Hi Everyone!
Have you ever wanted to “Do Something” with a basic sweatshirt? I have, because sweatshirts do nothing but make one look like a prison inmate! I wanted a sweatshirt with some shape and fashion.
Then I saw this sweatshirt version on Pinterest and the ideas started to come! So, I set out to see if I could recreate it!
Inspiration Picture:
My Result:
Here is my result!!!! In the future I will never be seen in the prison variety. You can be fashionable even with a basic sweatshirt!
Tutorial:
Here is what I started out with. It cost me a whopping $1.99. Definitely what one would call “Prison Chic.”
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Step 1) I took the basic sweatshirt and turned it inside out. I marked my design lines using pins
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I cut the yoke halfway and then doubled it over to cut the other side. I did the same thing with the front and back panels.
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Step 2) I sewed the front and back panels to the yoke
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Step 3) I created the side panels and cut them from the remaining fabric. I apologize that I lost the pics for this portion. Maybe I took them maybe I didn’t???
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Step 4) After putting in the side panels I cut down the width of the sleeves. I tried to make a drop shoulder like the picture but couldn’t stand the bulk in the arm. I decided to make them a regular set in sleeve which took quite a few fittings.
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I used the first sleeve as a template for the other
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Step 5) I used the rib from the bottom of the original seatshirt as a facing for the side panels. Then I gace this area a 3 1/2″ double topstitch. The front and back panels got a 1″ double top stitched hem.
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I am ready to rock with this one. Let me know what you think!!!!!
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There you have it! Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Love Ya!
I love this top, great work on getting this to look so professionally made. Sweatshirts are not flattering but your version is really flattering and stylish too.
Hi Connie, I basically copied this one but I have more ideas in mind! We don’t have to look baggy and shapeless!
Great makeover, brings a good wardrobe item into the fashion useful and flattering state. Love it!!!!!
Hi Denise! I know right??? There is no reason sweatshirts cannot be flattering!
Love it Mary. You’re so talented
Thanks Kristine!
Glad you have joined my little blog!
So cute! I love the back detail.
Hey Angie!
Isn’t that different? I love things that speak to me! This one did!
where did you find your inspiration on pinterest?
Hi Kathy! I was just paging through pinterest and there it was If you follow me on pinterest it is on my refashion page,
very nice idea Mary, thank you for sharing
Hi Evi, So glad you like it I need to start sketching my other ideas!!!
Super cute, Mary! I love the warmth and comfort of a sweatshirt but hate the shapeless bulk of the traditional style. I hope to try your idea soon. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Laura,
Sweatshirts are perfect for So Cal winters and I like them to be fashionable!!!
Well done. You did an excellent job. I am going to give this a try. Thank you
Thanks so much Pat! So many ways to slice them up! Be sure to send me a picture!
Great job, Mary – looking forward to your other ideas, too. I have a beautiful lavender coloured sweatshirt I nearly cut up for rags but now I’m going to save it and see what can be done 🙂
Hi Joe! Do it! It doesn’t sound like it is ready for the rag bag yet! HA HA!
Love, love, LOVE!!! What an amazing difference! I’m going to look for one at Salvation Army and do that too!!!!
I recently watched the documentary “The True Cost,” which shows the suffering of garment workers in India and Bangladesh. Your inspirational blog plus viewing that movie may help keep Western consumers from buying new clothing. Keep up the good work, Mary!
Hi Nancy, Yes it is sad! This journey began when I couldn’t afford to buy new but I am learning how important it is to use what we have.
Wish I had thought of (or found) this idea when I was on the job. As THE female paramedic/firefighter, I had to fit my curvy frame into the ‘male’ uniform. Oh! How I despised the cut of our issued shirts, especially the sweats, as I not only looked 50lbs. heavier, but felt it, with all that bulk. Your translation would have allowed me to look professional, rather than Jobba-the-hut! Now that I’m retired though, I CAN apply the design to those I kept! THANKS!
Hello! What a cool story. Take those baggy old things and design away!!!
Just came across your post via Pinterest. I LOVE IT!! I have sweatshirts I’d like to refashion but I don’t think any are big enough to do this. But I am filing this one away for the next baggy sweatshirt to cross my path 🙂 You are so talented!
Hi Cat! Welcome to my little blog. So happy to inspire!