Puncha Yo Buns

So. What do you do when you go to the local Comic & Entertainment Expo, and find shirts that you *know* your kids would love… but they only come in adult sizes – adult S and XL, to be exact? You buy them anyway, and make them fit! I’ve included some basic DIY instructions, for those of you who may be in a similar situation – fixing stuff for your kids… or even if you just want to know how to adjust an oversized tee for yourself!

First, find a shirt that fits the way you want it to (yellow). Take the shirt you are going to adjust (blue) and give it a good wash and dry – preshrink it and remove any residual “sizing”/chemicals, if you will. Then, line the collars up and trace around the body, leaving a bit of space all around for seams… and a little bit more at the bottom for a hem. [Note: it is a good idea to make sure the body of the fitting tee fits within the body of the larger tee before hand – otherwise you’ll end up with strange arm seams…]

Next, line the sleeves up as shown – with the center tops/ends matching. Trace around the sleeves, again leaving a bit of space for seams. Cut out your oversized item (one large body piece, front and back already joined at the neck, plus two sleeve pieces) and discard the excess fabric.

Align the center of the sleeve piece with the top/center seam of the tee as shown. The ends of the sleeve shoulders should line up with the armpits of the body piece. Pin and then stitch in place – one sleeve on each side (I used my Serger for sewing).

Once the sleeves are attached, fold the tee as if it were inside-out and stitch along the sides from sleeve cuff to to tee bottom. Hem the bottom of the tee (i.e. fold the edge over twice to hide and “seal” it with stitching) and voila –

From adult XL to youth 10/12… and adult S to child 5T… which makes for two happy Adventure Time fans!!!

Have a great weekend, y’all!