Custom Fit T-Shirt
By the Shibaguyz
Who doesn’t love a good T-shirt? They go with everything from jeans to modern business attire. We have them in various colors, with and without graphics.
The one issue… the fit. T-shirts are made to fit a wide population, most of whom have unique sizing issues. Curvy? Broad chested and narrow waisted? Your new T right out of the package is going to hang awkwardly rather than compliment you. And buying “athletic fit” or “shaped” T’s can be quite expensive. What’s the solution? Custom fit your own shirts to your frame.
The Clover Curve Ruler is the perfect tool to take those boxy T’s and tune them to your personal curves; making them fit the way you want them to fit. Try customizing your T’s once… you’ll love the result.
NOTIONS AND TOOLS
- Curve Ruler – Art. No 7006
- Water Erasable Marker – Art. No 516
- Wonder Pins – Art. No 3210
- Patchwork Scissors (Large) – Art. No 493/L
MATERIALS
1 Standard Fit T-Shirt
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Measure & Pin
With your T-shirt inside (either on a dress form fit with your measurements or on yourself) out find the narrowest part of your waist and allowing for a little ease pin one side.
Next, find the widest part of your hip and again allowing for a little ease pin the same side as before.
NOTE: Your shape may require you to pin in different areas. The idea is to look for the narrowest points and wide points to shape between.
Step 2: Mark Your Curve
With shirt still inside out, fold the shirt in half matching the side seams together.
Using a Water Erasable Marker, mark the pin locations.
Using the Hip Curve Ruler, lay the end of the ruler 1-2 inches under the armhole on the existing seam. Adjust the angle of the ruler so the 1/4” seam allowance line crosses your first measurement.
Draw a line connecting the seam to your first mark.
Slide the ruler down so it covers your waist mark and the first hip mark.
- The depth of curve will vary. Choose the section of the Curve Ruler that best matches the right curve for your figure.
Draw a line connecting those two points.
Turn the ruler over and use the outside angle to connect the hip measurement to the existing seam about 2-3 inches above the hem.
- Again, the depth of curve will vary. Choose the section of the Curve Ruler that best matches the right curve for your figure.
Draw that line.
Step 3: Cut your Fabric
While still folded in half, pin the shirt together 2 inches (or so) away from your drawn line.
Using a good pair of shears, cut along your line, cutting through both the side seams at once.
- Remember to leave a few inches of the existing seam below the armhole and above the hem.
Step 4: Re-pin
Along your cut, pin the top 2 layers of fabric together.
Turn over the fabric and again pin the top 2 layers together.
You should be able to open up the shirt and lay it flat now with the side seams pinned together.
Step 5: Sew the Seams
Using a zig-zag, overlock, or stretch stitch sew the sides together using a 1/4” seam allowance. Be sure to sew at least 1” of the existing seam from under the armhole and above the hem.
DONE!
Turn your shirt right side out and try on your custom fit T. Once you see how easy this is you will be customizing all of your shirts!!
