How to Upcycle a T-shirt with Lace Hem

Nov 23, 2022

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Completed_Hem

The term upcycle is being thrown around everywhere these days. According to the Oxford Dictionary, “upcycle” means to reuse discarded objects or material in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original. The key phrase is “create a product of higher quality or value.” So, before you go cutting into your old shirts, do a google search for T-shirt with lace. You’ll discover endless images and ideas. Determine which ones appeal to you and which ones don’t. Do you want a cropped shirt with 3” lace or a long shirt with 8” lace? Do you like thick, crochet lace or thin, lingerie lace? Now, go through your well-loved shirts that need a facelift and follow this tutorial on how to add lace. With the Reverse Pattern Foot #34 and a stretch needle, you won’t be disappointed!

Machine Set-Up

Materials to Make Lace Hem T-shirt

  • T-shirt
  • Stretch lace trim—length of shirt circumference plus 2-3”
  • Measuring tape
  • Pins
  • Frixion Pen
  • Rotary cutter and ruler

Note: all seam allowances are 1/4” unless otherwise noted.

Steps for the T-shirt Preparation

Lay the shirt flat and mark the desired length of your shirt. If the shirt hem is a little wonky, cut it off first.

Then, measure and mark 8” down from each underarm seam.

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Measure_From_Underarm

Draw a placement line across the front of shirt connecting the 8” marks.

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Draw_Placement_Line

Measure the width of your lace trim. This is how many inches you will measure down from your placement line. For example, my lace trim is 4” wide so I will measure and cut 4” down from my placement line.

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Trim_Width_of_Lace

Mark your placement line on back of shirt. The line should match line on front of shirt.

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Mark_Placement_on_Back

With your measuring tape, measure the shirt circumference.

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Measure_Circumference

Take the shirt circumference and add ½”. Cut your lace to this size. My shirt circumference was 37” so I cut my lace to 37 ½”.

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Measure_and_Cut_Lace

At your machine, select Overlock Stitch #14 and attach Overlock Foot #2A. Use a 75/11 Stretch needle – a ballpoint needle is great for knit fabric because it won’t break the fibers.

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Select_Stitch

Place the ends of the lace trim right sides together and pin. Take your lace trim to the machine and align the ends with the pin of the Overlock Foot. The little pin keeps the fabric flat as the machine stitches, preventing puckers.

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Sew_Lace_Ends

Pin

Pin lace trim to your t shirt using placement line as a guide. If your shirt has a seam, match it with the seam of your lace.

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Pin_Lace

Sew

Attach Reverse Pattern Foot #34. The clear foot will help you follow the curve of the lace.

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Reverse_Pattern_Foot_#34

Select Zig Zag Stitch #2. A zig zag stitch will help prevent thread from breaking when stretched from normal wear. Change stitch width to 3 and stitch length to 2.

Sew along the top edge of the lace with the zig zag stitch just inside the top edge. Make sure to engage your needle stop down function and use your Free Hand System. You will need to constantly pivot along the curves of the lace.

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Sew_On_Lace

Finish

Turn your lace up with the wrong-side out and carefully trim the excess fabric about ¼” away from lace.

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Trim_Away_Shirt

Now you know how to upcycle a shirt!

Lace_Hem_Shirt_Completed_Shirt_Worn

You might not get it exactly right the first time around, but keep playing and experimenting with different types of clothes and lace. Make some shirts short to wear with jeans and some long to wear with leggings. Try adding lace to a sweatshirt or a jean jacket. With Reverse Pattern Foot #34 and the BERNINA Free Hand System, it’s so easy!