How to Sew a T-Shirt (Short or Long Sleeve) - Introduction to Knit Fabrics - Sewing for Beginners!

[@taylormedia1000]

Thanks for being someone who hasn't forgotten what it's like to be a beginner

[@lllmmmppp]

I’m brand new to sewing and making t shirts are the main reason I got a sewing machine. I just made my first T-shirt because of you! I’m a beginner and the part where you state/remind us “you shouldn’t have to feel bad about doing something you’ve never done before. Just enjoy the process and if you make a mistake, big deal, fabric is cheap!” Thank you for all the support along the way. You’re the best and I can’t wait to learn more from you.

[@lllmmmppp]

@I-serve-you-tea I’d highly recommend doing it. You might curse your whole way through but you’ll eventually get it. I’ve made several since and they all have their own unique mistakes.. but look at even more tutorials than just this one. You’ll pick up on nuanced tips and tricks here and there that will help you understand how to do this better every time.

[@lllmmmppp]

And to answer your question… No, my first t shirt didn’t turn out good but it turned out better than I thought it would. It’s not perfect but I did my best and I love it for that.

[@daxxydog5777]

Don't forget the overlock stitch! That also works great on stretchy knits and is useful if you don't have a serger. And neckbands need to be cut about 80% of the opening measurement so they don't gape and will lay flat (I've bought patterns that had the neckband the same length as the opening and I had to rip it off, shorten it, and resew it). And a tip for hemming knits is to spray starch the hem and press it in place before sewing. It will allow you to control it better and get a better result.

[@marinabrola]

Can you make a video on this?? I can't sew for 💩, tryna make tees out of deadstock where the collars don't pucker and the body doesn't shift/twist after a couple washes and dries. You'd think it'd be so simple but...not so much.

[@patriciajrs46]

Great. Thank you.

[@tinaschneider4232]

Wonderful tips thank you are awesome

[@DIYslipcovers]

"I'm just gonna eyeball this"... love that and you'll never hear that from anyone else but this is the reality!

[@Razzy2012]

I’ve been sewing for 60 years and you taught me new things today thank you so much. It’s nice to see a man sewing instead of just women My uncle made the kilts for Queen Elizabeth Scottish coronation so in our family all of the men as well as a woman were taught to sew & tailor.

[@tinawelch3005]

#1 thank you for the ABSENCE of expensive accoutrements. #2 thank you for speaking like a friend (ie no cheezy giggles) #3 thank you for practical clothing item. Subscribed.

[@bunkerliving]

I want a cheesy giggle from this guy. 😂

[@lisasexton4727]

I’ve been sewing for 60+ years but have been afraid to try knits. I’ll practice on some scraps first, but I do believe I can master this. So many ideas. TFS

[@t.lucalake8963]

Can't THANK YOU enough for your videos. I have viewed numerous videos on sewing. Your videos/tutorials are THE ABSOLUTE BEST!! You are an EXCELLENT instructor who thoroughly explains every step in the garment making process. I'm looking forward to many more years of you sharing your knowledge. THANK YOU!!

[@TockCustom]

Your positivity means a ton! Thanks so much for your support. Looking forward to lots of new videos :)

[@krweiser]

I could watch your videos all day.. so informative. No extra BS, simple and to the point.

[@summersbreezez]

Same here I like the fact its to the point ....not a lifetime history 1st...lol

[@drob83]

Honey wakeup! The new Tock video just dropped!

[@the_useless_photographer]

Hello from England. I've just bought my first sewing machine, a Singer 401G for very little money in perfect condition. My aim is to make my own curtains and foam bed covers for my 4x4 but since watching your channel I really fancy having a go at some clothing for fun. T-Shirts, collar shirts boxer shorts ect. Great find this channel is and you make it easier as a guy to own a sowing machine. The next barrier is to go into fabric shops as I don't know what to do and it's mainly a female environment here but I'll give it a go. Subscribed to your channel, many thanks.

[@TockCustom]

This was a fun comment to read. Glad you got some new gear! I remember the days of feeling super strange being the only dude at a fabric shop, but all the women were always so helpful since I was clearly oblivious, and ended up really enjoying going back every time. Now its very natural, but fuck it... just go for it, what's the worst that could happen! Share some of your work when you get rolling!

