How to Change Up a Basic T-shirt Pattern: endless variations!

[@Frugalisama]

This is fabulous Catherine, someone mentioned your video earlier - how have I not seen this before! Is it ok to add it to the Sew Frugal playlist, there's so much packed into this video.

[@CatherineSews]

YES!! So happy that you found me! I've had so much fun with your challenge. Thanks for all the hard work in organizing it. I actually did 3 videos on this challenge and I'd be thrilled to have any of them added to the playlist. Thanks so much!

[@Frugalisama]

@@CatherineSews 👍

[@Texasborn2]

@@CatherineSews You are such a good see wing teacher! Your instructions look so easy and doable. Makes sewing fun.

[@susanoerter1419]

Took an old favorite tank top and used your ideas to re cut the neckline and bring up the armhole as well as the length. It turned out great. Then I used that shirt to cut out a brand new one from 2 thrifted new tops (same shirt), using the bottom edge for my edge and avoided all the decal prints on the front and back. Used the scraps to make 2 different finishes on the tops. I love how they both hit me just on my hips. I did a front gather section on the new shirt. Looks great with full skirts and my pants. Thanks.

[@juliec4750]

Please show us a sweetheart neckline and a square neckline. I LOVE your videos! So inspiring!! 💜

[@christinegraham2579]

Over the past 3-4 months, I’ve been really enjoying your channel!

[@dedehart7189]

OMG - wrapping paper for patterns!! Who knew?!? I think I am late to this party! Thanks Catherine - just discovered your channel and have been binge watching :)

[@janetstringer362]

I have been sewing for over 50 years I wish this was around in my early days. So helpful no nonsense practical tips. I am stripping my sister's kaftan s down to make clothes for her grand children. I love finding off cuts for a couple of pounds and making jackets tops and skirts. ❤❤❤

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love the lilac color on you.

[@CHrisPetE056]

I like the top with the little turtle neck as well. But I think your right about the color. Maybe with a dark jacket because it looks good with the plaid pants. 👌🏼 woo hoo. Thank you.

[@CathyBlok]

i LOVE YOUR VIDEOS. I use to sew alot when I was younger but life got in the way and now I want to get back to sewing. I love your upcylcing ideas. You are very creative. One suggestion.... Could you do a longer and fuller view of your final creations. At the end, you tube pictures of other videos cover up the final modeling view, or we can only see just a close up of the upper part of the creation. I love looking at your final creations.

[@maliaoswald413]

Thank you so much for this video! I love how you took a t-shirt pattern and made many variations.

[@kensmother1652]

You are amazing. I’ve been sewing for 50+ years and I’m not confident with doing things that you do. You have helped me so much, if only to identify where adjustments are made for particular problem areas.

[@barbarawarner4645]

I think the scoop neck is the most flattering on you and the short puffed sleeve is also flattering. That said the sleeveless turtleneck is super classy. More please! This was fun.

[@CatherineSews]

Exactly the reaction I was hoping for! It is super fun playing around with all of these possibilities, right!?

[@dorothydishman4664]

What a great seminar in alterations of a pattern.

[@phyllisgordon6577]

The color is beautiful on you. I like the variation with the scoop, gathered neck .

[@barbaramason7636]

Yes, I’d like to see more versions of the basic tee. I found this video useful. Thank you! 🇨🇦

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

Fantastic video. Luv,luv it. I like the tee with the lower neckline, and the longer sleeve. Wonderful tips. More re-make videos like this one, please.

[@jeanberger7154]

Catherine, I love your upcycling videos and I love these T-shirt variations! I have become much more fearless about chopping garments up to make them fit since watching your videos. Thank you! I wonder if you could do a video that focuses on upcycling fashion scarves, pashminas, infinity scarves, etc. and turning them into something. I see so many in the thrift stores and they are beautiful fabrics, but it is hard to decide how to use them. Thank you again!

[@desihomemadefood]

Hello my new friend and nice to meet you ❤️❤️

[@patriciaingraldi4719]

Aside from Your tutorials which are very good you are so likable. Thank you My favorite is the racer back t- shirt

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, thanks so much, Patricia! That's so sweet.

[@lucilledaub5991]

Are you a home ech teacher . Because you surely know how to change pattern pieces!

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, I am! But I just teach on the textiles side of things.

[@tracyfrost]

Fantastic tips it’s very helpful to see how to do the alterations to basic T-shirt.

