Monday night I tried an experiment while sewing on Facebook Live.. I put in a woven back on this knit t-shirt to see if it would work… IT DID! So happy it turned out and that I have this t-shirt hack to share today. It’s the top half of a peacock costume. You can scroll to the bottom of this post to get the skirt video tutorial as well. Okay, want to make a knit shirt with a woven back and cute tie? Let’s get started!
Grab your favorite t-shirt pattern or use me FREE ONE HERE. Cut out the front and sleeves as directed. On the center fold of the back piece you will cut a rounded opening {key hole} You can see mine extends about 1/2″ inwards and about 1/2 way down the arm opening. You can make any shape you want. Cut out the back of the shirt. NOTE: I cut the width of my back 1 size larger than the front since it doesn’t stretch. I didn’t make the shoulders wider, just the sides under the arms.
On another piece of the same fabric we will now create a facing for this opening. Lay your pattern piece on the fold again and trace the keyhole opening.
Move the pattern out of the way and make a 1″ wide facing on the fold. Cut out on the fold.
Finish the outer edge of the facing with a zig-zag or serger. Place right sides together on the back of the shirt and sew the facing to the shirt on the curved line. Fold the facing to the back of the shirt and iron in place.Top-Stitch on outer edge of facing.
When you cut your neck binding add 10 inches to the length. You want 5 extra on each side of the back for the tie.
After you sew the shoulders of together for the front and back pieces, fold the neck binding in half with wrong sides together and place right sides together along the neckline. Center it so that the ties extend evenly on both sides of the keyhole. The binding will finish the top of the hole as well.
Want to see this all in action? Here’s the video of making this shirt.. you can fast forward through the chit-chat!
You can download the feather template to make the Peacock Tutu Skirt HERE… and watch the video for all the details… Have fun! Want a photo tutorial instead? Check out this tutorial from Andrea’s Notebook for a photo version and my inspiration.
Here are some fun photos of the finished skirt, shirt and whole costume!!
Looks like it’s good for dancing!!
creativejewishmom/sara says
September 25, 2016 at 5:24 amso much fun and gorgeous colors, and a costume that isn’t so difficult to pull off! check out the peacock costume I made for some more inspiration for what to do in her hair! I made it in 2013, so you’ll have to scroll down a bit under DIY costumes.
Thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!
Anne says
September 26, 2016 at 5:02 pmOh cute!! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for this evening that features your t-shirt hack: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=89841 –Anne
Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing and Crafting says
September 27, 2016 at 9:50 pmThat is just so adorable! Love it! 🙂 Lisa
Nicole says
October 3, 2016 at 5:56 pmI love how you made such a pretty peacock costume! Thanks for sharing your idea at the #HomeMattersParty
The Happy Creations says
October 4, 2016 at 10:12 amPinned and shared. My favorite for this week’s party – Turn It Up Tuesday.
Thanks for sharing:)
Theresa says
October 6, 2016 at 4:46 pmSuch a cute idea! Thanks for the tutorial. Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight party. Shared.
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled says
October 2, 2017 at 9:48 pmSuper adorable! Great costume and great idea to add a custom back to a shirt. Visiting from Project Inspired.
Create With Joy says
October 8, 2017 at 5:01 pmI love your tutu skirt Emily – congrats – you’re one of our Featured Guests at Inspire Me Monday #301 at Create With Joy!
Emily says
October 12, 2017 at 1:59 pmthanks!!