I made this T-shirt earlier this summer. I was sad that I couldn’t find any of my old band shirts from back in the day; they must have been left behind at my parents house, and who knows what happened then. So I bought a men’s Jimmy Eat World T-shirt from ebay and got to work on this great pattern from Evil Needles.
Fabric – The shirt I used was an American Apparel men’s size medium. You can see how big it looks on me in the photo. I do love American Apparel, because their shirts are so stretchy and comfortable.
Illustrations/Instructions – This pattern was unusual in the fact that the printed instructions don’t come with any illustrations. When you order the pattern, you receive via e-mail a list of text instructions and the hand-drawn pattern pieces. HOWEVER…I have to say that besides that, this was one of the most user-friendly sewing patterns I’ve ever done. Why? Well, the pattern comes with a website link to a 3-part video. In the video, the designer shows you from beginning to end how to sew the shirt back up once you’ve cut it apart. So helpful, especially for the beginning sewer. And not only does she show you, but she explains it so that everything is crystal-clear.
Pattern Pieces – The pattern pieces are hand-drawn, which doesn’t really bother me at all. The main piece for the back and front of the shirt is 4 printed pages taped together and then cut to your size (small, medium, large).
I loved making this t-shirt. I don’t own anything in my wardrobe that is off-the-shoulder, so I think this is really unique. As the designer mentions in the pattern, the bigger the t-shirt the better, as it allows you to better center the graphic as you cut the t-shirt apart. I am glad to have this pattern in my arsenal because honestly a lot of cool t-shirts mostly come in men’s sizes, and normally I would never be able to wear those besides as a nightshirt, so this is great.
Conclusion – This pattern would be great for the beginning sewer. If you need someone to hold your hand as you go, this having the bonus of a video instructional, is definitely for you. This is probably the shortest pattern review that I’ll ever write because I don’t have anything bad to say about it, and it’s quick and easy. I’m definitely doing it again when I find another shirt to cut open!
Very cute. I saw this pattern available on etsy and contemplated getting it. I have tried my own versions of reconstructing a band shirt but they never turn out as cute as yours. Maybe I should break down and get the pattern.
Hi! I found this post through google and I looked everywhere for this pattern! I even found her new etsy store and contacted her through it, asking about this pattern. Apparently she no longer has it and can’t sell it to me. Is there any way I could buy it off of you? (I’m so late on the bandwagon, 3 years later…)