How to make upcycled men's shirts more feminine

In this video I share simple ways I use to to make men's dress shirts more feminine in my upcycles.
My Etsy Store: sherryjonesdes...

[@Dingle1234]

I love that someone's devoted a video to this. When you're thrifting, it doesn't escape notice that men's shirts are more quality, substantial fabric and often much nicer colours. Not to mention being completely unworn, presumably received as gifts. My niece who's a professional designer/seamstress simply put heavy red topstitching on a black men's western shirt once and it was stunning.

[@carolcurley7840]

Absolutely loved this video. I have so many things to up cycle and repair at the moment and cannot wait to get stuck in. Just recovering from breast cancer surgery but once fully recovered my machine is going to be blowing smoke 👍

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I hope you feel well soon and that you make some really cool stuff.

[@nataliegist2014]

I just bought a machine. I’m glad your on the mend. Please look in to the carnivore diet for cancer,on KZbin.

[@bonnieh2123]

I hope you have a blessed recovery.

[@carolcurley7840]

@@SherryJonesDesigns thank you x

[@carolcurley7840]

@@bonnieh2123 thank you x

[@grannyofmany6777]

I love your attitude….we need to all remember that negativity only brings more negativity, we all need the fun and bright side of life. Do the things you live and find the good in all things!🤗🤗🤗❤️

[@SewcraftymeT]

❤️ Your sweet disposition is wonderful you brightened my day.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'm so glad and thank you so much!

[@debbietrent3857]

Oh my! Adding the lace to that shirt would be adorable!!!

[@donnatolle1419]

Great to hear you just scroll past ANY negativity, Sherry. I feel by mentioning it in a video just gives the trolls a platform. You are MUCH BETTER IGNORING TROLLS. ❤

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Thankfully I have very few trolls so that is good.

[@starkravenwild791]

Save the collars to decorate and let your dog wear them. You can add a tie, to tie them on if you need a bit more neck room, Add ribbons and or lace for boys or girls. They really are a cute recycle project.

[@beccaL9]

Since I recently discovered you I am going back and watching many vids :)) You are so fun to watch! I love how you rarely use pins or the iron and your pieces look great. I already rarely use the iron and I have got to teach myself the finger pleating method! It will save so much time :)))

[@JuliaBates-tq1ej]

You remind me of a warm hearted auntie. I love it.❤

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Thank you so much for those kind words.

[@Noniinthebush]

I have an old bernina like that, what a beauty!

[@lynnettebrown9808]

I think the lower part of the collar the strip with the button on could be cut in half add another button hole. So you have two strips that can be used to keep sleeves rolled up short, just sew on the inside of the sleeve with a button on the outside of the sleeve.

[@MispelledOnPurpose]

I have a pink plaid mens shirt that I bought for the fabric years ago at a thrift store. I might try to do something like this with it.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That would be so adorable! You should do it!

[@warwickshirewolfpack]

Just bought 6 shirts from a charity shop and found your channel, perfect timing can't wait to get started

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Awesome! I hope you make some fun and amazing things!

[@nz-nz]

So nice! Loved the lace addition.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Me too. I think I might use it. I'll post a pic of it finished when I get it done. Hopefully today...lol

[@rhondabarlow860]

Really good video. I have a lot of my father's shirts I was trying to wear and realized they looked too manly. I'm going to try some of your ideas out.

[@InfiniteMindset99]

Outstanding! 🎉 I need to get back into sewing. Thank you for showing how! I have a men’s designer silk shirt that I will work on - by hand if needed.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That is awesome! You can do it!

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

This is exactly what I'm interested in these days. Thank you for responding to all of our requests about upcycling men's shirts. Just cutting off the parts that are more masculine is a good start! Then adding ruffles and lace. Please come back to this shirts (or this approach) and show us all you do. I would like to see how you "add curvature in" like you said. I want to try a little drawstring around the collar, I'd like to see that done as a lesson. Maybe a drawstring waist? Your videos are very friendly and helpful, thank you Sherry! And i like hearing the dog, too.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'll see what I can do and thank you so much for being okay with the noisy dog.

[@MsLola987]

Thanks for sharing your process. I love how you move forward with cutting and sewing without hesitating. A woman who knows what she wants and knows how to make it happen.😊 It's funny that you mentioned the walking foot. I just started using it with polar fleece. It makes it so much easier to sew uniform stitches and helps the top and bottom layers feed evenly. Now I use it for sewing everything. My other new discovery is the double needle. My dbl rows of stitches were always crooked, no more crooked stitching lines.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Thank you and the little bit of sewing I did get to do with the walking foot made me realize how much I wanted a good one. I could sew knit with ease! I am also going to give the double needle a try. Sounds super handy. Thank you for sharing!

