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

[@cindymccafferty8346]

I sewed T-shirts for my kids in the 80s. The seam in the center back of the neck screamed “homemade.” My kids got teased about it by the other students. I looked at a store bought shirt and figured out how to make the shirts I sewed look like them. I sew the front and back together only at the right side (as if you were wearing it.) I fold the neckband in half. I do not stitch the ends together. I pin it to the body of the shirt at the unstitched edge of the shirt, the center front, the shoulder seam, center back, and the other unstitched part of the neckline. I sew it as a flat piece. Then I fold down the seam at the back and topstitch it down. The front is left un-topstitched. I then sew the left shoulder seam together, lining up the edges of the neckband. I proceed with the rest of the shirt as you showed. No more teasing by the kids at school. Thanks for the tips on the stretch stitches! It will make my sewing better!

[@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

[@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.

[@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. 😂

[@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!!!!

[@GeorgiaWoodsHomesteading]

I'm off to a good start, I have coffee 💪

[@drob83]

Honey wakeup! The new Tock video just dropped!

[@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

[@jennibanks6857]

You do a great job of breaking down each step and explaining it thoroughly but concisely. This is making me want to grab my sewing machine and serger and play around!

[@vivienne_261]

How do you sew over the pins and the needle doesn’t hit them?

[@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.

[@teddzik7843]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@patrickhayes3099]

Thank you for adjusting my perception. I can now overlock to bind edges.

[@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.

[@shokrirashid5885]

It's so simple Happy new year guys!

[@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!!!

[@sarahduffy6964]

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

[@kd1687]

Thank you ! Im terrible with long winded tutorials.. you are great it keeping it simple and being honest about the weird things that can & might happen! This is so straight forward, i actually think i could follow along and get it right finally ✌🌿

[@bhgbrasil]

Thanks for the video! Really really good! I'll try my first t-shirt soon.

[@RR-yh6vr]

Thanks. This video has a really good view of the neckband steps. That helps a lot. The neckband is where my shirts get wonky.

[@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.

[@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

[@troymeister]

Hi, Thanks for making this video. This is a great tutorial for beginners like myself.

[@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 ♡

[@LM-uc5sg]

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

[@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 🤗

[@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

[@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. 😊

[@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 :)

[@MandoStarkCollector]

amazing job bro, Thanks for share your knowledge

[@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!

[@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.

[@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. 😊❤

[@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!

[@DiannaAtherton]

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

[@lucilledaub5991]

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

[@cawillediy]

These are some of the best tutorials. Thank you.

[@anneadams4483]

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

[@dannyhlaoli3020]

What a clear tutorial. Keep up the good work.

[@troygardner8870]

How to get the elastic neck?

[@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!!

[@VermontHomesteadWorks]

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

[@dianafrances6880]

This guide was exactly what I needed, thank you!

[@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!

[@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!

[@shanewhetstone7977]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!

[@amyleighharrison]

Pattern weights. I need doughnut pattern weights! Where can I get some? Do you sell them? Please and thanks!

[@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 :)

[@tomhessiii1216]

Thanks!

[@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 :)

[@pyenygren2299]

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

[@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!

[@kathleenhensley5951]

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

[@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.👍

[@gergemall]

Happy to have found your channel. Thank you.

[@TockCustom]

Happy to have you buddy! Thanks for watching :)

[@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

[@اسحاقشمعبلوطی]

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

[@Rizzrozz67]

Great vid

[@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.

[@gotluckygethappy9945]

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

[@mernarobinson5944]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 !!

[@fernemcallister6774]

What a great video for us beginners,

[@melodylz2667]

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

[@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 :)

[@rosac8168]

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

[@HistoryandHobbies]

Can you hem the bottom and sleeve length before sewing the front and back panels together? It seems like it would be easier than doing it after when you're wrangling a tube/circle, especially the sleeve.

[@j.a92]

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

[@emmahussain-q5y]

If I am using brand new fabric that I just bought do I still need to pre-wash it?

[@grlnexdoorable]

Absolutely

[@emmahussain-q5y]

Thank you

[@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!

[@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

[@youio9063]

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

[@mb58993]

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

[@kaelou3408]

So strange I’m finding so many men sewing… totally didn’t expect that! This is filmed well camera wise, and your verbal instructions are very detailed. Thank you!

[@craftworkmom]

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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@stevenormakaufman13]

Where you get the donut weights?

[@TockCustom]

My friend Plexi Cosplay made them - they're big metal washers covered in polymer clay, pretty smart!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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?

[@neotroncs]

I'm defiantly going to try this but with heavy 100% cotton. Like the Carhartt ones that I love but get way to expensive.

[@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 :)

[@LindaBoettcher-p6m]

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