Simple to Chic T-Shirt Remakes
Knit tops are a wardrobe basic; most of us live in them. After awhile, the style can get, well, boring! Welcome to Simple to Chic T-Shirt Remakes, a Sewing With Nancy 2-part TV series—Watch online or on PBS. During this first episode, learn how to transform the common knit shirt into a fresh and smart-looking fashion. Embroidery machine designs are the key to adding embellishment and also the neckline transformation. It’s rather marvelous how it all happens.
Joining me is machine embroidery expert Eileen Roche, who uses her embroidery machine to transform off-the-rack tops.
Embroidery Designs Create The Transformation
Embroidery designs can be functional and creative at the same time. The magic combo of functionality and creativity take the guesswork out of these T-shirt remakes. There are eight neckline designs to choose from. Use a 5″ x 7″ embroidery hoop—the most common hoop size—to stitch the magic. Here’s a summary of the process:
- Fold the T-shirt in half, matching the shoulder seams. Mark the center front with a pin.
- Hoop a water-soluble adhesive stabilizer, cloth type in a 5″ x 7″ hoop. Score the paper of the stabilizer within the hooped area with the tip of a pin or seam ripper. Remove the paper covering.
- Set-up the machine with the embroidery unit. Import the neckline design of your choice.
- Stitch color 1 directly onto the stabilizer. This is the functional part of the embroidery, a placement guide.
- Remove the hoop from the machine and place it on the narrow end of the ironing board, top of the hoop at the narrow end.
- Place the shirt, hem first, over the ironing board and hoop. Align the center marking of the shirt with the vertical stitch line on the hoop.
- Align the top of the ribbing with the horizontal placement line. Gently smooth the shirt flat over the stabilizer.
- Nest the shirt above the hoop and transport the hoop to the machine.
- Attach the hoop to the machine.
- Use painter’s tape to hold the fabric in place is needed.
- Stitch color 2, the tack-down; this temporary stitching will be removed when the embroidery is complete.
- Embroider the decorative elements—the eyelets and the design.
- Place the 6” x 8” rectangle of prewashed tricot interfacing fusible side up over the embroidery, extending the interfacing 1/2” above the ribbing.
- Stitch the final color, which is the stitching for the neckline opening—the transformation!
- Remove hoop from machine and release the garment from the hoop. Trim away the excess water-soluble stabilizer.
- Slide the shirt over a sleeve board. Cut the shirt between the center stitched lines.
- Turn the shirt wrong side out and slip it over the sleeve board. Slightly pull the interfacing from the front to the back.
- Trim the interfacing even with the ribbing. Fold in the ribbing 1/4”. (Watch the online video to see Eileen demonstrate this unique finish.)
- Press the interfacing from the wrong side.
- Remove the tack-down stitching. (It will come out easily!)
- Insert the tip of a sharp scissors in the center of each eyelet. Gently clip through the fabric.
- Lacing: Use a yarn needle to thread the lace/cording, and then thread the lace/cording through each eyelet.
Three of the Eight Designs to Embroider—Do You Have a Favorite?
Chic Sleeve Remakes
Our transformed shirts have a surprise, a tasteful repeat of the neckline design at the sleeve hem. Here’s how to add thread accents to your sleeve.
- Stitch color 1 of the sleeve embroidery directly onto the stabilizer. Featured is the placement guide for the right sleeve—notice the “R” stitched on the stabilizer. (There are two sleeve embroideries—one for the left sleeve and the other for the right sleeve.)
- Open the side seam of the sleeve and position the center of the sleeve with the center marking stitched on the stabilizer.
- Stitch color 2, the tack-down stitch.
- Stitch the embroidery design.
- Repeat the process for the left sleeve. Then, remove the tack-down stitching and restitch the side seams. Ta da!
Watch Simple to Chic T-Shirt Remakes on Sewing With Nancy online.
Create Exciting T-Shirt Transformations with this Unique Embroidery Collection
Simple to Chic T-Shirt Remakes Package contains:
- 8 neckline designs
- 7 sleeve designs
- 9 hemline side seam designs
- Step-by-step instructions for T-shirt remakes.