[@janicek6399]

Try online fabric shopping if you aren't completely happy with walking into a brick and mortar store

[@karensumpter7752]

Get upholstery fabric for the 4x4, not clothing fabric. It’s heavier duty and will hold up to wear and tear much better.

[@Automedon2]

I'm a 68 year old man. Myself and two of my friends (who are men, my age) sew. I taught myself to use a sewing machine 40 years ago. Since then I've made everything, from tuxedos to custom motorcycle seats. I can do upholstery and I sell custom leather goods. I think sewing is one of the most useful things I've learned in my life. It's like welding or woodworking - joining materials together, and the more accurate the cuts and the better the material, the better the result. If more men would learn to sew, they'd discover just how awesome it is. The best tailors and about all upholsterers and sail makers are men.

[@forevermarcia]

OMG what you said around 3:13 made my heart beat fast. That is exactly what I have been afraid of and you said it out loud and encouraged me. That's it, you're my sewing teacher. Subscribing immediately. Also, when you apologized for explaining about the zig zag, please continue to explain things in detail, it helps me because all of this is totally new for me. I have never seen anyone sew up close before. So I need the explanations, please!!!!

[@VanessaDoorsamy]

❤❤❤ Thank you like the way you explain in detail (it's the small details that most sewing tutorials leave out) eg: the stich & needle you use extra... WHICH IS REALLY IMPORTANT 👌🙌

[@VanessaDoorsamy]

*stitch

[@jenthulhu]

I have an old Kenmore from the 1960s that has two needle holders so I don't have to buy those expensive twin needles. That machine is my go-to for sewing knits. Some of the older machines really have some neat features that newer machines just don't have. Also--it's purple! I collect and rehab older machines just for these features. It's a fun hobby! New subscriber here. Great intro tutorial on tee sewing! Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@DebbieLo]

Thanks for showing the seam finishing. This gets glossed over or left out in so many videos and I always wanted to know how to do it.

[@allisonkrumm3006]

Thank you for so much detail, as a beginner it is crucial to see even the most tedious/small details shown!!! My brain can understand so much better, thank you!!!

[@nz5752]

"Hands Down, The BEST Explanation on how to Sew a T-Shirt/ Stretch Fabric/Material using Both a Sewing Machine & Serger !!!! Straight to the point with helpful tips and information! Thank Y💚U! for Sharing your Experience & Knowledge

[@laurentippin3278]

You're a great teacher. Thanks for sharing. I'm gonna grab a sewing machine for my homeschoolers. You have some young fans. Thank you for sharing ♡

[@sd4301]

Thank yo so much for making this video. I made my first t-shirt in my sewing class and it was a challenge because I had never worked with or sewed stretchy fabrics before. I wish I had watched your video as part of the preparation because I love how you go through each step in detail with the beginner in mind from prepping the fabric/materials, cutting the fabric, to pinning, grain of the fabric. I have watched some other videos and they either edit it out or omit it, but those small steps are very important for newbies. I enjoy watching you sew as well and again some videos omit that step. But I find it is very useful and people can always fast forward a step if they don't want to watch it.

[@TockCustom]

Thanks so much for such a positive comment here, super happy this was helpful! Enjoy all your projects this winter 🤗

[@adam43405]

Thanks so much for making this! And thank you for not trimming this vid to 2 mins long, I learned so more at this pace. Perfect!! Cheers!!

[@TockCustom]

Super happy this was helpful! I try not to cut out important info, but like to be thorough. Hope that's a good balance for you :) Thanks for watching!

[@Klelcken]

I own a small t-shirts factory if I can call it. I like watching T-shirts making videos like this one. What I can say is that this is very impressive

[@SirSwaggyy]

Always love your vids Tock! Very informative and thorough, only reason I was able to ever make anything was by watching your videos. Much love!

[@TockCustom]

Wow, that's a super heavy compliment. Happy to be part of your process :D

[@dianelong436]

Me too, I would never have been able to turn the corner using bias binding if it were not for you. 😊

[@meaghanisobel1803]

Wow I had to pause the video half way to say thank you! What an informative, comprehensive, easy to understand video. I'm a beginner sewer and this will help so much!