[@annholmes9650]

Fabulous Catherine - I just love all your videos. Thank you x x

[@normacooper6377]

I had not seen this one. Such helpful information. Thanks for sharing.

[@joanneblair2087]

Best video I’ve watched in a long time

[@CatherineSews]

Awesome to hear! Thanks, Joanne!

[@Seejaysew]

I love the way you cut several copies of the pattern at the same time. That’s brilliant. Was really interested in how you carves out the armhole. It’s always an area that challenges me and I’ve been hesitant to do it as I was worried I’d have to change the sleeve. You made it look so straight forward and have given me the confidence to give it a try. The whole transformation of the tee shirts is brilliant. They’re all great, but I love the sleeveless turtleneck on you. I just found your channel and am looking forward to seeing more.

[@CatherineSews]

I'm SO glad you found me. Such a lovely comment. It's great to have you on board!

[@TP-lk9vj]

Interesting tutorial on how to use a curved ruler.

[@PatternStudio101]

I love the one with gathering at your front neck. I personally love that style 😎

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, that is a pretty one, and so easy to do! Thanks for watching!

[@barbarawarner4645]

This was delightful! More please.😂

[@kaymelatexcali8730]

You are so cool! THANK YOU FOR ALL the GREAT THINGS YOU SHARE!!!!!!!!!! Love to hear you talk and teach! ❤❤❤❤

[@nadialetourneau4490]

I absolutely need to make my t-shirt pattern canva like you. Great inspiration!

[@sharynr4067]

You are such a brilliant teacher. This video is so comprehensive, interesting and well structured. Gold!

[@sosewmad]

Love that #sewfrugal22 has brought me to your channel! Some fabulous ideas

[@CatherineSews]

That's great to hear! Thanks for watching and jumping aboard! Happy to have you here 😘

[@bonnierobbins4230]

So glad I found you! You make my day! ❤️ Bonnie Ohio T-shirt design!! Yes

[@nickijaycox7773]

How I wish we were neighbors, I could learn so much from you. 😁😁😁 Awesome video ☺️

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, that's such a lovely comment. It makes me wish we were neighbours too!

[@traceycoles1693]

You are a great teacher.

[@loveinflower3084]

Thank you Catherine!!! I've been looking for ways to jazz up my basic tees. I'm going to try the shirred front scoop neckline on my next project.

[@Parakeetfriend4215]

I like the scoop neckline best and the fluffy short sleeves. I like the feminine look. I never wear turtlenecks, too hot and I feel strangled, it's the I have no neck look, which isn't good on me.

[@sarahharris-prewett8035]

Thank you Catherine ! I've learned so much today on the how-and-why's of sleeve drafting & altering. My favorite version has the ruffled sleeves.

[@CatherineSews]

Wonderful! That's lovely to hear, Sarah!

[@juliefox77]

Wow! I am so inspired! I have only just begun my journey of adding custom elements to a basic T pattern. These were fabulous ideas! I also love how you showed us the iterative process where you did a lot of trial and error until you were happy. So often videos will just show everything magically working the first time, which so far in my experience is far from reality, LOL!

[@bottle-capjack1778]

I love watching you transform patterns and garments. Really surprised how the puff sleeve turned out. Enjoy watching and listening to your instructions. You have a very calming, inviting voice. Thank you for sharing your sewing adventures.

[@judithritner9696]

This video is so helpful! I think I could make some of these changes on knit necklines and sleeves now. I have several knit tops that I love, but the necklines are sloppy. So thank you again🤗🌟

[@zehcnas1008]

Great video. The turtleneck with the in cut sleeves was my favorite.

[@deannarego2283]

I just found you today! Omg! I’m so excited you have made me believe I can sew for myself. I have been sewing/ quilting but never just for me. Now I have a mission impossible or not sew excited to try.A Big Thank You 👏😁🦋

[@CatherineSews]

You can do it! And your comment made my day. That's exactly what I was hoping for when I started my channel!

[@TriciaLBarber]

I am enjoying binging your videos. You explain things in such an easy to understand manner. Looking forward to more videos.

[@JoytoWorld]

Wow!!! I learned sooooo much! Thanks!!

[@CatherineSews]

So pleased to hear! Glad to have you on board 😊

[@lavonnemacfarland7380]

This video is so informative. I love how you made a basic tee so custom! I like the gathered neck and puff sleeve; that version paired with a flowy skirt is perfect for spring summer!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much for watching and leaving a lovely comment!

