Upcycled clothing tutorial: How to make a patchwork shirt

In this video I show you how I make my patchwork tunics. This is just one of two ways I do my patchwork.
Link to my Etsy shop:
sherryjonesdes...
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[@possumintheblossom]

After years of doing traditional patchwork and repeatedly failing to line up my seams, i think this is going to be my new favourite style. THANKS!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I think you are going to love it. It is so stress free. It is relaxing to do and I think looks better in the end and sells better on Etsy too!

[@esperansaloughran693]

I have no problem with this cute dress! Love it!

[@lisaconley2198]

Hello I just went to your shop and just love your remakes. Unfortunately they are priced out of my budget.Having said that, you are such a wonderful person to show how to make them.For those who are not able to sew or even have the fabrics you have, they can purchase .For those who can sew and not be able to buy and still just love your designs they can make. I do believe your items are worth every cent they are posted for purchase and from reviews your customers are just thrilled .Thank You for your wonderful video and sharing your amazing talent.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'm so glad you like my videos and thank you for visiting my shop! As far as the cost goes, this is why I wanted to show people how to make their own. When selling I have to pay taxes, shipping, and myself but times are hard right now for many so I thought this to be the perfect time to help people make their own custom made clothing. It is way easier than pattern sewing. Thank you for commenting and watching my videos!

[@Amritadivya54]

I have several tee shirts that I love, but have a stain I can't get out right on the front. A project like this is the perfect solution. I have a number of orphan quilt blocks that I think would look cute in a tunic top like this that I will use. I also use men's shirts from charity shops due to the amount of fabric, price and the important fact that many men's garments are made with much better quality fabric than the same garment in the women's section. Some you tubers say that it isn't right to buy xxxL garments for upcycling as people who need that size have a hard time finding something in their size. I can honestly say that I have never seen a really big person shopping in a thrift store whenever I am shopping, so I don't worry about it. It seems that you are the same! Nice video!!😸

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Yes, I buy whatever I find that I like in thrift stores. I don't go often enough to drain supplies so it doesn't really concern me, besides, most of the time, I'm making plus sized garments anyway. They sell really well on Etsy. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@kathirm9]

The shops in my area always have 1/2 off sales on a different colored tag each day, and often 1/2 off on everything one day a week or month. They have more donations than space. Items they have for sale benefit no one until it is sold, then the money can be used by the charity.

[@franwilson9324]

What an entertaining and cheerful addition you are to my collection of favourite channels! Thanks for sharing this, I love it!!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'm so glad you enjoy me!

[@juanitabedingfield3821]

I’m not a seamstress and have seen tops made this way and wondered about the construction. Thanks so much for taking the mystery out of the process. Looking forward to seeing more videos.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@anitabillion]

Sitting at my sewing machine now watching this and I love ❤it! So appreciate you walking us through each step, idea and wonderful narration! Your desire to share shines through your voice! God bless you as well sweet lady! 😊

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Thank you! You are such a blessing!

[@carolcurley7840]

Sherry your garments are amazing and exactly what I like. My husband and I have just retired and he has always had a passion for shirts many of which have now “shrunk in the wardrobe” 😂. I have about 80 of his old shirts in my craft room and a lot of them are very wild and colourful. I now know what one of my winter crafting joys will be. I have made reversible aprons for 6 of my grandchildren up to now, one side for crafting and the other for cooking, all of them washing excellently due to them being Gramps’ old shirts. We have 8 grandchildren from age 2 to 13 who keep me busy with requests especially knitting at the moment as winter begins here in England. Cannot wait to get started. Thank you once again and God bless 👍

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Wow! 80 shirts ought to keep you busy all winter! I'm so happy for you! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Your grandchildren are blessed to have you in their life! I love to hear what everyone is doing and making. You are such a blessing! Thank you so much!

[@alisonmary1443]

Definitely giving me sewing wings, love the freedom inspiration. I don't wear tight clothes and the flair line starting under arm is perfect, Thank you so much 🌸

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@trudycranford5713]

i just discovered you and your sewing. I'm in love again and somemore! I love the designs that you make and your ideas! you have wonderful ideas, the apron, the patchwork shirt, the aprons, pinafores, everything! my only advice, only suggestion is MAKE MORE VIDEOS, keep-on-keeping-on! thank you. I've been sewing for, about 62 years and have always loved doing things differently and making up ideas, putting diff pcs of fabric together and just doing all sorts of things.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like my channel! I'm also super glad you like to sew! I will do my best to keep making videos! I was so surprised that 99 percent of those commenting have been so kind and supportive and encouraging! What a blessing you are to me! Thank you!

[@atriaskye]

Found your videos today and I am a new subscriber! I absolutely love your videos and binge watched all of them today! Thank you for everything that you share! Be blessed my friend❤

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Yay! Thank you! You too!