[@angelasmith5490]

Thank you for this video. I’m new to sewing and I’m attempting my first garment. It’s a maxi dress for vacation. This tshirt video where you cover basics helps.

[@TockCustom]

Oh that's terrific, super happy this helps you with some basics to make your own projects :)

[@sarahduffy6964]

You're giving me hope that I can tackle knit fabrics at some point!

[@DiannaAtherton]

Great video. Easy to follow. No annoying music or trying to sell everything.

[@LM-uc5sg]

Best tutorial I’ve watched in a while - thanks!

[@VermontHomesteadWorks]

I'm brand new to sewing and this is by far the most well-done how-to that I could find!

[@SewingBoxDesigns]

Coffee is a Major, Major sewing tool, seconded only by strong tea. I needed this refresher course, thank you. As always, very well done! Awesome JW t-shirt. I'm sure people stop you in public and demand to know where to get one! 😳

[@TockCustom]

Coffee is a very powerful sewing tool for sure. I haven't actually worn this John Wick shirt out yet, I don't leave the house much :P

[@trudi1962]

I've only been watching for a few minutes but... two overlockers in the background and two tins of barge cement in the foreground. This looks like my kind of channel. 😊❤

[@rustyshackleford3278]

Hi Tock, great post thank you! Thanks to you all my shirts fit perfectly and now I can make them myself

[@TockCustom]

Hell yeah! Hope you make some cool new stuff :D

[@rustyshackleford3278]

@@TockCustom I know it will be time consuming with a lotnof editing but a tutorial on long sleeve collared shirts would we most helpful. Hope all is well, best regards from Vermont

[@patriciajrs46]

Way to go! Kudos to you.

[@cawillediy]

These are some of the best tutorials. Thank you.

[@anneadams4483]

You are the best sewing teacher everrrr! Thank you very much👍

[@adventureDad1976]

I am brand new, like I just ran my first stitch on practice material two days ago. This is a great video. I just found your channel. Thanks for doing this video!!

[@leclercsyl]

Sewing T-Shirts with a cotton knit on a 4 thread overlocker is so quick and easy. The double stitching makes it super strong. I use my sewing machine with a double needle only for finishing the sleeves and bottom of the T-shirt.

[@garethedwards8345]

These videos are so helpful and presented in a way that I feel like I can do it myself. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@shanewhetstone7977]

Thanks for being so thorough. This may be my first project. I just got my machines.

[@teddzik7843]

There are many uses for 123 blocks, but I never thought sewing (fabric cutting weights) was one. Bravo.

[@lucilledaub5991]

Great tee shirt of how to make it. You’re a great teacher. Love your video.

[@JebbAdams]

Awesome video/shirt! I am old newbie sewer! I have had this dream of making my own custom t-shirts and this channel is my mentor! Thank you! Gratias ago tibi!

[@dannyhlaoli3020]

What a clear tutorial. Keep up the good work.

[@kathleenhensley5951]

Thanks for the encouragement ... loved the little warnings about how things can go wrong. Very encouraging! Always more to learn!

[@needamuffin]

I just got into leatherworking and KZbin decided to suggest me new skills as well. Making a tshirt sounds fun (and would be helpful since I have a weirdly long body). Maybe I should start looking for a sewing machine... If you haven't already, a tutorial on ruching would be great. I love long sleeve shirts with the sleeves pushed up to 3/4 and distributing the extra fabric among the whole upper arm.l, but it never really stays that way. I figure if I'm going to be making the shirt, I can make that effect permanent and stop constantly fiddling with it.

[@tomhessiii1216]

Thanks!

[@meecheeko]

The best teacher! 🎉 I love all of his videos! Thanks Tock ❤

[@TockCustom]

Thanks so much for watching! Really hope these are helping you make some awesome new projects :D Have a wonderful summer!!

[@mariasmith9998]

Hey there Tock great video. Thank you for sharing your cool project. I have watch other channels. On how to sew t shirts. But you made it look so easy. I like how you show and sew one step at a time. I will surely give it a try. You have a great day.