[@copperfall]

Christmas wrap for pattern paper, genius! Thank you! I've cut down t-shirts for a while but I'm so happy to find your channel for your tips :). Subscribe

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Copperfall, but I have to give credit for the wrapping paper to a fantastic channel called Thoughtful Creativity. She's great!

[@helgawientjes9113]

I just discovered your channel when I was looking for instructions how to alter a pattern I bought in a thrift shop but it has the incorrect size for me. And now after watching this one, I'm hooked. I had so many ideas in my mind for altering patterns but had no idea how to go about it. You are not only inspirational but also a great tutor as this really looks I can do it. Thanks so much!

[@helgawientjes9113]

BTW, I just recently found a really good base pattern for a t-shirt in a thrift shop and tried it out with some leftover fabric. So could almost submit that to the challenge!

[@Sewlady718]

I love the scoop neckline with the gathers. That is so flattering, but not a fan of the ruffle on the sleeve. It looks beautiful on you, but for me, I'm short and it just adds more width to an area where I don't need it.🤣. I found the pattern and can't wait to try out some of your techniques. Thank you for all your inspiring videos. I'm really starting to love sewing clothes after years of not.

[@sherrysenn2177]

Thanks. Just what I needed.

[@tonia-deegraveson1760]

Also love the little cap sleeve but would do round neck only that i am in Australia and crew / rolled neck would possibly to hot. Thank you so for the inspiration

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Tonia-dee. I'm so glad you found inspiration here!

[@annaiyah08]

I have binge watched a year of your videos today 😂😊

[@SewJoei]

Fantastic tutorial. Thanks so much for sharing all of these tips😊❤️

[@CatherineSews]

You are so welcome! And thanks so much for watching and commenting. It really helps my channel grow!

[@karenbaily]

You are a wonderful teacher! Thanks for sharing these videos! 🙂❤️👍

[@loreleig5062]

This was an excellent video! Please continue with more variations! I have to watch the pant videos now!, thank you 🇨🇦

[@CatherineSews]

Yay! So glad you liked it! Thank you!

[@krupali-gallery]

Excellent 👌

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much!

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Goodness what a lot of good info

[@1wolfpup]

Really great tutorials. Thank you.

[@jori7398]

Cute! Loving the ca sleeve turtleneck 💞

[@Mishin108]

Thank you, this was super helpful. You have a great way of explaining and demonstrating.

[@jacqpot9413]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@CatherineSews]

You're more than welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@mariejohnson1828]

Very helpful 🙂

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Marie! Glad you found it useful!

[@annak1371]

I have learned so much from you. Thank you.

[@CatherineSews]

You are so welcome. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@barbaraharsch3048]

You make changing patterns so easy.. I'm always afraid of changing anything then don't like the garment after it's done thanks..

[@evansfamily8156]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are giving me the Master Class I need. These are all things my Mom learned and just did for all of us. We learned basic sewing but nothing about intense pattern alterations (literally only elongating the inseam on a pair of shorts). Dying to dig in and really use the tools you are teaching. I now know where I went wrong in attempting to take the pleats out of a pair of slacks for my son. So much to learn.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for the enthusiastic comment! So glad to have you on board!

[@nancyhilborn885]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing great tips for adjusting patterns to make unique garments that suit the individual. I found you through Sew Frugal 22 but will definitely be sticking around.

[@CatherineSews]

So great to hear! Very happy to have you on board!

[@chrissy24-7]

All this info is so invaluable; my Grandma was a seamstress in NYC, and I feel like you're opening a window to her mind, explaining all this patterning! Thank you so much!

[@jaynemacklyne1462]

Really wonderful sewing. So easy to understand and you make it such fun Love it thanks

[@amydowns8430]

l really loved this video! I'm a nervous beginner, but your demonstration is making me want to have a go! Your enthusiasm is really lovely to see

[@CatherineSews]

So happy to hear this! Give it a go and let me know how you do! ❤️

[@fantasypaintco]

Just found u and subscribed and wrung bell, can’t wait to learn more, newbie here

[@CatherineSews]

So happy to have you on board! Such a great attitude!

[@pamelaliebelt9967]

I really enjoyed this video.

[@CatherineSews]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@lindap9079]

I just discovered your channel today. I've subscribed and I'm binge watching. I have a stash of both fabric and oversized thrifted tees to work on.

[@CatherineSews]

Well, that just makes my day! Thanks so much for finding me!

[@jennifermaddock4382]

Excellent tutorial. I've saved it and also subscribed. Thanks sew much.

