perfect to listen to all day long, you explain things so well, and show every part that really teaches well. Thank you - great tutorial.

[@lynnries7729]

This is so nice...love hearing your thought process and appreciate the visual instructions. Looks like a very classy tunic, just lovely.

[@anitajonsson4379]

Hi Catherine! Your new shirt looks absolutely fabulous. It is amazing how you were able to accomplish a remake that turned out to look so beautifully feminine, stylish, modern and classic, while demonstrating outcomes that are typical of professional designers, high-end/expensive brand names that typify quality apparel. You listed a few of these outcomes, but missed one that my mother (who was an excellent seamstress) truly appreciated. You matched the linear stripes of the pocket to those in the underlying garment where it was placed. 🏆✨

[@SBVancouver]

What a great idea to save a good quality men’s shirt

[@maryswartzel2773]

Oh my goodness. So much information in this video. I will need to rewatch this video quite a few times. 😉♥️

[@itcouldbeanyone]

That looked cute even with no sleeves

[@susanskidmore9516]

OMG...talk about useful information. You are amazing Catherine. And again I gotta compliment you on your delivery.

[@madeleineschwarrtz7433]

beautiful idea....I am always at the thrift shop...but never did look at men's shirts for me.....Now I will have to try this ! Thank you !

[@CatherineSews]

Go for it! Thanks for watching!

[@bethsims665]

I love the shirt. Thank you for all your sewing skills. You are a great Teacher ❤️❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you so much! So happy to hear!

[@emilysmith2784]

Excellent up cycle as always. Those matched stripes on the back yoke and sleeve *chef kiss* ❤

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, thank you, Emily!

[@annholmes9650]

Beautiful! Particularly love the little tucks on the shoulder! Thank you Catherine for another winner.🎉

[@makeitjoyful]

That looks fantastic! I wouldn't even have known where to start. I learn so much from your videos. Thank you!

[@Bananacake4680]

I am so glad I found your channel, I love to sew and I learned a lot from you. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@donnadailey5062]

So happy to find you and your tutorial. I appreciate your presentation method, straight to the point, no excessive hand movement, lovely voice speaking so clear and concise... you're delightful and smart! I recently bought 6 beautiful high quality men's shirts with the intent of cutting squares for quilting, crafting.... no longer! Would love to see how you might alter/redesign the men's shirt collar, not just remove it but maybe round the corners or something to make it feminine. Hate admitting I'm vintage (refuse to subscribe to "old") and desperately need help with a wardrobe... sick of my same old jeans and couple of shirts... but that's life isn't it. I'll lok forward to more of your tutorials.

[@pattybevins9606]

Lovely work!! I love how the shoulder tops look. That little pleat looks perfect!

[@phillygirldiane8315]

Lives are not at stake here...words to live by in everyone's sewing room...

[@belieftransformation]

Fantastic re-make; thanks for sharing! Great tips, too! You look great in the upgrade!

[@ellenbruckermarshall4179]

Just in time, I just got 6 shirts and one’ll be tailored for me. Nice editing and narration with your thought process.

[@theresaromatowski9536]

I haven't watched video yet. Just like to read the comments first. Then I'm more prepared for what is coming. So glad to see your hair pulled out of the viewing area. And it still looks great during the production time, thank you. I'm now ready to watch the video.

[@leafyrox]

You make it look so easy. And it looks great!

[@lolawall3561]

Love the little changes that created a wonderful top. So inspiring to get a men’s shirt and make it my own.Thank you, happy sewing!

[@ArlenePMCM]

Fantastic! You're fearless with those scissors, LOL.

[@susanstewart1402]

You are making me feel good about saving an old too small, long circle skirt in gorgeous high quality fabric.

[@margaretrose3871]

Wow this is so so helpful. I bought some shirts that are way too big for me. Been afraid to try and alter them. This will help me so much. Thank you.

[@normacooper6377]

Very useful & cute upcycle. Clever refashion of the shirt, too. Thanks for sharing your work.🎊

[@terrimcintyre193]

👏 👏 👏 Love this tailored feminine look.

