T-shirt Upcycling

T-shirt Upcycling

T-shirt Upcycling is the sequel to my very popular ‘Know Your Overlocker’ class, and will teach you how to actually make stuff using your overlocker. This event puts the emphasis on upcycling existing garments and household textiles.

T-shirt Upcycling – Course description

If you’ve completed the initial overlocker training, are now best friends with your overlocker and no longer feel the urge to lob it out the window every time you try to thread it, then you’re ready for the next step.

Learn how to alter or upcycle garments and other craft items with your overlocker. There is a strong emphasis on upcycling in this 1-day class.  Every year, 92 million tonnes of textiles are dumped in landfills; that’s 1 truck-full EVERY SECOND! My aim in this class is to how you how to use your overlocker as an upcycling tool, to utilise all those textiles that exist already, and not feel that you have to buy new.  I’ll show you how to re-make a basic baggy T-shirt into a feminine fitted top. This will including re-modelling the neckline and adding a neck band. You can choose your favourite method of finishing the sleeve and bottom hems (Blind hems, mock band, or adding a separate cuff). Alternatively, upsize a too-tight top by inserting fabric from another. Charity shops are full of lovely, often new,  clothes that have loads of potential. Whilst it’s possible to complete everything on the overlocker, sewing machines will also be available if you’d like to try a twin needle hem. The image shown is an amazing upcycle made by customer Hazel.

Next, (time permitting) we’ll do a bit of patchwork and make a cushion or zipped pouch (your choice) from worn-out jeans using the  decorative flatlock stitch on your overlocker. Using bulky (floss) thread in the upper looper gives a bold look. Alternatively, you can make a handy drawstring bag from a pillowcase.

What will I learn?

-How to sew knitted fabrics and de-construct & re-construct a T-shirt or jersey top.
-Blind hemming, mock bands, or adding separate bands/cuffs
-Piecing with flatlock

This course is for you if:

• you have completed my ‘Know Your Overlocker’ training and would like to use your overlocker to make items.
• or you are confident with threading and tension control, and you want you would like to use your overlocker for more than just neatening edges

Please check here before booking as once purchased, tickets are non-refundable.

Course arrangements

You must be able to bring your own 3 or 4-thread overlocker to this class. Remember your power cable/foot control, instruction manual, spare needles, and tools (long-nosed tweezers, small screwdriver or allen key to remove/change the needles. You’ll need:

• a too-large or too-baggy T-shirt and 3 reels of matching thread, or a too-small T-shirt and some additional jersey fabric or another T-shirt from which we can harvest fabric.
• Fabric for your second item (zipped pouch or cushion): e.g. a pair of worn-out jeans and matching or toning thread. (For the pouch, you’ll also need some fabric for the lining e.g. harvested from a T-shirt or shirt, curtain fabric or bedding, or some left-over quilting cotton, and a 12″ nylon zip.  If you’d like to make the drawstring bag, you’ll need a pillowcase or the equivalent amount of fabric.

If you don’t have these items at home, then ask around your friends, family and neighbours, or buy from a charity shop.

Artisan Stitch operates a ‘Covid-sense’ policy in accordance with the Scottish Government’s guidance for businesses and workplaces. Protection measures including wearing of face-masks are in place to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and attendees. If you have any questions or concerns, then please contact me for clarification BEFORE you book.

Level 3: Confident/intermediate

You should have experience of sewing machines, be confident using your overlocker (threading and changing tension settings) and be able to bring your own overlocker.

Artisan Stitch holds a Certificate of Excellence for Best Sewing Classes in Edinburgh 2019, won a UK Enterprise award for Best sewing classes 2020 and Best Private Sewing Education & Tuition in 2021. Tutor, Jen Skedd is a lifelong sewist (over 45 years) including over 30 years using overlockers.

Useful links:

If you’re considering buying an overlocker, then I recommend the specialist retailer, Pembertons Sewing Machine Centre

Here’s my reviews of the Juki MO-644D Overlocker and the Singer Overlocker 14SH754.

Overlocker Tension