[@cindythomas3655]

Thank for the great insperation.

[@llawrencekronk4886]

Okay, Sherry, since you asked, another way you can feminize a man's shirt is to add cartridge pleats ( like the ones at the top of drapes, but on the inside of the waist. On high end RTW I've usually seen pairs on each side an equal distance on each side maybe an inch or 2 apart and then matching at the back. A total of 8. This gives a very nice hourglass shape, with minimal effort. Those pleats are easy. Just a straight line about the length of a lipstick or shotgun shell. Just thought you might like to try them. Thanks for sharing your methods. Have a great day. Mrs. K.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Fantastic idea! Thank you so much for sharing Mrs. K.

[@Iamgone1961]

Once you’ve done all of that, put the shirt on, take a piece of elastic and place it over the shirt, but under the bust to give you a sort of empire line, mark where the elastic is. Cut the shirt at that line, leaving a half inch extra maybe. Add different fabric to make the skirt of the dress, the same width as the shirt, presuming the shirt is big on you? Make a little casing, thread elastic through….i think that would look cute too!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Sounds fun to try. Thank you for sharing!

[@phylliswilliamstn]

Your channel just popped up. You are so pleasant to listen to. Don’t change a thing. New sub 😊

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@bitsnharry]

I tend to look more or solid color shirts. One way to dress them up a little is restrained use of some of the decorative stitches on your machine in thread as close to matching as you can get. The use of a Matt thread is wonderful on linen. A slightly shiny rayon, poly or silk thread In tiny cross stitches cane so subtle but definitely raise your shirt to the next level! I shop in the thrift stores but find beautiful shirts in the thrift store outlets! That would be where everything is in huge bins, all mixed together. The advantage here is you pay weight of the items instead of individual pieces. I have a white Featherweight sewing machine that I paid about $11 for instead of $300-400! The clothing will surprise you - some very expensive designer brands frequently! I got some black velvet trousers the other day and several linen shirts! I think it was under $2.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Wow! Awesome tips and I'm so envious of your thrifting. Not a lot of thrift stores in my rural area sadly.

[@Art930]

As a quilter, the first thing I thought of was using my leftover binding strips around the neck and sleeve ends. I think bright colored binding strips on a white shirt would be pretty, and each sleeve could even be a different color. Also a narrow binding strip at the edge of the placket. Now I'm all eager to run to Goodwill for some shirts!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That sounds amazing! You should do it and make it!

[@patty6375]

My son's great pyrenees barks at butterfly farts, in other words, everything. 😂 nice to hear her in the background. Thanks for all the tips and inspiration!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That is a good description of why my dog Willow barks too...ha ha. Any reason will do. I'm so glad she isn't upsetting to you. Thank you so much.

[@racheltal2680]

Thank you Sherry for your videos! I already made two harvest aprons using your idea! You can also add binding instead of the parts that you cut, that have feminine colors.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'm so glad you made harvest aprons! That is amazing! Binding is an excellent idea!

[@koalasez1200]

Finished shirt looks great. Even though you said darts weren’t in the plan, they would add shaping. Someone said pin tucks which would be very feminine and forgiving as well. Nice tutorial 😊

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Thank you. I'll have to experiment with some pin tucks and darts. I think those are great ideas.

[@warwickshirewolfpack]

I like to buy xxl sizes for the fabric and make a completely different design, turn the front of the shirt so it buttons down the back, get rid of the collar, sleeveless summer tops etc

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Awesome!

[@jeniellison9977]

I pieced all of my cuffs and collars together and made a quilt for my grandson.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

What an awesome idea! I love it!

[@janeallen5969]

Sharpening your sewing needle should be quite easy. I'm 79. When I worked in a doctor's office as a teen, I steriled equipment, including needles. I was taught to use a sharpening tool for the needles. It was quick and easy. Just be sure to look at the needle after sharping it. Turn it around because sometimes a little hook might develop. If it happens just a light run across the stone takes care of it.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That is such good advice. Thank you so much. I had no idea that back in the day needles were sharpened.

[@winonadavies9201]

I love these ideas. Just a suggestion for the elastic that breaks up when sewed is to sew a strip of fabric as a casing on the inside of the sleeve and pull the elastic through it. This also makes it more comfortable for your arm when wearing it.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That is an excellent idea.