[@TockCustom]

Thanks a ton, really hope you're able to give it a shot sometime. Don't be afraid to go crazy with all kinds of projects, thank you for watching :)

[@amelvisfelix-ortiz8509]

I’m sooooo trying your method. I tried doing a shirt for my dog but I definitely used the wrong stitch. Now I’ll try the zig zag. I don’t have a surger but I’ll give it a shot.

[@TheCynedd]

This is a nice beginner video for making a t-shirt. I make mine like that completely with my serger and bypass using the regular sewing machine. Since I have a coverstitch machine I finish my hems that way.👍

[@DJFreshMakes]

You always have cool pants! I've got a couple more shirts planned to make, but I'll definitely refer back to your video on making pants! Thanks as always for the fun sew-a-longs!

[@Haveagreatday45]

I had no idea how to make everything match up... It seems so simple, but this was really helpful

[@TockCustom]

Excellent! Thanks so much for watching, enjoy all your projects this winter :)

[@tha904mack]

Glad you made this. Best beginner tutorial by far. But can someone explain how to pin properly? Not having to take them out seems clutch

[@pyenygren2299]

Jersey is my favourite for sewing t-shirts and tights. Thank you for a good video.

[@tomdececco2806]

Thanks - you do the best tutorials - taught me how to sew and I’m doing pretty good

[@TockCustom]

Thanks so much for watching, I'd love to see what kinds of things you make!

[@Mystichandworks]

Awesome job. Your videos make sewing an available skill to many people. Have you serged clear elastic into the shoulder seams? The elastic helps them hold their shape without drooping over time.

[@patriciajrs46]

That's an interesting tip. Thanks.

[@dianafrances6880]

This guide was exactly what I needed, thank you!

[@neototem4110]

Dude I was JUST thinking about sewing one for my son out of preferred quality jersey knit❤

[@TockCustom]

Sweet, perfect timing! This is a really fun and easy project to jump into. Enjoy your projects!

[@terryboyd4352]

Thanks so much for this video! I always shied away from knits. You make it seem soo easy. I am going to try a t shirt. I like long sleeved ones, and around here, they're hard to find. Thanks again.

[@paulawhaley5354]

You mentioned in this video that you had a tutorial on how to fix mistakes...I can't find it and need it! Which of your videos shows this? Many thanks....I am learning a lot from you as I begin my sewing journey.

[@TockCustom]

I'll probably just film a quick demo on how to fix pleats like that for it's own video. Should be quick and easy, thanks for watching!

[@اسحاقشمعبلوطی]

Now I know how much work goes into making stuff. Respects to the Chinese!!

[@prettyeyescovington5430]

Thanks for the video, love watching your tutorials very easy to follow. I've learned a lot from you, Thanks!!!

[@TockCustom]

Very happy to help, thanks for being nice to me :D

[@summersbreezez]

Great video thank you for posting...I'm a beginner so the details that you point out are extremely helpful....I also love Tee Shirts.. sadly I seldom see VNeck Tee Shirts... maybe you could do a a video on V-neck..thank you ... Today I subscribed to your channel cant wait to watch all of the videos..thanks again !!

[@gotluckygethappy9945]

That was great!! I’m excited to make my first t-shirt!!

[@sdelliott31]

I am curious why you sew the seams and then serge them. A lot of other videos show serging only. What do you find is better doing this in your method. This was a great video.

[@gergemall]

Happy to have found your channel. Thank you.

[@TockCustom]

Happy to have you buddy! Thanks for watching :)

[@barbaralay2698]

What pattern site do you use. I always enjoy watching your videos 😊

[@mernarobinson5944]

Subscribed👍🏾 ur a great role model for my grandson.

[@LouRao]

Another fantastic video -Thank you👍 Is there anyway to share a link for the pattern? Believe or not I’m having a hard time finding men’s t-shirt patterns in my local area. And the ones I do find online are PDF downloads which I don’t want.

[@TockCustom]

I drafted this pattern myself... Hopefully you were able to find one since your comment. I had a good pattern a long time ago by Kwik Sew, but I don't know if that's current. Sorry I can't be more helpful!