- 24 designs that fit in 5″ x 7″ hoop and two bonus jumbo designs
The random winner of a copy of the new book, Change-Up Patchwork, from Nancy’s Notions is Hazel. Her comment was: I love the look of the 7-weave pattern. However, nine patch is my favorite go-to for a project in a rush. Love the variations that are shown.
Bye for now,
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KayZee
How clever! I like the one on the red shirt (first of the three pictured in a column.)
Pam Hopp
What an incredible idea! And the photos are very helpful. Thank-you
Barb Steinmetz
Wow! This is great. I can see my t-shirt wardrobe getting a make over! I will also be updating shirts for my Daughter and Granddaughter; who just turned 12 and loves this style!
Diane C
This will be something new to try. I am putting in on my ever growing list of things to do
Patti K
I’ve always wanted to do this, but have been a little afraid to. Thanks for this. I am going to give it a try. I have lots of t-shirts, but they are definitely boring!! Thanks.
Cyndi
Wow! What a great way to recycle a plain shirt!! I love the paisley- it adds so much!! I can’t wait to try this with one of my t-shirts!
Thank you for the give away!
Barb Robke
I like the one on the tan shirt probably the best, but I could see using all of them on a shirt! I really like being able to do the seams and the sleeves to match!
Linda E in AZ
I like the 2nd one of the three (on blue), neat design. But they’re all wonderful, especially the one shown on the cover of the CD.
thanks!
Gale Gleim
I have one of Eilene’s designs, Love it! I like the design on the black T, but then I like the blue, I could never pick just one. FABULOUS….
Rebecca
I love the paisley one. They’re all beautiful! I’d love to win the CD and be able to make beautiful T-shirts for myself and my daughter 🙂
Jane Davis
The blue long sleeve T with the white and yellow daisy is beautiful. Now it’s a little more than casual- it has a little dressy flair to the shirt. ( no longer a T)
Roberta Turpen
I like the design on the blue one. Love this idea
Diane Q
What a great way to dress up a plain t-shirt and it looks so easy to do. So hard to decide between the blue and tan design.
Sheila
What a clever technique! I like the design on the red shirt.
Jade
I like the one with white stitching on the black shirt best, very classy!
Rebecca Monnin
All right, someone has sneaked into my bedroom and found my drawers of t-shirts! Yes, all are boring. . .plain. I like that blue one on the model! Thanks for having the giveaway! It’s so nice of you to do!
Donna
What a great selection to choose from not sure which one I like best maybe # 3 going to order the files so I can make one of each, love the bonus of the matching sleeves. Thanks for all your great sewing and embroidery tips. Can’t wait to make over a t shirt.
Pat
What clever ideas. Love them all.
Marsha Lamberth
I love the black shirt with the white embroidery. I would like to try this. It is such a pretty transformation of a Basic shirt.
Liz Jefferys
I like the blue shirt with white stitching that shows all three design locations. What a fantastic idea!
Sharon Kirby
Always nice to find something else the embroidery machine can do. I have never been sorry to have purchased one. Thanks for all the inspiration and how to.
Kathy Shepard
I like the design that is on the cover and the design on the gray shirt in green. I’m so grateful that it comes in the format for my machine.
karen stevens
I love them all, but especially love the black one on the cover of the booklet. This is one I need to have.
Kathy Shepard
I like the design on the cover, the black with the two designs.
Great idea!
Jackie Branscum
I like the black one shown on the cover, but I might have to add royal blue, turquoise, and Aqua instead of the warmer colors. I love this idea, I LIVE in Tshirts & jeans or leggings. I would love to win!
Anna
I like all of them that are pictured, but especially the black one. I like that you can finish off the neckline almost entirely in the hoop.
Phyllis Marshall
Love to have this book. Looks like a lot of fun.
Colleen Murphy
The white on black one is my favorite. You and Eileen have a great idea to turn a boring Tshirt into WOW. Thanks for all your videos. I always learn something new from you. Keep up the good work.