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

You can actually use the shirt cuff as the casing. The cuffs are usually double layered.

[@MargotMichelle55]

I would love a project using up all those cut off collars and cuffs I have so many left over !

[@grittykitty50]

This is probably more than you want to take on, but I cut up my scraps and leftovers in small pieces and use them to stuff pillows.

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

I've sharpened needles occasionally but also read this: the chrome coating on the needle (machine sewing) makes a big difference in how smoothly the needle pierces the fabric. A smooth sharp needle makes a finer hole and is less likely to tear or get caught on even s single thread. These are things that seem minor but a whole line of stitching will look better. So, just food for thought.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Very interesting. I'm curious how the sewing machine needle will do. I haven't had a chance to try it yet or even see if anyone on KZbin has done it so I don't have to.....ha ha

[@karendunks3728]

Thank you. I enjoy your video very much.

[@AngelaJonesQuilts]

First time I've seen your videos. Love this idea. I would enjoy seeing a sleeveless version, and also ways to add shape (darts, pintucks, etc) to pull the middle in a bit. Maybe you could do a series??? 💕

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'm so glad you like my video and those all sound like great ideas. Thank you for sharing

[@koalasez1200]

Agree; I’ve added darts etc. to shirts to get rid of the boxy shape. Taking in the sides a bit also helps. Shirring the sleeves would feminize it and as she says, adding a ruffle around the neck is a great idea.

[@tereciahunter6427]

I love your style. My favorite is to wear men's t shirts and shirts too. I'm going to do some of what I already have. I lost my partner and I have a few of his shirts I can copy what you showed us.. thank you so much..

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'm so sorry you lost your partner. I learned when I was young that men's clothing have deeper sleeves and their tshirts especially became my favorite ones to wear. I am so glad you are able to use the information I share to reuse some of his shirts. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

[@viviannefraser5974]

I wonder if you have s solution for shirts both men’s and women’s that are wider at the arm hole and first part of the sleeves than I like?

[@lapoppy4801]

Please include a random shot of your dog! I love Great Pyrenees and their big fluffy goodness.

[@viggycat8592]

Yes! That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out. ❤❤❤Let that little angel goober bark. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jamieomahen2656]

Great tips and lots of food for thought.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Thanks so much!

[@laurieme3250]

Great video, Thank you. Love men's tailored shirts, I added Pearls hand stitched on top of white buttons. What is more feminine than pearls?

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That is a lovely idea! Thank you for sharing!

[@cinnamongirrl1705]

Omg. Brilliant re: sharpening needles..so obvious once you realize..lol. ty

[@SharonBell6123]

I love this video Sherry! Thank you!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'm so glad! Thank you for letting me know.

[@lgcushman9154]

Awesome video!!! Thank you! ❤

[@snowletsh5759]

The collar can be use for dog collars not everyday collar but more like an accessory. Donate it to shelters or rescue for picture taking!

[@Richiedei50]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@staciepate5533]

Where is the pic of finished product? Great suggestions!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I finished it later and posted a pic in the community tab. kzbin.infoUgkxnG5NTSdgmewh4UAa6TBnqorn4dHOxgPG

[@danaevans5849]

I sharpen my edged needles on a fine piece of sandpaper!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That is awesome!

[@d3bbi3W]

Wonderful video Sherry. I have been asked to make adult clothing savers for my Grandma. The one she has now was made with a towel. I want to make one that suites her, she has always been very stylish. Which fabric would work best as far as stain resistant ? Polyester? Thanks for any help. ❤

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I bet she would love it! Yes, polyester is the best choice I think. You could do a cotton blend if it seems to harsh.

[@bitsnharry]

there is a fabric frequently used to make diaper liners for babies. I can’t remember the name of it but it is plain and usually if not only available in white. That could be the backing fabric to your colorful front or the inbetween layer if you already back them with a second fabric. If you look at a pattern to make those liners or even an ad for them I am sure it would mention the name. The name PUL just flew into my brain! I have reached that age where names pop in and out of my mind. There used to be a spray fabric treatment that would make the fabric less likely to stain but didn’t make it stiff. It is called Craftguard. Good for you for doing this!

[@bitsnharry]

The PUL is waterproof - that’s why it makes great liners for cloth diapers when combined with flannels I believe.

[@conniesmith9989]

Hi. Awesome 👌. Thank you for sharing. More, pleasevin the future.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

These are great ideas. I've noticed that men's shirts are made out of better fabrics than women's. The scraps left over may be used to make scrap quilts. That a cute blouse that you made out of a man's shirt.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Thank you and I agree that the fabric in men's shirts is better.