[@bonniecrowe1531]

Wow. Imagine having a custom sized button up shirt that doesn't pop at the chest. I might need a lower dart as well. I love the inspiration.

[@pattikillelea-almonte6670]

Catherine, thank you so much for this video. I have a couple of women's shirts that are too huge (I bought the wrong size and didn't realize it until after the return window had closed). Yesterday after watching your video about 5 times (had to make it sink in!), I was able to successfully re-size one of them. It took me almost the whole day, but I did it. Thanks! If I hadn't seen your videos, I wwould never have realized it was possible. Also, my pleats on the sleeves don't really match (one looks like yours, the other ... not so much), but I'm going with "progress not perfection" as the motto. Again, thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

That’s so great to hear! Well done!

[@kindraanderson5849]

Hello Catherine! Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. I feel so blessed to have found your channel, as a seamstress taught by a wonderful high school sewing teacher. I absolutely adore your up cycling finds. Thank you :)

[@margaretttowler9404]

Great video. Watching you makes me want to sew more.

[@bohorustica8545]

Just wonderful, love the stripes they look so timeless and Classic . Love me a well loved good cotton shirt, they become so soft and comfortable. I have 2 XXXL men's plaid , well loved flannel shirts, so light and soft and comfy to work out in the yard and garden. I swim in them, but love them. I will try some of your wonderful alterations to make them less overwhelming looking. I just own a sewing machine but have been watching your videos this winter and they have been so inspiring.I'm just going to jump in and try ( with a large less loved shirt) Gratitude for sharing your wisdom always. :))

[@CatherineSews]

What a lovely comment! Thank you for inspiring me right back!

[@janeallen5969]

I was hoping you would have a video on remaking a man's shirt. My husband and I were married 54 years. Sadly, he passed away a couple of years ago. He had a lovely collection of shirts. They are in very good condition and I loved them. I am so happy you made relatively easy changes & made a great shirt. I will enjoy my up coming projects. I don't have the tool to make the curves. I am guessing this is an item we should get to do a lot of thrifting changes? Do you have a video showing how to use the curve tool?

[@daxxydog5777]

They’re not expensive, but you can also freehand it or use anything curved, like bowls or plates. I think I bought a cheap one from Amazon in my beginning stages of pattern making, and it was like $5. I might have a small ruler collection at this point. 🤔 I am sorry to hear about your husband - you guys were married a very long time. Have you considered making a memory pillow out of one of the shirts? I made some for a friend to give to her children, and they turned out so cute.

[@jeannetteantry1086]

It would seem so complicated, but you make it so simple and slowly and methodically take it apart and sew it back together making great fitting changes. Now I have to try a shirt. Thanks. Good shirt fabric is hard to find and expensive. And a lot of the shirt remains sewn already. Great video.

[@carlyk502]

Ouch, oh my goodness, I’ve done that very same thing catching my finger on some very, sharp pins. I forgot how sharp they really were when it slid across my finger. Almost like a paper cut, instead of a prick.

[@katieduffy593]

Another amazing video, thank you. The finished shirt is lovely and sleek.

[@mammastreed5070]

Awesome! The extra challenges that the stripes present didn’t slow you down a bit! I need to be less intimidated by stripes too! Thanks! I’d love to see how you would tackle making the collar a different style. Maybe a band style, collar”less” style. Can it be done from that collar?

[@711Union]

You are amazing. I love your upcycles.

[@Sewlady718]

I love this. My husband has a lot of shirts that he no longer wears since he had a stroke.....so..........guess what I'm going to do!!!! Your shirt is just gorgeous and I have one almost identical. Thank you so much. You make it look doable...not necessarily easy, but definitely a possibility. You're the best.

[@kdcbattlecreek]

I never knew what to do with the serger tails, and I love the yoke treatment. I used that om my husband's shirt. Mow I can take in my blouses after having lost a bit of weight.