Donna Schell
I really like the black tee shirt on the cover. Great bohemian vibe!
Vicki L in MN
I love the long sleeved blue, which I believe is the same pattern as the peach and red… LOVE it!! What a great addition to the earlier Designer Necklines!
Donna Schell
I love the black tee shirt on the cover. Great bohemian vibe!
Stella
I love the blue one, although they all would have a place in my wardrobe. I’ve been ill for a while and my dear husband has been buying me plain t-shirts at a large warehouse retailer when he stops for groceries. This would be a wonderful way to change my wardrobe from plain t-shirts to a variety of beautiful custom shirts. I’m excited about that!
Patti
Wonderful ways to personalize! This is such a fun design idea to try! Thanks Nancy!
Ilana
All the designs are great! I think I especially like the design on the short sleeve blue shirt.
LindaC in AZ
I like the brown embroidery on the tan t-shirt the best, but I really like them all. A fun way to change-up your plain t-shirt.
Linda M
Well Nancy and Eileen, you ladies have done it again. I love the long sleeve blue classy t-shirt design. I would love to win so I can make these beautiful tees for others.
Ellen Runyan
I absolutely love anything paisley. These are all great dress it up ideas.
Linda
Wow – love them all and can see making several. I wear t-shirts just about everyday and would love to make them special. I just purchased a new to me embroidery machine and need a special project.
Paula soper
I really like the orange shirt. I think the blue shirt sleeve design would look great on orange too. Mixing up designs with various colours is very exciting for anone who likes creating! Thx
Virginia
I like the design in the red T-shirt as it looks like candlewicking embroidery.
CC Collins
Love the design on the black, but they are
all great!
Diana S
Now that I am retired, I live in T-shirts and pants all the time. These patterns would give me a lot of variety. I love the blue one.
Aprille Sweatt
I like the most simple design with the least stitches. I love this idea – especially for tee shirts that appear to be more for men than women.
Martha
The short sleeve blue is my favorite so far. What a great idea for changing up a T-shirt. I’ve been putting embroidery around the neckline but this adds so much more. I wonder if this would work on sweatshirts as well.
Jacqueline
What a great and practical use for my embroidery machine! I love functional and beautiful. Thanks, Nancy, for keeping us in mind!
PamB
I like the black t-shirt with the white embroidery. Very classy!
Cindy Schultz
I love the t-shirt that Nancy is modeling in the video. It looks great. Actually they all look great. I love the idea of making t-shirts look prettier.
Pat
I think all the designs shown are great. My favorite is the one shown on the blue T shirt. Thanks for the chance to win.
Lois Van Ackern
I love the chic sleeve design on black. So striking! I am somewhat new at embroidery, but would love to give this one (and all) a try. Thanks for being so generous.
diane beal
I like the short sleeve blue tshirt the best, love the design and blue is my favorite color.
Arden
I love the snowflakes on the blue T. Great ideas to dress up some boring tops. I have plenty of those.
Peggy K
I would love to have this book. I love all the designs but the black one is my favorite. Thank you.
Dorothy
I love all of them. I’ve been thinking of ideas for my T’s, great ideas. Thank you
Jennifer Mead
I LOVE these new designs!! The floral designs are my favorite. I am currently revamping my wardrobe and these T-shirt redos are the perfect addition!!
Elizabeth Martell
I love them all, but especially the one on Nancy’s blue
T on the first program. I’m really just a beginning
embroiderer, but I’m always in T-shirts. I buy
inexpensive ones to try out embroidery designs,
and I really like all the designs shown on the program.
faith king
They’re all wonderful but my favorite is the white on black and I would try it on a sweatshirt because I’m always so cold. I could also see some of the sleeve/hem designs on the outside seam of pants or capris, leaving the seam closed. Can’t wait to try all or these designs!