[@Wandah-wu9or]

Thank you

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

Your dog's barking is not annoying, the little dogs who live across the street from me are annoying because their barks are high pitched and they constantly bark. My mom said that some people need to step on others to make them feel bigger, and those people are to be pitied. I absolutely hate the trolls, there is no reason to be hateful online, if you don't like the content, don't click on it. Back to upcycling, great video, great ideas.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'm so glad my dog didn't bother you. Your mom had good advice. I like that and I'm so glad you liked the video.

[@patriciacollins5783]

QUESTION: Which basic sewing machine would you recommend for an average sewer?

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That is a tough one. There are a lot of good machines out there. I tend to gravitate toward older models simply because they are built better and more simple, which to me means less things that will break, but they are also heavier so if one has to pick it up and put it down a lot, it might get tiresome. Like if one was using a kitchen table to sew at then picking up a heavy machine would likely be unpleasant. I've had several different machines. Everything from Singers to the old Wards machines and such. Now I have a Bernina 700 which I love but it can be annoying as the stitch length is fully flexible so I never know exactly what I have. For my first machine, I would not do something complicated. I would want something with at least a straight and a zigzag, not something totally worn out, maybe even a new little Brother or singer or gently used older machine. I got my Bernina off of E-bay. Hope that helps.

[@patriciacollins5783]

@SherryJonesDesigns Thank you for taking the time to share! I have an inexpensive sewing machine (Sadly, I didn't learn that it needed regular cleaning, oiling, and a dryer environment until AFTER I started having problems). You've given me a good starting point on what to look for when it's time to replace it!

[@spicysith9627]

I´d love to give a man´s shirt a kimono-like look. Remove the collar, deepen the neckline at the back, remove the cuffs to shorten the sleeves, add a traditional collar... Seems kinda easy.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I think that would be awesome! You can do it!

[@judietterichards8856]

Nice watching your video

[@mcdowell1953]

I follow a seamstress that makes quilts our of thrifting mens dress shirts.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That is awesome! I had to learn how to see clothing as fabric that I can repurpose. It is way more fun to thrift when you buy for fabric type and aren't looking for particular sizes or things that have to fit. One can be way more creative.

[@ProbablySoonerThanLater]

We would love to see your dog sometime!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'll try and remember to put a pic in soon.

[@icare4bunnies]

You have to show the finished product sometime 😊

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I was just thinking the same thing this morning! Also, because the channel is about my store on Etsy, I think I might post pics of things going into my store that I make on the off days that I'm not uploading videos.

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Yes please do that Sherry! I'd enjoy seeing pictures of everything.

[@icare4bunnies]

Good idea!​@@SherryJonesDesigns

[@smiller6925]

I'd love to see a men's shirt converted to a dolman sleeve, which are making a comeback right nw,

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That's a great idea!

[@fancynancy2870]

Please do a video to upcycle a man's shirt to fit a women's body with curves?

[@mssavage6927]

I'm a woman and I don't fit women's long sleeves, I fit better in men's clothes than women's so I have to make all my clothes or make adjustments on all my women's clothes. 😊

[@flowerpower3618]

Cute

[@mariatilt-q1363]

🤣🤣🤣🤣Fantastic, ignore, ignore, ignore like a plague.

[@juliemartinez4418]

New sub here

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Thank you! You are awesome!

[@RebeccaAskew-zv5mv]

Why not put lace on the sleeve edge and neckline and the pocket can be loosened on the top half and lace put along the helpline and then reattached.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

All those ideas would definitely make it more feminine. Thank you for sharing.

[@terrieberly8109]

I recently found your channel and love your ideas. My only wish is that you didn't "fuss" with the item constantly while you are talking and constantly repeat the ideas of what you can do with the item. Wish you would just "get to sewing" as a tutorial. Not being mean honestly, just my personal wishes. I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

It's so funny because no matter what I do, someone is upset. I appreciate your honesty though and I think its best if I just be myself.

[@rhondabarlow860]

If you don't like how she conducts the video, don't listen. It's best to take a teaching style as it's presented. You're being unnecessarily controlling.

[@janeallen5969]

My friend and I have sewn forever...I think many people who love sewing are rather tactile souls. Plus when I've needed to remake something I need to know how the fabric works or moves. I think I do the same thing. Funny how we can learn about ourselves. yourself

[@47retta]

You can also speed up the video.