[@amyahdocq8835]

I have a question for you... a question that nobody, up to now, was able to answer me. I am sewing for a very, very long time so, this question is turning in my head since I am very young (I started to sew when I was 4y/o). WHY do the patterns (or people) ask for a ~ example ~ 3/8 or 1/2"/0.5mm margin and then, after everything is sewn, we have to trim the margin... why not already do a smaller margin from the start? Is there a logic to the thing that escape my usually logical mind? I just found your channel and find it very interesting. Now, I am going to look at your other videos. Thank you 🌹

[@NYCisland]

I did see another YT sewist talking about that. She said it's because having that extra fabric makes it easier to make an item bigger if you need to. You have 1/2-ish of material on either side so can easily use that extra material. If you cut it all off, you now have option to make the shirt bigger later.

[@melodylz2667]

Great tutorial. Would love to see a v-neck t-shirt tutorial.

[@rosac8168]

You’re back! Omg I’ve missed you yea😊👍

[@nuritdavid3348]

Thank you for the elaborate tutorial. Which brand of roller cutter do you use? The ones I have never work for me.

[@j.a92]

Hi, does pins not damage the needle if they both collidebwhile sewing?

[@santamuri]

great vid! planning on some cool shirts for the Summer. Quick question, any chance you could do a new Pants tutorial or recommend a pattern that is similar enough to toe Vogue 8801? I can't find it anywhere besides etsy atm.

[@TockCustom]

I probably wouldn't re-shoot a whole new video on jeans (since that one took me like 10 days). BUT, if you find any other jeans pattern with similar pattern shapes, the sewing steps will all be exactly the same. Maybe that helps :)

[@stefaunholland6642]

I'm very new to the world of sewing. Would it be overkill to get your exact setup for the sewing and overlock machines?

[@craftworkmom]

Such an excellent video. Thank you for making this. I'm trying to make t-shirts out of merino wool jersey

[@cindykq8086]

Love the forearm tattoo. What does it mean? Thanks very much for this video. I've almost never sewn knits successfully but always wanted to.

[@cindykq8086]

Oh, Tock Custom. Duh. I mean, I knew that! 😸

[@worab1]

Tock, watching all of you videos. New, male, sower here. Do ya still like the Brother ST!50HD? I wanna get it. Watched your videos on it, wanted to know, years later, if ya still dig it! Thanks brother ( no pun intended) Thank you so much for your videos, incredible.

[@TockCustom]

Sweet! Hope you're having fun learning new stuff. I actually have 2 of those machines now since I liked it so much. One for construction and one for topstitching 😄

[@worab1]

@@TockCustom thank you, I ordered this today, coming tomorrow. Thanks for all your videos, much appreciated...

[@ozymet]

Thank you for the video, very inspiring and impressing.

[@TockCustom]

Thank you so much! Hope you're able to make some new stuff soon :)

[@nativecaliman]

With persistence I made my first wearable t shirt…not perfect but wearable…thanks my last comment I said it was to complicated.

[@RyannLagattuta]

It’s the easiest thing in sewing…. Tee shirts!

[@stefaunholland6642]

what did you use for a sewing machine and overlock machine?

[@RevJosephWashburn]

Thanks for this...and other...videos. I'm about to try making my first t-shirt. No serger, just a vintage Singer 328K. One question I'm hopeful you or someone can answer, should the zigzag setting be set to the shortest ziqzag?

[@fernemcallister6774]

What a great video for us beginners,

[@elizabethburns8893]

Thanks for the great video, super helpful. How would I add an accent to the bottom of a shirt sleeve? Sew just like the collar? Thanks!

[@meechynailedit]

I can work well with non stretch fabrics. I’ve made some pretty good looking hats, jackets, bags, etc. But knit fabric is so difficult for me to work with. I’ve got the jersey needles and a plastic sewing foot (recommended by someone) but I just can’t get it right. I also tried with a serger and still can’t get it right lol. Hoping this video will give me the confidence I once try again. I mainly have trouble with hemming and the collar.