Elizabeth Martell
I like all of the designs, but most especially the one on
Nancy’s blue T in the first program. I’m a fairly novice
embroiderer, so I use inexpensive T-shirts to try out
some embroidery designs. That way I can wear my
“artwork”, and not just make “samples”! I would
probably use all the designs shown.
Prabha Tedrow
They all look great. I love the two black ones the most.. I would even use them on woven tunics that I like to wears in the summer weather. The sleeve and bottom border designs really complete the set.
Judy H
Love this and so practical to take boring T-shirts which I have so many of, and easily transform them into pretty T-shirts. Especially like the coral one with the smaller, simple stitching, but each design is very attractive and I would enjoy embellishing each of my boring T-shirts with the different options. Thank you for this inspiring video and opportunity to win this CD.
Loma Bammel
Would love to try all the designs, but love the black tee with whit designs..
Barb Johnson
I love all the designs but I really like the white on black. Sure changes a boring T-shirt – and I do wear a lot of T-shirts. I have a draw full of T’s waiting to be embellished. Can’t wait to get going on this project.
Mary
Wow! So hard to choose! I really like the blue shirt with the “snowflakes” but I also like the shirt Nancy is wearing. What an interesting way to make a one-of-a-kind shirt! Thank you for the chance to win!
Nita
I like all of the designs but my favorite to try would be the one with the eyelets.
Ellen R. in MN
This comes at a good time as I need to clean out my old t-shirts! I like the first design best. Having been a “plain jane” for many years I will start with the simpler designs and move into the more elaborate designs as my comfort level changes.
Kris
These are very cool! And it doesn’t look to terribly hard either. I like them all. I think I would try each one. I’d start with the hexagon shaped design. I love the ties with the beads!!
Diane S.
I like the design on the orange shirt. Thanks for the ideas.
S. Sanders
I love the design on the blue short sleeve shirt. I really adds pizazz to the shirt. Also , blue is my favorite color.
S. Sanders
The short sleeve blue shirt ( my favorite color) design really dresses up the shirt!
Adrian Deanhardt
I like all of them, but my favorite is the first one on the apricot colored shirt.
Donna Klemm
Love all of them but my favorite is the one on the red shirt.
Brenda Ackerman
Oh my goodness….each and every one of these designs are beautiful and would look lovely on a t-shirt or sweatshirt! In this post, I really love the design element involved in the black t-shirt. I have not had the opportunity to watch the series yet, but sure look forward to it later on this evening! Thank you so very much for sharing this tutorial. I have an older model embroidery machine and am just learning to use it. Yet, had never considered doing anything of this magnitude…but sure am going to learn how! Also, Thank You so much for this opportunity to win this fantastic prize! I can not imagine the designs on it…bet they are all spectacular! Have a wonderful creative day!
Gail Beam
All of the designs are unique, but I think I like the one with the eyelets would be a favorite.
Kari
These are fabulous! I really like the design on the light brown shirt.
Becky M
I believe the black and white one is my favorite. They are all so pretty, it was hard to choose.
Cyndy Lacey
My favorite is the short sleeved blue shirt. I think they all would be fun projects. Thanks for your continued inspiration an innovative ideas!
barb pointer
oh my gosh–they are all gorgeous and I would want
to do them all but I think I would start out with the design on the red shirt. sorry for all lower case typing but am using the one finger pecking method cuz just recovering from shoulder surgery last week and only have one arm available. thanks for the opportunity
Linda
I love the look of the black shirt. I love the contemporary designs!
Jill
I like the gray one with the same design as Nancy’s – exquisite!
Glenda S
What beautiful t-shirts! Definitely Chic!
My favorite is the green design on the dark gray t-shirt, a beautiful way to dress up a “drab gray” t-shirt!
Karen
I like them all, for a favorite I would say the black one on the package.Would great to win, thanks for the give away.
Linda Hazziez
What a terrific way to add new life to those clothing items just chilling in your closet. All the designs are great but my favorite was on the black shirt. I love your blog, lots of fantastic information. Thanks much.
Tammy W.
I love them all.
