Ruffle T-shirt Tutorial

 I was visiting with my friend who gave me an adorable ruffle shirt to applique and embroider and we talked about wanting to make them ourselves!!!  We admired the really narrow hems (something I have yet to master) and adorable cascading ruffles!!!  I thought it wouldn't be too hard to replicate so I challenged myself this evening with creating one!!!  I hope you enjoy this tutorial and Kala, I hope I see one from you soon!!! :)

Here's what you'll need:
T-shirt
Three 4" strips of fabric by approximately 44"
(basically you'll want 3/8 yard of fabric if you're going to the fabric store to buy your ruffles!)
Thread
Sewing Machine
OPTIONAL but convenient: a serger and rotary cutter and mat!

First, take your t-shirt and cut it as shown in this picture!  We will attach the ruffle to each bottom piece before we reconstruct it. 

Take your 3 ruffle pieces and sew the short sides together to create a long loop.  Hem the bottom of the fabric and add a basting stitch to the top of the fabric.  Do this for each of the three pieces.

Then, gather the basting stitch and pin right sides together at the bottom of each t-shirt piece.

 

Sew along about 1/4" from the raw edge, being careful not to stretch the t-shirt material.

 

Now, pin the middle section to the top section and sew together.  Do the same for the bottom section to the middle section.

If you have a serger, serge each raw edge to finish the seams!

Now you have an adorable ruffle shirt!!!  I plan to add a cute pumpkin or turkey to mine for my daughter's Thanksgiving outfit!!!  I'm also going to make a pair of knit ruffle leggings to match.  I'll have to post a tutorial for that in the next few weeks!!!   Stay tuned next week for my Project Run and Play Week 2 post! :)

Update:  Here's the pumpkin applique with Eva Mae's name! :)

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