That’s right – I’m crazy about sewing with jersey these days! Ever since my new book, “Sew U Home Stretch” arrived, all I’ve thought about is turning every bit of knit fabric I can get my hands on into shirts. And I’m having good success!

If you guessed “The Shirt” in my guessing game post, you guessed right. That little Raglan T-shirt for Jesse was the first shirt I made. I figured I’d start with something for him – less fabric and time commited if it didn’t work – but it did! And it went fast – I made his shirt in the morning, and one for myself in the afternoon. This here is my second shirt for myself – made from an old sheet, and proudly worn in public last night for the first time. 🙂
It reminds me of the North Shore Tee from DownEast, only I didn’t pay $16.99 for it – it was free – made from a thrifted sheet.
If you guessed “The Shirt” in my guessing game post, you guessed right. That little Raglan T-shirt for Jesse was the first shirt I made. I figured I’d start with something for him – less fabric and time commited if it didn’t work – but it did! And it went fast – I made his shirt in the morning, and one for myself in the afternoon. This here is my second shirt for myself – made from an old sheet, and proudly worn in public last night for the first time. 🙂
It reminds me of the North Shore Tee from DownEast, only I didn’t pay $16.99 for it – it was free – made from a thrifted sheet.
I am so excited that I can at last sew shirts for myself – nice, detailed, comfy, custom-fit t-shirts – and for less than you could get them at the thrift store (IF you could find what you want at the thrift store!) I got a full set of navy blue jersey sheets last week for $4 – I’ll be able to make 10 shirts out of them – or, how about a maxi dress? (they’re all the rage this year – tho’ I think the name is awful!)
If you have always wanted to maximize your serger, or even if you don’t have a serger but desire to explore the world of knit fabrics, Sew U Home Stretch is the book for you. It comes with patterns in an envelope at the back of the book, but t-shirts are really so simple, I just copied a favorite from my wardrobe to make the one above.
That shirt looks great on you !! Good job ! I want one !!
I do love the shirt too! It looks so comfy!
Nice Shirt Trina! I love it!
Well, I must get this book now. I’ve been thinking about this a lot the past week–perfect timing!
I love your shirt!
That is wonderful Trina!!! Your shirt looks great!!!
April, once you get started with knits you’ll be amazed at how easy it is! I did just what you said – laid an existing shirt on my fabric and cut around, including a seam allowance. The great thing about knits is you don’t have all the fitting issues of wovens – no darts, few seams, and no zippers or buttons. It’s the easiest thing I’ve ever made – I am totally sold on it.
Good luck on checking the book out from the library – my system didn’t have it, probably ’cause it contains actual tissue patterns?
When you copy a shirt you already have, how exactly do you do that? My sister and I were just commenting the other day (after yet another unsuccessful shopping trip!) how it would be nice to just make our own t-shirts (and maybe a knit dress or two!). Do you lay out the existing shirt on your fabric to use as a pattern, or do you use some kind of elaborate measuring system?
Thanks for the heads-up on the book…I requested it from our library to test drive it!
Very nice! I am so afraid to sew with knits! These shirts are great!