Debbie E
Beautiful love all the designs but my favorite is the one on blue shirt reminds me of flowers and snowflakes at the same time.
Vicki
All the tops are sooo cute! Would love to be able to make these.
Martha
I like the one that resembles snow flakes. All are great. Be hard to make just one design.
Sue Roberts
I wear only cotton tops so I end up with a lot of plain t-shirts. These designs would enable me to vary my very boring wardrobe.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter to win.
Kelly Sasman
I am a newbie to machine embroidery and loving it! I got a number of DIME embroidery help tools for Christmas. I would love to make these as I wear t-shirts almost everyday, but I especially like the design on the black shirt. Would make that first!
Nancy
I love wearing t-shirts and now they can be made more grown-up looking. They are all beautiful but I especially like the blue with white stitching.
Bunny Hand
I like the design on the tan shirt. So simple and elegant.
Cynthia Fedak
The embroidery sure dresses up the t-shirts, the designs are perfect for any age group. I think the black one is lovely, but then I wouldn’t mind any of the others either. Very nice!
Nellie
Love the design on the blue long-sleeved Tee. I have a shirt all ready to go for that design! 🙂 Thank you for such a great opportunity…
Judy
Wow! I have a lot of tshirts in many colors. Keep thinking I will embroider on them but have been afraid of ruining them. This looks so easy. I really like the design with the daisies.
Marlene Karabinus
I would have a hard time deciding between the coral T-shirt and the blue short sleeve t-shirt. Since coral is my favorite color, I’ll say that is my favorite.
Another winner, Nancy
Cindy Masek
I’ve been looking for a set of neckline embroidery patterns for the last couple years that I really liked and now I’ve found it! I’m especially happy to see the sleeve and hem options. My favorite is the white with light blue X’s.
Nancy – I’m from Lincoln, NE and yes! you need to come to the Quilt Museum again. I go every now and then and it is always a totally different experience.
One wonderful service they offer is their quilt identification days. I took a couple of my oldest family quilts last year. They photographed and documented them for their collection records. And I learned about the fabrics used, the pattern name and they confirmed their 1890 -1900 origins. I am grateful to live near such a wonderful facility.
Sandra Nettles
I like the black shirt with the white embroidery.
Teresa Mitchell
I have the Neckline designs that I purchased a few years back while at a 2 day retreat at B Sew Inn in Tulsa. I use the designs frequently. It is a fantastic way to dress up my t-shirts. These new designs would allow me to add some new t-shirts to my collection. In addition, it is so nice for you all to give us this opportunity. Thank you!
EleanorRoy
They are all so sharp. What a clever way of dressing up a t-shirt. Fantastic and very very sharp!
Bonnie
What lovely designs to dress up an ordinary t-shirt! I love them all, but my favorite is the white design on the short sleeve shirt. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway.
Lynn
I like the black t shirt designs.
Kimberly Hubbard
Wow I love the whole idea of turning a plain t shirt into a chic t shirt. I am a plus size woman and the availability of attractive clothing is not the same as for smaller women. I love the idea of improving my tshirts so I can look chic like the smaller size women. Thanks Nancy and Eileen!!!
Leanda Mayer
I really love the design on the blue shirt. I would also love to win this….thanks so much for the chance 🙂
Laurie
I like the blue, but I have to say I love the black one! It would be a wonderful birthday present! (Tomorrow) Thanks ladies for the great design ideas!
Michelle Hall
I like both the black shirt and the blue ones. I love the coordinating sleeve designs
ella ruth
Since I wear tee shirts most of the time, especially in the summer, where I spend most of my time on the river, this would be a great change from the plain tee shirts. They are all pretty but I like the one you are wearing and the orange one. Thank you for sharing with all of us. : )
Ellen
Oh Wow. I can do this! Totally inspiring.
Lou
I love them all! I really like the one Nancy is wearing. Thank you for the video.
Kathy
I love the idea of dressing up a simple t-shirt. I particularly like the brown design on the tan shirt. I get a lot from your newsletters and your PBS shows. Keep up the good work.