[@gomathisuppiah2449]

It's lovely. This type of clothing has always appealed to me, now I know how to make one. Thank you.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

You’re welcome 😊

[@graciemaca6996]

I ❤ the beautiful scrappy fabrics you pieced together from used shirts! The method you use to piece together is different from mine, but better. I am used to making a traditional hidden seam, but your way eliminates bulk and non-essential thought process of piecing unevenly cut pieces together just by sewing the patch over the top of the patch next to it. Smart thinking and cute outcome! I am raiding my hubby's closet for shirts he's grown out of.😅 He's got some nice paisleys there! Thanx.👍

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That is so awesome! I hope you make something amazing!

[@leahrenee1013]

You made some really good points and I agree! We overthink so many things these days, when we really just need to keep it simple! 😍

[@paulaneary7877]

OMG this is GREAT! I am going to try this! I just got my sewing machine back from the repair guy! WooWhoo! I also really enjoy the adventure of not knowing how something is going to turn out. It's just so fun!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'm so glad I inspired you! Upcycling is fun and adventurous ...not boring and tedious like pattern sewing.

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

I think this might have been one of the first videos i saw of yours. That way of sewing on patch after patch is so cool. Coming back to fix it into my brain!

[@bethperrine6431]

-really enjoyed this! I’ve recently discovered crumb piecing, and this is similarly intriguing. -so excited to try this out on a garment…Please keep the “unorthodox sewing” content coming!!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Awesome! I will! Thank you!

[@marilyncausey9348]

Sherry, you are so sweet to share your methods with us! 😘

[@mysweetdiy1]

I am loving it! I am learning so much!!! Thank you thank you!! You are such a lovely person!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@GrandmaBooTTV]

This was amazing and sooo inspiring! I'm new to sewing and have a great desire to learn. But, not to make glam fashion, but rather upcycling and patchwork. I have a very funky style, but have never been able to show it in how I dress. Your patchwork shirt is right down my alley ♥

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That is so awesome! I'm so glad you are going to give it a try. Upcycling is so fun and creative.

[@deanjames3831]

Thank you for sharing your process with this top. I really enjoyed it. You so creative! 🤩

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@Bluessongstress1963]

You're wonderful, and so are your creations. I'm inspired, now if only i still had my Mama's sewing machine.🙏🥰

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Maybe you can find a good used sewing machine though I"m sure it won't be as dear as your Mom's. There's alot of sewing machines out there right now after the whole mask making thing happened. I've seen them go quite cheap on shopgoodwill.com and ebay too. I hope you get one. I'd love to see you use your inspiration to make some lovely things for yourself and others.

[@locavenelles3908]

Hello, I'm Laurence and i'm french to the south. I love what you make and me too i start to make upcycling ! thank you for the joy ! Lo

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Hi Laurence, I'm so glad you like my videos. I'm also glad you are upcycling! France? Wow! That is so cool! Thank you so much for sharing your story.

[@usedtobekern]

Thank you so much for teaching this! I'm getting ready jump in with both feet! Been trying to figure out what to use my free scraps on and try the whole craft show thing, so here I go!! 🥰

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Awesome! Good luck! You can do it!

[@leahrenee1013]

I love these tops! I have taken men’s extra large T-shirts, and then turn them into cold shoulder tops! So maybe that’s an idea you can use some time! 😊 I really appreciate your videos!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Great idea! Thank you!

[@dawnendiaye657]

This is so inspiring! I love how you refer to your pieces and the process as art. I am a absolute beginner when it comes to sewing but I am creative. So I won’t put the sewing machine back in the closet 😂, Thank you 😊

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

You are welcome and sewing like this is quite different than tedious pattern sewing. I think you will love it!

[@janice2992]

I have loved up cycling ever since I first saw it many years ago. Noticing your stash on your lovely shelves reminded me of a local up cycler who has tones of stash. I have a fair bit. I think there's a real danger of this wonderful Hoby accumulating too much stash because of its good value. Thank you for sharing your techniques. 💖

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Hi and I'm so glad you love upcycling. I do agree that one can collect too much. If not used up in a timely manner it can even mold, get musty, and fabrics can also create dust and hold pollen. It took me a bit to understand what fabrics and clothing I use the most. I make clothing for a living so I do keep more on hand than alot of people would.

[@diannepearce6411]

Im glad i came across this channel! Good job Sherry! Thank you!😊🙏✝️

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'm so glad you like my channel!

[@cindythomas3655]

Made this today from a t shirt . I put a ruffel on the bottom . It turned out cute. Thanks for the tuttorial.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That is awesome!

[@cindythomas3655]

Mentioned you on my bf group. With 📸 from t-shirt dress

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@lorineidtinytoadplot744]

I'm watching this because I want to make the back of a quilt like Sally's dress from A Nightmare Before Christmas / random patches. This is exactly how I see doing it, with the colors from the dress ;)

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'm so glad it helped you in your artistic endeavor!

