Finding clothing that fits your child perfectly can be tricky. And just when you think you’re buying the correct size, you wash and dry it — and then it’s shrinks down to doll-clothes size. Ha….not really that small, but I swear, doesn’t it feel that way sometimes?!?! I know there are so many different sizes of children, PLUS, everyone uses different washing methods, so how does the clothing industry keep up with it all??? (Are they not PRE-SHRINKING their fabric like they should be? ;) ) But seriously, I feel like I sometimes buy something for one of the kids and then once I wash it……..it shrinks down to a whole different size.
Nothing’s worse than buying a new shirt, washing it, and then the next time they wear it, their little belly is peeking out the bottom. Boo.
Chloe has been having this problem lately……and this cute little shirt I bought her only a few months ago, was way too small after only the first washing. So, it sat in her drawer because I kept telling her to find another shirt to wear if she ever put it on. I know there are other factors to this phenomenon (like fabric type, body type, dryer temp, etc.) but, it’s such a pain when it happens.
So, the idea for this shirt hack was born! And I added a little sash to the bottom of her shirt, which added another 3 inches to the length!!!
Here’s the cute little shirt before (and yes, the shirt came with the flower)…….and then a whole lot longer after the sash was added. PROBLEM SOLVED!! (But even if you don’t have a “problem” to “solve” and just want to add this sash for fun……this is great for you too!)
And yes, I could have just added a plain strip of fabric to the bottom of the shirt for some extra length…..but what’s the fun in that?!?!
The sash can be tied in a bow or can be tied in a simple knot — whatever you prefer. But it adds a darling feature to the shirt………and really SPICES it up!
Even if your shirt doesn’t need any added length to it and you just want to add a new look to it…….this is a fun way to change up the shirt style!
Can’t you see doing this in your size as well??? Yeah, me too. Now, I’m trying to decide which shirt of mine I should hack up!
If you need to add 4-5 inches to a shirt, just 1-2, or maybe you don’t need to add any length at all…..this is a great addition to any shirt for girls of any age!
I love happy solutions to my shrinking-clothing problem!
Ready to add your own little sash to your shirts???
Of course you are. Here’s how! :)
SUPPLIES:
***Check out my Sewing Terms 101 post, for additional help.
Okay, let’s cut a piece of knit fabric for your sash.
First of all, decide how much longer you want to make your shirt. If your shirt doesn’t need any length and you still want the look of a wide sash at the bottom, you can either cut off the bottom of the shirt or just attach the sash higher up on the shirt (which you’ll see how to do below). Once you decide how tall to make the sash at the bottom of the shirt, double that number and then add 2 inches.
For example: I wanted to make the sash about 3 inches tall so 3 x 2 is 6, plus 2 is 8. So I knew I needed a piece of fabric that was 8 inches tall.
Now, measure the width of the bottom of the shirt. You will need to double that number for the sash to make it all the way around the bottom of the shirt. But then, you need to add enough length to that number, so that you have 2 long sash pieces to tie into a bow at the hip. If you prefer a simple knot, rather than a bow, or if you would like shorter or longer sash piece hanging down……adjust as needed.
For example: Chloe’s shirt was 12 inches across, so 12 x 2 is 24 inches. I ended up liking the look of 18 inch long sashes and since there are 2 sashes, I added 18 twice to 24. So I used a piece of fabric that was 60 inches long.
Now, cut out your piece of knit fabric, making sure that the stretch is going lengthwise on your fabric. So, that if you pulled both ends of your fabric, it would stretch.
Then, find the very center of the sash, and line up the bottom edge of the center of the sash with the bottom edge of the shirt and pin it to the shirt at the side seam. Just make sure that the RIGHT side of the fabric is facing the WRONG side of the shirt. (So, turn your Tshirt inside out to help you do this.)
Continue pinning the piece of fabric along the bottom edge of the shirt….
…..and then leave about a 1 1/2 inch gap at the other side seam of the shirt. This gap is probably 3 inches wide and I decided later on that a smaller gap looked much better when the bow was tied.
Now, using a zig-zag stitch, sew the fabric to the bottom of the shirt, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. (If using a 1/2 inch seam allowance isn’t enough to cover the original hem of your shirt, consider using a bigger seam allowance. But if this is the case, you’ll need to add more to the height of the sash measurement before cutting it out.) Just be sure you stop at the other side seam, to leave that 1 1/2 inch opening.
Turn the shirt right side out and pull the fabric down so it’s hanging from the bottom of the shirt.
Fold the fabric up onto itself all the way around the shirt and overlap the bottom of the shirt just a bit with your fabric. Then, fold the top edge of the fabric under 1/2 inch and then line the fold up with the same location that it was attached along the other side. Pin in place.
Just make sure that you leave about 1 1/2 inches open along one side of the shirt.
Then, sew in place with a zig-zag stitch (which will still allow the fabrics to stretch).
Here’s a peek at the 1 1/2 inch opening.
Now, tie your little sash in place……..
…….and enjoy!
-Ashley
Hi, I’m Ashley—the DIY-enthusiast behind this crazy blog!