Kathy E.
These are awesome ideas to update plain cotton shirts! My favorite design is on the tan long-sleeved shirt.
Marty
I like the designs placed on sleeves!
Brenda
I would love to remake these T shirts!
They are beautiful.
Bev M
I like the first (blue) design. I often add embellishments to t-shirts for my mother and myself. I always add a little something to the back of the shirt, too, at the neckline or a motif at one side near the hem. I would love to win this prize.
Sheri Robbins
I’ve always loved a black & white contrast, so would have to go with that one! Also like the coral…I thought those were real metal grommets at first look! Thanks Nancy for all of your inspiration through the years. I try to pass along the skills I’ve learned to all the wonderful students I’ve taught 🙂
Debbie Stephens
I am all about the paisley design on the cover of the CD. This will be a welcome addition to my sewing/embroidery library, should I win. Thank you Nancy for all your wonderful inspiration. You are amazing.
Audrey Dlugosz
Just the information I needed. I have tried to remake Tees before, but they came out “just so-so”. Have lots to work on.
Linda Hazziez
Did you get my comment that I sent yesterday?
Marj Gould
I love the snowflakes on the long-sleeved T-shirt and would like instructions on how to embroidery on the sleeve. I love recycling a plain T-shirt!
Michele
What a great use of embroidery machine!
Gwen
I love them ALL!! But if I had to chose a favorite, the blue w/the snowflake looking design. I could do this!! I’ve seen other ways to dress up the neckline of tee’s, but this by far would be the easiest way! LOVELY.
Linda
I love the snowflake design—-the shirt would look good on any age too—yea….thanks for the chance to win…..
Serenity
It would be a so wonderful to just try the process with the support of the well written and superb photos which accompanies this blog. Thank you all who created the designs and transformed the magic into this blog.
Kate Souder
I love the snowflakes! Each design is perfect!
Pat
Super instructions by Eileen and Nancy! My favorite is the one on the shirt Nancy is wearing. I already have my shirt and am ready to proceed.
Karrie Smith
My favorite is the last design
Jane Freedman
Golly, do I have to make a choice? I love them all!!! I can’t wait to go through my closet to see how many long sleeve t-shirts I own….
Ell
I like the simplest lace-up design at the neck and the sleeve design adds something you do not see a lot – could be very chic.
Kay
I like the one on the front of the package on the black. It look very free spirited and elegant at the same time.
Carolyn H
I like the one Eileen is wearing. All of them are great. I foresee Christmas presents for this year.
Anna Kisling
I love all the designs, but I like the hem and sleeve designs the best.
J Stevenson
Definitely love the one on the black shirt on the cover.
J Stevenson
Definitely love the black shirt on the DVD cover.
Michele Klein
I like the one on the red tshirt…but I like anything with red! Great way to add some zing to otherwise boring tshirts!
Ruby
I like the black one, also the blue one.
Karen T
Retirement = t-shirts and shorts! Love them all!
Linda Beth
I like snowflakes but confess my favorite is the black. I enjoy the interesting tied neck closure and the thoughtfully designed embroidery! Inspirational! Thanks Nancy!
Quilter hoodies
How many sweatshirts do you really need?
Beverly Owyoung
All the designs are beautiful and looks so easy. I have not done any embroidery for awhile. I had seen the identical designs on a full length dress. It had a very ethnic pleasing style and embroidered on batik cotton. Seeing that dress just made me search for that particular embroidery design. I was so lucky to have found it in Simple to Chic T shirts by Nancy and Eileen.
I like the paisley design on the dark T shirt. I would love to get a copy of the Simple to Chic T Shirt
www.marjatanreseptit.net
Awesome! Its actually amazing piece of writing, I have got much clear
idea concerning from this article.
Cherry B.
Oh please, I would love to dress up my t-shirts. I have a husband who would love me to have an opening in my t-shirts and this would be the perfect solution.
Cheryl Cole
What a great way to get a “new” shirt without spending money to buy one. I would love to try this with my little embroidery machine….