Fringing a shirt is a fun and easy way to get a new look. There are various ways to make fringes and you can make them in both long and short sleeved shirts, depending on the look you are looking for.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Method One: Cut the Bangs
In this method, you will be cutting strips that hang from the shirt. It's the simpler of the two and doesn't take much time–– but you need a sharp pair of scissors.
Step 1. Find an over-sized t-shirt
A men's one is perfect and there will be more length to cut. Check that you like it of course.
You can also choose a long-sleeved shirt. You might prefer it if you want to cut out some jagged edges turning it into a short-sleeved t-shit
Step 2. Put on the shirt
Stand in front of a mirror and mark where you want the fringes to start on one side of the shirt. Use tailor's chalk, a fabric marker, or an invisible one.
Step 3. Lay the t-shirt out on a flat work surface
Measure from the point you marked to the opposite one on the fabric and make a second mark. Use a ruler or tape measure to be precise.
Step 4. Place the ruler side-to-side on the shirt
Correctly mark the cuts of the fringes. It takes at least 1.5cm between each cut for the fringes to look good but you can also vary the width at your discretion. The important thing is to always keep an equal distance between each cut.
Step 5. Repeat the same marks at the base of the shirt
They should be in line with those above.
- It is assumed that you will be cutting both sides of the shirt at the same time, keeping the front and back of the fabric together.
- Note: The base of the shirt will be cut off. The seam will help you outline the cuts of the fringes.
Step 6. Join the dots
Draw connecting lines between those of the fringes and those at the base of the t-shirt. You now have the guide to cut correctly.
Step 7. Cut out the base of the shirt
This will stand up to the seam with the seam. Throw it away (or use it as a headband if you cut it whole).
Step 8. Cut along the drawn lines
Trim both front and back at the same time. This will create the fringes.
Cut the fringe line only. Be careful to stick with it so that the final result looks good
Step 9. Now it's complete
If you want you can also play a little with the collar and sleeves, jagged the edges to give a very sexy look to the shirt.
If you remove the neck, be careful not to cut too much or the shirt will fall off when you wear it
Method 2 of 2: Dueo Method: Knotted Fringes
This method is a bit more laborious but the end result is fabulous so it's worth the effort. It's also a great method to use with a fitted shirt when you want it to keep its shape!
Step 1. Choose a shirt
The most important thing in this case is that you like how it fits, because even doing the fringes, this aspect will not change.
The border can be changed or left as is; it's a matter of personal preference. If you vary it, however, use an overedge or hand sew to prevent it from burning, loosening the fringes
Step 2. Make holes for the fringes
The bangs are passed through these holes so they need to be done first. All around the edge of the shirt make marks at regular intervals. Measure with a ruler or tailor's tape –– the holes in the fringe should be at least 2.5cm apart. Also keep them at least 1.5 cm from the edge to avoid tearing at the base of the shirt when adding the weight of the fringes.
- Using the tips of the blades of a pair of scissors, make small holes in each marked point. Make them small –– the fabric of the t-shirts is stretchy and even in a small hole there will be plenty of space.
- Count the number of holes for the next step.
Step 3. Make fringes
They require little effort but direct:
- Find some old T-shirts with complementary colors. You can use them in the same color for the bangs or mix them in a kaleidoscope. If you don't have shirts at home, go to a thrift store and find them.
- Cut them into strips. They should be 1.5 x 30cm for a decent length although you can vary the measurements as you like. Also remember that you can always shorten them just in case, but don't do the opposite.
- Cut as many strips as you have drilled holes in the base shirt. Each hole will want a single strip.
- Pull each strip well and let it go. That way it will have a stringy look.
Step 4. Turn the shirt inside out
Now you need to add the strips to the holes:
- Fold the strip in half.
- Carefully thread the folded strip through the first hole. Pull lightly.
- Bring the tail of the strip through the hole, then through the ring. Pull and the fringe will get knotted.
- Repeat with all remaining holes.
Step 5. That's it
You can leave the fringes as they are, giving it an indefinite and rustic look. Or you can finish them off by cutting the base of each fringe.
Advice
- Go to a thrift store first if you're worried about not getting your fringes done right. Once you are familiar with the methods, you can use t-shirts that you particularly care about and that look good on you!
- To truly personalize a t-shirt, use knot-dyed, painted or knitted fabric for both the shirt and fringes.
- If you prefer thinner or thicker lines, change the measurements. Use the cutting guide as a reference but adjust the measurements as you like. If you are making very thin cuts, we recommend that you cut the shirt into thirds first, then cut those thirds into smaller strips. This way you'll have less trouble than cutting the very thin strips all along the shirt in one go.
- Fringed T-shirts are perfect as an item to sell at flea markets or charity collections.
- Don't let the t-shirt affect you. You can try this look on other types of more elegant sweaters too: try a men's shirt that you will remove the collar and sleeves from for a chic fringed style.