[@CatherineSews]

Well, thanks SEW much for watching, commenting and subscribing! It's lovely to have you on board!

[@jacquicardillo4537]

What a great video; so many ideas to try! As far as my favourites, I feel that the turtleneck with the puff sleeves is a bit too much fabric; it feels a little frumpy to me. My theory is that a covered up neckline like a turtleneck works great with a more bare arm (like with your sleeveless version; fabulous!) and a neckline that shows more skin needs a more covered up arm (so the scoop neck with the puffed or a 3/4 sleeve). My own current favourite tee pattern is a crew neck sleeveless shell with a seam down the back for some subtle shaping. I think I've made four this summer. I just found your channel yesterday and I am loving it!

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, I like your assessment of the tops, and I agree! So glad to have you on board!

[@alymig70]

WOW! I learned so much from this! Thank you 🙏🏻 !

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much, Alycia!

[@heathersretirementshenanig6785]

Hi Catherine! I'm new here. I'm really enjoying your videos, hoping to learn as much as I can from you so I can start tailoring my own stuff and make my own patterns using clothes that already fit well. Thanks for your time and the great content, love it! I love the puff cap sleeve and the turtleneck. Love turtlenecks!

[@ptoste1]

Omg I’ve learnet so much in this tutorial, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make all of this easily like you. But I’ll give it a try for sure. Thank you so much 👏👏👏🙏🙏🥰👌👌👌😍😍❤️❤️❤️

[@CatherineSews]

That's so lovely to hear! I hope you have fun trying out some of the techniques!

[@dianecrews6130]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@CatherineSews]

My pleasure, and thanks for watching!

[@arylenereycraft5497]

This was fabulous! Thank you. I enjoyed you very much. I really...really like the sleevless turtle neck...although I'd be pleased with any of them!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much! And I just checked out your channel too--nice!

[@arylenereycraft5497]

@@CatherineSews thank you for dropping in! I'll be visiting you again (and again...and again--you get the picture :-))

[@erlinemountney8643]

Thanks so much for the pattern Catherine and all the tips!

[@CatherineSews]

You're more than welcome, and thanks for watching!

[@judiesiewert248]

Hi Catherine, this was really interesting, and is helping me understand the structure of the tops. Thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching and commenting 🙂

[@lindamuir5990]

This is fantastic. I wondered if you ever take into account the amount of stretch of your fabric as you design?

[@cathyswope5174]

Recently found your channel, love it

[@CatherineSews]

Awesome! So glad to have you on board!

[@KenbismoimaginatioN]

its cool content, thanks for sharing

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks very much!

[@annbutler7461]

Only just come across this video. All really great ideas. I have been looking at how to add gathers to front neckline and your way looks really easy. Certainly going to try. Will seek out your other videos too. Its amazing what you can do with a basic tee - if you just give it a go!! Thank you 😍

[@sherrelstroot3034]

This video is awesome Catherine. I just recently discovered your channel. I like all of the versions.

[@CatherineSews]

Fantastic! So happy to have you on board. Thanks for watching and commenting. Another of my favorite tshirt videos is this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGOzkHaLYt-HbKs

[@carlyk502]

I’ve recently come across your channel, & I love it. I think the scoop, gathered sleeve is my favorite! That lavender color on you is very pretty, I don’t think it washes you out @ all. You’ve managed to combine different learning styles into this video: visual, auditory, & sensory. Keep up the good work! As one sewist to another, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Kudos & hats off to you…Well Done!

[@CatherineSews]

Such a sweet comment. Thanks Charlena!

[@beverlyosborn5240]

Thanks 👍❤️🧵

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

My favorite is the scoop neck, and , I love the sleeves , that you added. Thank you so much, for this video. I learned so much, during this video. When you gathered the scoop neck, how did you figure how much to gather the neck?. Thx again. Great video.

[@tangorhumba3777]

Hi I’ve just discovered your channel and I love it. You make it sound soooo easy. I find drafting sometimes difficult and sometimes not but I’m not sure why😮. Its tops I have troubles with. I have tried to make a sloper that I know each time I make something I can just draw round it and it will fit but it seems impossible😢 I’ll keep watching and maybe I’ll get it eventually. Many thanks I rally enjoyed it.

[@begonial6151]

Great video. I was planning to alter an existing top. I need to narrow the neckline and think that gathers will work well. It will bring the armholes in enough to improve the fit. I’ve been reticent to get started but you have inspired me. Thanks!