[@lobodo988]

Perfect. I love tailored woven clothing more than stretchy knits, your creation is soooooo handsome! 😍 Those 3/4 sleeves look femme chic to me, and look fantastic over a base layer "jacket style". Loooooove this.

[@gailsewsquilts1529]

Thank you Catherine. Loved seeing your process. I was struggling with a men’s shirt upcycle and realized sewing the side seams 1st has been my problem. I did the darts 1st and then had too much of a fabric discrepancy between front and back. As always you’re video was clear, concise and oh so helpful!

[@rofree2470]

In the 1990's had taken a princess seam pattern that fit well and modified it to convert men's shirts into women's. Opened the side seams all the way to the cuff or placket, depending on the style of shirt then layed the shirt out flat. Layed the pattern, which had the seam allowance removed for the collar and button placket. Then cut to the shape of the pattern. The side seam pattern was repeated, lining up the pattern pieces with the shoulder seam. Then the sleeve pattern was lined up with the cuff and the sleeve trimmed to the pattern. When sewing, made sure to line up the shoulder seam and sew top down on the front, then top down on the back. Liked making French seams since hadn't learned the flat felled seam technique. Then attach sleeve and side slits basically the way you did. Saved HOURS of construction time not having to make collars, cuffs and buttons! This video is an inspiration to make a new pattern for this gramma bod and go back to what is successful! Thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

I think I get what you’re saying, and it sounds like a brilliant idea! I might have to give that a try!

[@glittergrandma]

Well done. Your examples and process are a big help to me. Seeing the steps is really helpful. Many thanks.

[@joannemcd1257]

This is SUPER ADORABLE! ❤

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Joanne! So glad you like it!

[@deniselauffer8577]

Awesome tutorial Catherine! The shirt looks great on you🎉

[@ruthbarmore5211]

Thank you for this video ! I have several quality men's shirts that I purchased from a thrift store and I'm looking forward to using this technique.

[@collef1136]

Thank you Catharine. I always learn something from your videos. So grateful 🙏🏻

[@CherylGrube]

Thank you so much! I have a stash of men's shirts and have been wondering how best to refashion them to fit me. I love the little pleat at the top of the sleeve--adding femininity while keeping the shirt lines clean. I can't wait to get started!! If you have further ideas on refashioning men's shirts, I'd definitely be interested.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much! Have you seen this one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZmqZ4yfl6yFjrcsi=UkRJgPLTDw0TZGHq

[@QueenAmethyst55]

What a shirt! What a sewist! What a Woman! 💯% Catherine 🌹

[@dorothyyoung8231]

Handy tip for newbies: pin pricks happen. If you get blood on your project, your own saliva will act as a solvent to remove it. Put your saliva on the stain, then blot it away!

[@dianemills649]

Love all your projects & tips & ideas. I never liked to wear button down shirts, but your modifications are so cute that I want one.

[@EmmBee20014]

Amazing as always !

[@juadonna]

Super duper Cute! The fabric is so beautiful; looked like a joy to work with! Thank you for sharing with you fans!

[@mymagicword]

I have a couple women’s size large shirts in the donation pile because they’re too big for me. Now I know how to change them up. This video isn’t just for men’s shirts. ❤ Thank you for sharing your skills!

[@beckyev1965]

LOVE the 3/4 sleeves! This is such a cute makeover... and what a lovely job on the pocket!

[@hollyfrostswings]

Love all your projects and videos, but this one was super helpful and answered so many questions I’ve had when I’ve tried to do something similar and failed. The yoke “darts” are dead on - I usually have to do shoulder darts in the back of my tops for good fit and that is exactly how it’s done with a back yoke! Brilliant - you’ve inspired me to finally tackle some frumpy shirts I know I would love if they fit a little better. Thank you!

[@sharonrush731]

You do a great job Cathrine , you make it look so easy

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

Your shirt came out beautifully, and makes a really nice outfit, with the pleated skirt. Very nice. 👏👏👏

[@mikeandhollybolduc5258]

This came out wonderfully!!

