Tips for Recycling Knit Shirts

For some time now, I've been holding on to a stack of long-sleeved knit turtleneck tees, mockneck tees, and fing guage sweaters that belonged to either me, my mom, or my husband--all with the intentions of someday recycling these shirts into refashioned tops for Ella. Why buy new, expensive knit fabrics when each of these old, gently worn shirts has all the fabric I need to sew my daughter a new top?

Today I'm here to give you some tips for how to recycle a gently used adult knit shirt into a new child's shirt using the Tee x 3 Pattern from Blank Slate Patterns (affiliate link).

The first Tee x 3 I sewed Ella used only the front, back, and sleeve pieces of the pattern. I saved myself time sewing by reusing elements of the existing adult sized turtleneck shirt I recycled. Here's how!

This post contains affiliate links. Although I was provided the pattern at no cost in exchange for my review, all opinions given are my own.

Blank Slate Patterns Perfect Polo Shirt

I had such a great time trying out and sharing my thoughts on the fashionable and functional patterns from Blank Slate Patterns last year, and I'm proud to announce that I am continuing on as member of the Blank Slate Patterns Sewing Team! My most recent project is the ever popular Blank Slate Patterns Perfect Polo Shirt Pattern. (affiliate link)

Ella recently started back to school, and as I have mentioned before in this post on her Blank Slate Patterns Schoolday Skirt, her clothing has to meet standard school attire requirements. Polo style shirts are definitely on the list, and since her store-bought polos from last year no longer fit, it was time for me to try my hand at sewing one! Thanks to the Blank Slate Patterns Perfect Polo, I've got another great staple pattern to add to my collection. (affiliate link)

Marigold Peplum Blouse

Several months ago, I made my daughter this beautiful blouse--the Figgy's Ayashe Blouse--that has a mandarin collar and a back yoke that wraps over the shoulders and ties in to the front with subtle gathers. When I finished hers, I said, "I want one!" Low and behold, a few days later, Blank Slate Patterns released the Marigold Pattern  (affiliate links) that includes all those same details as my daughter's blouse! I was ecstatic! I couldn't wait to make my own Marigold Peplum Blouse!

Bookworm Button Up (Make Believe Collection)

In less than two weeks, my baby girl will be headed off to kindergarten!  I can't believe it!  I'm happy and sad all at the same time.  My goal was to make most of her school clothing for the year, and I started with the Bookworm Button Up!

I was provided all four top patterns in the new Pattern Anthology Make (Believe) Collection in exchange for my honest review of any of the patterns.  Here's what I truly think about Bookworm Button Up pattern! This post contains affiliate links.