I am not much of a shirt person. Somehow, the structure just doesn’t suit me at all. But back in December, I had to find something to wear to the hairdressers that buttoned up. I did not want to wreak my fabulous up do! I have a few men’s and women’s shirts in my refashion pile, so I pulled a one out and tied it in a knot at the waist. I liked it! So I decided to convert it to a tie up.
I think a checked, tie up shirt has such a rockabilly charm! At first I was thinking of slimming down the sleeves and sides a bit but decided I liked the slouchiness. Even though this was a men’s shirt it was probably only a size or two to big in terms of buttoning up. It did swamp my frame and was of course, pretty boxy. I think it’s best if the top half of the shirt has the sort of fit you want to begin with.
Converting this to a tie up was easy! Just 3 main steps – mark, cut and bias binding. I put the shirt on and decided how long I wanted the back and marked it with a pin. My shirt was checked, so I could use the pattern as a cutting guide. If yours isn’t checked, just mark a straight line along the back with chalk or a fabric marker.
Decide on the shape of the front ties and mark one side. Make sure that your front and back line up at the side seam!
Cut the shirt from the front tie, continuing along the back and stopping at the side seam. Flip the cut front on top of the uncut front and pin them together so they aligned. Use this as a guide to cut the second front.
Time for a little bias binding. If you need detailed instructions on applying bias, have a bunch of bias binding info and tutorials in my bonkers for bias post. I opened up one of the folded sides of the bias tape and then folded the short end in, so that I wouldn’t have any raw edges. I aligned the open bias fold with the raw edge of one of the ties, right sides together. I stitched along the fold in the bias tape until I reached the end of the other tie, folding the short edge in as before. I pressed the bias tape to the inside or wrong side of the shirt, easing any curves. I then top stitched (as you would a hem) being sure to catch the bias tape. And voila! You’re all done!
I am so into this shirt! Especially with Autumn around the corner. I think it’s such a cute way to layer up and I think you can see that my dog friend approves! Actually, I made Reg & his brother Zac some dog coats out of a very similar men’s shirt. I think this shirt turned out to be very cute and it was really easy, maybe 30mins? I am going to have to have a rummage through Mr Asks wardrobe and see if something sweet is lurking. As always, I love to see your versions, so tag me on FB or Inta xxxxxx
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