[@miriamgladen9615]

I Would have loved to see how you've found/measured/positioned this back yoke dart. Your shirt has come out beautifully.

[@doudou53d44]

That was a stunning job!!👍😎🐕‍🦺🐈‍⬛

[@fredjones4163]

Wow, what a talented sewer you are. That shirt looks great 👍🏽

[@pharbottle]

Fantastic job!

[@vickiewilliams3259]

Wow - that was amazing! I love the look of men's shirts too but have never thought about tailoring one to fit me so it's flattering and not just sloppy looking. Also think this would work great on a men's Hawaiian shirt. Love a lot of those prints - so maybe I'll try one. Thanks for the great video.

[@dianejohanson98]

Great job! I wish I could sew as well as you do!

[@SewJoyful]

Fabulous shirt refashion 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@bonntonne5090]

WOW! You are such a great teacher.

[@lakcurious]

Great! Thank you so much for​ your work! I've been looking for a tutorial like this for a long time!

[@monikamiroslava4074]

As someone with a "heathy" stash of men's shirts sitting in a box, if this wasn't exactly what I needed :D Your shirt came out beautiful! Thanks you for sharing and for the detailed explanations. Suddenly it's not as daunting to cut into a piece :)

[@matrixmom3300]

AhDORABLE!!! Love it. I have several mens shirts...but always scared to tackle! I think I can now!! Not going to lie, the whole gaggle of pins you had at the sleeve had me on "pins and needles"!! 😆

[@Kelly-vc4rs]

Yeah, love the 'upcycles' from thrift stores.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Your new dressy blouse is beautiful on you.

[@bc927]

Thank you Catherine! I love how nicely you femininized that man's shirt. Question: Have you ever removed the hood off a sweatshirt? I just don't like the feel of all that weight around my neck.

[@melemel]

Great video, and also you're so natural and funny. Subscribing! ❤

[@CMeyer-ut3dd]

Men’s shirts are so well made, loved that you turned it into women’s wear. Do you do this with your students?

[@donnawittkop5045]

Love it!! You make it look doable! 😍

[@magdalenaluscombe5041]

I do enjoy your videos. You have a lovely hypnotic voice and it’s great hearing your thought process. Do you mind if I ask what is the marker pen you are using?

[@dorisshawcross4222]

great idea & great result thank you Catherine .

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

Well done!

[@darlenemiller9990]

Thanks for this! I just bought a few mens shirts to make a quilt, practice before I cut into my brothers’ shirts for memory quilts. But 2 of them are soooo nice, I really want them for myself! I know “how” to do it, but just didn’t want to mess with it, until now! I will be resizing one of them shortly! There are a couple of things I will do differently, but I’m looking forward to a whole new style to my wardrobe! Jan in Oklahoma

[@bigchungusofficial2912]

Looks fabulous!

[@cltinturkey]

Masterful. Brava!

[@PreciousMe]

Absolutely Love it! I've tried and failed several times but didn't think of the yoke dart. Will have to try it. It looks so good on you. Thank you! Big Hugs

[@melissad7855]

That is super cute!! I think I might try this one.

[@cathyjacobs9240]

What a great tutorial, thank you I learned quite a bit.

[@ellyrimes8101]

Very nice

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks!

[@andreagrimes9721]

Hi Catherine, your tutorials are so helpful. Could you possibly show a video altering a man's Hawaiian shirt. My husband has lost a lot of weight and I would love his shirts fit him again.

[@Morganistas]

Please keep doing these videos, Catherine! You share little tips (like how to make stripes match on armholes) that should be self-evident but really help us floundering upcyclers out here! This makes me want to try to make twinsies shirts for me and my man. =D

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

What a GREAT fit. So perfect 💓. So professional!!! Luv,luv,luv, your upcycle instructions. Thank you.

[@daxxydog5777]

I have some shirts my hubby has undergrown, and this might be a good thing to try.

[@colleenjolicoeur6059]

So much talent. The Force is strong with this one. LOL.