How to turn an old t-shirt new again

Learn how to turn an old t-shirt new again with this awesome tutorial for layered t-shirt rehab. Using a technique similar to reverse applique, Jennifer Juniper teaches us how to update our closet with a layered look.

Materials:

• 2 T-shirts
• Paper
• Chalk
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread
• Sewing Machine (optional)

Crafter's Note: I have a problem… All my shirts grow holes near the bottom, in the tummy area. I’ve come up with many ideas as to why this happens (leaning against the counter to wash dishes might be the culprit). What in the world do you do with these shirts with all the tiny holes? Cut out the offending parts and layer it!

Steps:

1. Begin with two t-shirts, I chose the outer shirt one size larger.
   
   
2. Free-hand a leafy sort of design (or hearts, or stars, or smiley faces...) on a sheet of computer paper. Cut out the design like this:
   
   
3. Lay your stencil onto the outer t-shirt and rub the chalk over the open spaces -
   
   
4. Cut out the design with your scissors (*tip: it's easier to do this by cutting a snip out of the center of the leaf first, then work your way out to the edges.)
   
   
5. My friend from www.JoyBeadworks.blogspot.com , thought of this, and is so amazingly brilliant! Using a q-tip, dab bleach along the edges of the cut out leaves. (Line the shirt with a newspaper to protect the back first)
   
   
6. You end up with these aged-looking edges that make my heart sing! (La, la, la!) Now, quit singing and rinse her off and dry her a bit before moving on to the next step.
   
   
7. Layer the two shirts together and sew the leaves around the edges. You can sew this by hand with embroidery thread, or use the machine instead. Some contrasting hot pink thread with the gray and orange was just the ticket!
   
   
8. Now, stand around a take pictures of yourself in your cute new Layered T! Imagine the color combos! The designs! The possibilities!