[@janjeffers3462]

Thanks for the demo - love Brother machines!!! Do you know what the difference is between the 1800 and the 3000?

[@youio9063]

This is what i was looking for. Thank you, man 🙏🙏😭😅

[@patriciajrs46]

Knit or stretchy fabric. Hmm. I thought T's were just cotton. Learning is wonderful. You remind me of Jason Mimoa. I loved him as Aquaman.

[@TockCustom]

Happy to help - Cotton can be both woven or knit (straight or stretchy), same with polys and blends. For example, Denim is cotton, but not stretchy. Fabric knowledge is almost a whole craft in itself lol. Anyway, thanks so much for watching!!

[@nikesa80]

Bos, I have 2 questions.. 1) how to create the paper size for the tshirt? 2) What the name of the cutter did you use to cut the fabric?

[@Drew_Pearson]

I noticed you are not back-stitching anywhere. I always thought that was necessary after every stitch? Can you help me understand when back-stitching is and is not necessary? I'm always afraid the thread is going to undo itself so I just do it all the time with the few projects I have tried so far. I think I saw or read it somewhere and just assumed you always need to do it to "lock" your thread in place. Love your videos by the way! After watching this one in particular I feel like I may actually be able to make my own t-shirt!

[@DJFreshMakes]

Some stitch settings don't allow a backstitch to be made, as is the case with the stretch stitch he uses in this video. If it's of any help, I backstitch when I am sewing a seam that will not be sewn across later; as that stitch can easily come undone like Duran Duran if the stitch length is not super tiny. For example, you don't have to backstitch the bottom of a side seam, since you will create a hem seam which will intersect that side seam, help lock, and encase the side seam stitches within it.

[@patriciajrs46]

Many seams are put in places where you are going to sew over that area again. If you're truly afraid it will come unraveled, hand sew over that beginning and ending of the seam.

[@LindaBoettcher-p6m]

Any insight on how to find the grain on knit fabric? I find this to be quite a challenge sometimes.

[@darksoulsvet5456]

Do you do orders? Like if someone wanted you to make them a shirt could they commission that from you?

[@micheal65536]

Great video! One question: At 22:12 / 22:20 you mentioned that you have a video showing how to fix puckering issues, but I can't find it on your channel. Was it part of another tutorial, do you have a link? P.S. I'm sure the reason why people wanted the face camera back was to admire your amazing hair. ;-)

[@ocmacman17]

wow, great job. I am gonna make me a tshirt. Where do I get that pattern (although don't think it may be needed)

[@patriciabennett961]

What kind of fabric is that? It looks like a great knit! Love the videos❤

[@TockCustom]

It's just this great 100% knit solid with kind of a poofy texture. Only about $12 worth of fabric though which is great! Found it at Joann Fabrics if that helps 😄

[@EHGMtl]

Another terrific video from you! Thank you! I always look forward to them. And I'm glad this one was about t-shirts... I tried to make one using someone else's tutorial, using only a serger and it didn't go well. So I put that idea aside and worked on other things. This video of yours has me wanting to resurrect that project and this time I'll use a stretch stitch on my sewing machine and will serge the edges after. Looks like (at least for me) it's going to work better. You have such a great way of explaining and demonstrating things.

[@marianroach6338]

Thank you for the update

[@charlottechristensen603]

If u flip your pins so the ball is hanging off the end u won’t get poked as much and it makes it simple to pull them out as you go

[@assortedstuff7531]

Newbie sewer here. How come you didn't have to remove the pins when you were sewing the neck on? Isn't there a risk of the needle coming down and hitting a pin? Or did you pin it differently?

[@anonymousperson4363]

He didn't need to remove the pins because they weren't long enough to reach the distance of the foot. Also, it's my guess he angled the pins to create more distance between the pin ends and the foot.

[@mb58993]

That's a cool shirt! when I watched the video I said wow! that's a cool shirt

[@philipladone3063]

I have a really cheap sewing machine that basically only has one mode. Are the stretch stitches necessary for it to work, or can i just use the normal (and only) setting that i have? Thanks in advance :)

[@cor3944]

Did I hear at 1:25 the seams popping up?

[@Cattrollen]

😂😂