[@cjane51]

Best video I watched today! This is just what I want to learn to do. The pants look great and the lavender tee is ok with them. You were right, the lavender color washes you out. Does the sam for me. LOL. So glad I found you thanks to sew frugal 22. One request, could you go a little slower when you make all the changes you made. I was trying to take notes but you move so quickly! Thanks Catherine.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for the lovely comment! My mum is always telling me to slow down in my videos, haha. I will try!! If there's one or two areas in particular that you want more detail on, just ask!

[@cjane51]

@@CatherineSews I’d love to learn more about changing the neckline. V necks are much better for me

[@CatherineSews]

@@cjane51 Ok, game on! I've been wanting to do a V neck Tee for quite a while, so let's do it!

[@rhonddalesley]

You can change the playback speed to go slower if you click on the 3 small dots at the top when the video is playing (which can make people sound like they’ve had a glass or two of wine sometimes if you slow it a lot lol), or pause it then make notes 😊

[@tinanassar9431]

Great video!! I have a question, if you remove excess from the scythe on the bodice do you have to change the sleeve cap too?

[@bekesize]

Thanks for this video! I started by watching the raglan shirt. You are an excellent teacher! I have a question about how the gather is created. I understand how more fabric was added, but am confused by how the gather landed directly in the center front.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for the kind encouragement, Beke! For the gathering, I swung the pattern out from the fold, so the extra fabric is all right there at the centre front. Then I kept it there by sewing the gathering stitch a few inches either side of the centre. Basically, you just "stretch" the area you want to add gathers to.

[@bekesize]

@@CatherineSews Thanks! Yes, now I can see it! I appreciate your quick reply!

[@dianavestal850]

I just found your channel. I was hoping you would show in SLOW motion how you alter a basic t-shirt pattern to make a simple fit and flare tunic pattern. This went in fast forward during the whole pattern alteration part. do you have a video that shows step by step how to do what 'm trying to do? I have a basic pattern that is ill fitting and a simple dress pattern that fits well but doesn't have the gradual flared extended length bottom and am struggling to get the two together. Thanks

[@CatherineSews]

Hi Diana, I'm glad you found me. I do use fast motion quite a bit if I'm nust drawing a line or cutting, as I try to keep videos from getting too long. Some viewers change the settings to play in slow motion (use that icon that looks like a cog). The alteration of your tshirt depends on what the problem is. In this video I try on the basic Tee and pin out extra fabric and then remove that from the pattern.

[@lynnephelps2370]

It is probably known by most everyone, but I have a super basic question! When you download the free pdf, how do you print on big enough paper? Thanks, loved this video, and a pattern curve is on my list. I've lost a bunch of weight and can't afford a new wardrobe, so I'm hoping to alter what I have into new items that fit!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Lynne. Some people pay a printer to print the PDF on large paper, but most of us just print it on regular paper and tape it together. That's the big downside of PDFs!

[@lynnephelps2370]

Thanks so much!

[@eileenfb1948]

❤❤❤

[@stephaniepaterson6340]

I love this!! Just what I’ve been looking for. Just one question, most of my tops have excess material under the arm…if I lift the whole top up a couple of inches it fits perfectly, but when I’ve tried to alter it I’ve made the armhole too tight…please, please can you help?!

[@CatherineSews]

Hmmm, interesting question 🤔 I wonder if it has more to do with the slope of your shoulder. Does the excess fabric under your arm drape or even pull down from the neck-shoulder point to under the arm?

[@stephaniepaterson6340]

@@CatherineSews it looks exactly like yours does under the Spider-Man tshirt! Too low and too wide! I haven’t looked at the shoulder…or can’t because for some reason I thought I should cut arm off, take in seam and reattach arm….but I’ve gone a little wild sergering one side without marking or measuring…..think I may have to think of it as fabric and a valuable learning curve rather than a dress! Right, I’m now going to go back and see what you do with the Spider-Man tshirt! Thanks

[@CatherineSews]

@@stephaniepaterson6340 Hmmm, I wonder if it's just too big then. If you start with a smaller size maybe?

[@stephaniepaterson6340]

@@CatherineSews yes for patterns but I’m referring to items from charity shops. I’m binge watching your videos at the moment, very helpful. Thanks

[@JasonMoodie]

and the sleeveless one shows off your GUNS

[@CatherineSews]

Hahaha, I don't think anyone has ever called my arms GUNS before! I'll take it, lol!

[@suusieeeq8007]

What kind of marker is this that disappears with ironing?

[@CatherineSews]

It's a Frixion marker.