A recipe for a t-shirt vest

I’m not really one for DIYing. But once in a blue moon I have a hankering for some tinkering. So the other night I pulled out the scissors and transformed an old t-shirt into a vest.

t-shirt-vest-striped-dress

‘Tis easy. Trust me. You won’t even need to use a sewing needle. You’ll find a step-by-step guide after the jump.

Start with your favourite pirate-themed cotton t-shirt. Scratch that. Start with your non-favourite pirate-themed cotton t-shirt. Something you wouldn’t mind ruining. You know, in case it turns out DIYing isn’t your strong suit.

pirates-of-the-caribbean-tee

Step 1. Cut off the sleeves.

t-shirt-vest-step-1

Step 2. Cut off the collar. Then, slice straight down the front of the shirt. (Line this up carefully. Symmetry is key here so follow the carpenter’s rule of thumb: measure twice, cut once.)

t-shirt-vest-step-2

Step 3. Cut off the bottom hem. I chose to angle mine down toward the front so that the back is shorter and angles nicely.

t-shirt-vest-step-3

All the  edges will curl up a bit. It’s a nice vintage effect. Roll with it.

t-shirt-vest-back

And that’s it, friends, easier than pie! Once you’ve tried it on, try making the arm holes bigger, the back even shorter and the front even angled-er. (Just make these changes gradually. There’s no “Ctrl Z” in real life.)

If you make your own. Send me pics! Or post them on The Anthology’s Facebook page.

Previous Post Next Post

You Might Also Like

11 Comments

  • Reply janettaylor February 2, 2011 at 11:20 am

    WOW! GREAT!

    Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

  • Reply Tweets that mention A recipe for a t-shirt vest | The Anthology -- Topsy.com February 2, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kelsey Dundon, Kelsey Dundon. Kelsey Dundon said: Aaaaarrrrgh you brave enough to handle this DIY t-shirt vest? http://bit.ly/fiQ2Yw […]

  • Reply Larissa February 3, 2011 at 12:02 am

    love! make me one?

  • Reply MizzJ February 3, 2011 at 12:59 am

    I don’t know how many times I’ve wished there was a Ctrl-Z in life!

    Just wanted to let you know about my little giveaway… You could win a $50 gift card for makeup & skin care from Apothica!
    http://highmaintenancewoman.blogspot.com/2011/02/apothica-giveaway-dear-mizzj-just-what.html

  • Reply hauteworld February 3, 2011 at 11:27 am

    This might be a DIY that even I could do! Although unfortunately I think I gave away most of my unwanted t-shirts to charity, but I’m sure the hubby has some…

  • Reply Kelsey February 3, 2011 at 11:37 am

    Janet Taylor — Even greater when you realize how quick it is!

    Larissa — Nice try! But isn’t the point of DIY to, well, do it yourself?

    Mizz J — It would be the best, wouldn’t it?

    Haute World — You know the old expression “If I can do it, anyone can?” In my case, it’s very, very true.

  • Reply aliciafashionista February 3, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    Awesome idea Kelsey, the Pirates of the Caribbean shirt makes for a perfect vest. Thanks for sharing this, I’m always looking for new DIY projects :)

  • Reply Maria February 3, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    Nice, nice, NICE. I will go get my fabric scissors right now and start digging for an old tee. You have inspired me. So much that I’m going hit Dressew early tomorrow for the 50% off everything sale. Stock up on some DIY materials that may or may not end up in my closet for a few years.

  • Reply Cafe Fashionista February 4, 2011 at 7:12 am

    This. Is. COOLNESS! Seriously, I could see Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl rocking this! :)

  • Reply jamie-lee February 4, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    wow what a fun and simple diy, it turned out so great!

  • Reply lisa February 6, 2011 at 10:10 pm

    What a great DIY idea!

  • Leave a Reply