Old to New Shirt Transformation

Tools and materials:

• Tape measure
• Chalk
• Ruler
• Pins
• Safety pin
• Needle and thread
• Sewing machine
• Button down shirt

Sew a channel 

To begin this shirt upcycle, I grabbed a tape measure and measured 37cm (15 inches) from the top of the shirt. I marked this point and drew a line across the shirt. I then drew a second line about 4cm (2 inches) down from the first. I turned the shirt over and made the same markings on the back. 

I folded the shirt along the top line I had drawn and pinned the fold. 

I took the shirt to the sewing machine and sewed along the second line. I made sure to also topstitch along the line. This would become the channel for the drawstring. 

Crop the shirt 

I then marked 50cm (20 inches) from the top of the shirt and drew another line across. 

I picked up my pair of scissors and cut across the shirt, just above the last button. 

Hem the shirt 

I double folded the bottom of the shirt up to the last line I had drawn and pinned. I sewed the hem to give the shirt a clean finish. 

Make a drawstring 

I used the fabric I had cut off to make a long strip. I folded each end toward the center and then folded the strip in half. I pinned the fold to make the strip of fabric a little bit easier to sew. 

I then marked on either side of the center as a guide for cutting slits in the channel I had sewed earlier. I used my scissors to make the incisions. 

I then used a safety pin to help me thread the drawstring through the channel. I added an extra button to the shirt to complete the look.  

Adjust the sleeves 

I also moved the button on each sleeve to make them tighter and create more of a cuffed style. 

This upstyled shirt is a piece I just can’t get enough of! Let me know in the comments how you would have refashioned the original shirt!