[@RitaMeterMaid99]

Love love love this! Thank you for sharing ❤️ I’ve been garment sewing for 45 years but I’m going to have to cut loose & try this 😁

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

It's lots of fun! I hope you make something amazing!

[@flutterbear2174]

So Cute cant wait to try it - thanks

[@jamieomahen2656]

Great idea making the fabric ahead. I find making patchwork so relaxing. I love this!! Thank you for sharing.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

You are welcome! I will try and make a video of the no fray method next so everyone can choose which they prefer. I suggest doing a sample piece and then washing it on gentle cycle and trimming and see if they like the look. I love the look but it may not be everyone's cup of tea.

[@janstetler9888]

Thanks for doing this. It’s right up my alley! I can’t wait to try it! Kinda like crumb quilting.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Yes, it is and it is so much fun!

[@bethperrine6431]

Ditto!

[@pamfrank3962]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful demonstration.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@bobbinsew]

Very cute! You really are a treasure! Can’t wait to try this, I’ve got a sweatshirt cardigan that’s too short and I’ve been trying to figure out how to lengthen it without it looking odd, and now I know, thanks to you! 🎉❤😊

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That's so awesome! Hope it turns out great!

[@brandibrooks4539]

Your video helped me so much and you are so pleasant to listen to!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Oh thank you!

[@joydavis3089]

Thank you so much for sharing your creative process. I want to do this with deceased friends old clothing so family can have a garment. I want to add pockets.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That sounds wonderful! You can do it!

[@papabear2515]

Super! I can’t wait get started! Thanks! Kathleen

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Awesome!

[@skyyoung5383]

I just found your channel and love what you do! I alter some of my clothes to make them fit better and have been cutting up men's shirts for fabric to make quilts. I appreciate all your tips and tricks! So glad I found you ❤

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'm so glad you like my channel and have found my channel useful and helpful! Thank you so much! You are such a blessing!

[@SoleildePerez]

So original! I should do this! I have so many squares, in my sewing room! Thanks for this great video! 💛💚🧡🩷💜💙

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@carlyncraig4554]

I had the most wonderful time watching this video...I cannot wait to try your brilliant method of patchwork.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Awesome! I hope to make the nonfray video method next so people can choose which version they prefer after washing. I suggest making a piece and washing it on gently cycle and seeing what you think...just in case you don't like the fraying.

[@SuZ3945]

this is just adorable!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Thank you!

[@mjcechman]

I enjoyed this video so much❤ thank you

[@mjcechman]

Sherry I just came back to this video & find it as enjoyable & instructional as the first time Thank you for sharing these wonderful videos!❤

[@CraftyandChic]

I'm trying the patchwork now! I've found the bigger the pieces, the easier it is. I tried a few small-ish, 2x3, and it's pucked and wrinkles!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Smaller pieces are a bit trickier but they are doable. You might have a big needle in your machine or be piecing thinner types of fabrics.

[@EzzyDT]

Love love love.…it. Thanks for the video.

[@stellaunger8568]

Enjoy your creativity and videos. ❤️😁🌹

[@MariaM-yn9tl]

Great video! Can’t wait to make one!!! Happy stitching! 🧵 🪡💃🏻

[@IMOO1896]

I’m so glad you didn’t let the “little” shaking of the camera to keep you from posting it. The way you’ve layed fabrics against each other is really artistic. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@venuscruz6075]

Love your videos.........the top is really cute. I will have to give this style a try......but I think I will make it a loose fitting dress.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That sounds lovely!

[@nancyschaffer7568]

Just a hint: use stabilizer on the under side of your knit shirt. I buy a bolt of it and use on t shirts to make quilts. Also when I have to hem something knit I just cut it to the size I need. Much cheaper this way.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That is a great tip! I've seen the iron on ones just the size of hems so that would be convenient.

[@marybethtanner959]

OK I’m in a rut. I need something new. I bumped into your channel. Oh my goodness thank you.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Welcome aboard! Upcycling is a fun and different. I think you'll love it!

[@chaundra2456]

Thank you soooo much for this fantastic tutorial!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@thecat5620]

love this patchwork. Thank you! ✝

[@melodycassone2184]

Beautiful ❤❤❤

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

I have a knit tank that I really like the print on, but it's too short. I put it in my refashion box, this would be a cute thing to do to it.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That would be so cute! Great idea!

[@fungirl809]

Another good one Thank you

[@danybastelt8931]

So great!! Please more

[@dianadougherty7187]

Adorable. thanks for showing how it's done.

