Short-sleeve cardigan from large tee-shirt

Before

After

I love wearing pretty cardigans and shrugs over simple tank tops. Especially in the summer, it seems that everywhere I go is a different temperature and I'm constantly adding and removing this extra layer. 

A few years ago I realized that I would put together cute outfits, and then spend most of the day covering it up with a neutral cardigan. Now, I wear neutral tank tops and skirts and wear a pretty top, cardigan or shrug over it for color. Summer time is hard, though. Many cardigans are simply too heavy for the sweltering Florida summer.

This top adds that bit of color that I need, but is short-sleeved and light weight.

Step 1: Find a pretty tee in a large size - mine was a 2x.

Step 2: Cut the shirt up the middle. Trim off the collar and hem and shape the edge - I opted for rounding those edges.

  

Step 3: Take in the side seams (if necessary). I've made similar shrugs/lightweight cardigans and many already fit nicely through the sides. Put the shirt on, pinch out the excess fabric and then mark a seam that will take out that excess. 

Step 4: Hem the edge. There are several methods for this. I like to use a very narrow stretch zig-zag stitch. Since jersey knit doesn't ravel, you can flip the hem only once and sew it. My machine doesn't sew very well on lightweight fabrics, so I ended up flipping the edge under twice. That gave the edge just enough stability for my machine. Make sure to use a ball-point or stretch needle.

All done!

 

I had bought this pink tee-shirt for exactly this kind of a project. I think it was about $1.50 from the thrift store. When it wears out or I get tired of it, I will turn it into liner socks or underwear... not bad for a $1.50 investment. :)