[@Opalrain576]

love this, thanks

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@esperansaloughran693]

Great video!❤

[@colettesorrells9015]

❤❤❤

[@pamkinsey8077]

Hi, I've really been enjoying your videos. One thing that I think would be helpful is if you mentioned in your drop down section how many shirts it takes to make the item. I know you mentioned it in the video....but honestly I was so focused on watching it that I don't remember. Thanks!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Hi! That is not a bad idea at all. Kind of like a recipe. I could say, "what you will need" and then make the list. In the patchwork shirt tutorial I only used one shirt and then just pieces and scraps of fabrics. Hope that helps.

[@missyb.623]

Thanks for sharing your creative process!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@user-qm9cl3zi7v]

❤❤❤

[@madasahatter4489]

Hi Sherry, love your videos! Is your machine a Bernina Record? I now have my mother's light green Bernina Record, which was her pride and joy back in the 60s 😊. As to knit fabric stretching/waving: With your knit fabric on the BOTTOM isn't it more likely to stretch/wave because it's right on the feed dogs and so will be pulled by them faster than the TOP (woven) layer of fabric? (That's the kind of problem for which "even feed"/walking foot attachments were designed). Keep on stitchin'! 🥰

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Hi and thank you so much for asking. When one sews with knit, lets say you are making a shirt, they use a piece that is non stretch in the top of the sleeve by the shoulder to keep it from stretching. I can't remember the name of the product right now but basically it is installed the same way and my experience has been that putting the knit under the non stretchy fabrics works best. And because I am sewing often mixed fabrics of knits, flannels, cottons, denims. I do not wish to switch out my sewing foot every time I add a piece. Thank you so much commenting! Edit: I forgot to answer your question! I looked up the Bernina Record and it appears to be a later model than mine. Nice looking machine though! Lucky you!

[@lunalunita5611]

Hello Sherry! Happy Sarurday. So cute!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Thank you!

[@linw5302]

Heres a question. What if you pressed a strip of iron on lightweight inner facing on the wrong side of cut tee shirt bottom before you start sewing patches to it. Would that stabilize the knit material and prevent stretching, to some degree? Just a thought. Love this shirt concept!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

That a great idea! Especially with spandex and super stretchy fabrics. Thank you so much for sharing! My only concern might be that it might feel stiff while wearing it.

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Very fun! Im new here. What area are you in? Im in smokies of NC. I use to quilt And see all the time and got out of habit when I moved and no space set up. I miss my sewing room! Had to Downsize after I lost my husband 10.5 years ago.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I'm so sorry you lost your husband. Maybe you can do a machine in a stowaway cabinet or something. Upcycling takes less space than quilting does. I live in Missouri. The Smokies would be an awesome place to live I think.

[@lucidkate]

Do you ever notice that the weight of the bottom fabrics weigh down the top fabric? I keep having that problem.😕

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

It can be tricky. Using a sturdier t shirt will help or sewing a band around the cut of tshirt first of a cotton fabric before attaching the patchwork also helps.

[@123gp1833]

Love this. To add flair can i ruffle the fabric in the beginning. Hope that makes sense.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

Yes, I do that all the time. It looks nice.

[@123gp1833]

@@SherryJonesDesigns Thanks.

[@lpruitt4163]

This how I like to sew, off the cuff so to speak. I really don’t sew as much since making items from a pattern is a drag to me.

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I know. I quit because it is too tedious. Then I discovered this style and it is so much fun!

[@jhjln8712]

Did I catch you say you use a zigzag, not a straight stitch? What about in your other technique, where you fold the edges under? Is that also a zigzag or are you using a straight stitch for that one? I did something like this to create some shorts for my daughter. They were really cute!

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I generally use a zigzag for most of my top stitch. I just love how it looks. One can use a straight stitch but I suggest using a short length straight stitch and backing up occasionally to give it strength so it doesn't tear. Upcycling is so different than regular sewing because one uses so many different kinds of fabrics at once and I feel zigzag is better at locking in the fabric and keeping it from over fraying or coming undone. I'm so glad you made something like this and it turned out great! That is awesome!

[@jhjln8712]

Thanks for answering!

[@paulaneary7877]

Question. When you sewed up the second side, you said you noticed you had cut it "wider" an I did not understand what you meant. I thought you had trimmed one side of the garment, then folded it to the other side and trimmed the other side at the same angle to match the first so what was "wider?"

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

I must not have folded it exactly. I think that is what happened.

[@jhjln8712]

I know she makes her final product with a flared bottom rather than going straight down from the armpits. I thought that’s what she might be referring to.

[@dorisamstutz5888]

Since you just sew over raw edges of cotton what do these squares look like after the garments is washed? Do they fray very much? I always serge the edges of cotton and would love to skip that time consuming step but I don’t want it to look tacky and all frayed after washing

[@SherryJonesDesigns]

The best way that I have found to get a non frayed look is to fold each edge over. Check out my other tutorial on patchwork. I mainly use the method in this video for a rustic frayed look and for knits.