With tailgating season in full swing, we’re all looking for ways to stand out from the crowds of black and gold on Melrose. Trying to have a unique outfit can be pretty hard with most Hawkeye gear being bought from the Hawk Shop or Iowa Book. On top of that, steep prices can be a struggle when on a college budget, but there’s hope! DIY t-shirts are fast and easy and can help make your tailgating look stylish, without breaking the bank. Here’s a few ways to DIY a t-shirt to make sure you’re ready to take on Melrose in style.
1. Tied Tube Top
For this one, you’re going to start by laying the t-shirt out flat, and straightening out any wrinkles. It’s your choice whether or not you want to use a ruler or a sharpie. You cut a straight line across the bottom, leaving about 1-2 inches in length longer than you want it to fit you. You then cut a straight line off both sides making sure the seams from the sleeves are completely cut off. If the shirt fits you somewhat small, you will not what to cut any further over than the seam. If it’s somewhat big on you, you’ll want to cut about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch in.
Next you will have to cut off the top. Cut straight across, making sure you remove all of the neck seam. You can cut right down to where the design starts or you can leave a little bit of the plain fabric above the design. (I recommend leaving some because the shirt tends to roll once completed and worn). After cutting off the bottom, sides and top, you should have 2 equal rectangles overlaying one another. To get the sides that are tied, you simply cut into the sides of the shirt about 1-2 inches in length and width. Once you complete that on one side, go to the other and repeat the same process, making sure you cut the same amount. Once that step is complete, you double knot the two overlapping slits. Then you’re ready to put it on and head to the tailgates!
2. Cropped Tied T-shirt
You’ll start with this second shirt on. First, we’re going to crop the shirt by trying it on with the shorts you think you’ll wear will it and then create a crease by folding the shirt over at the desired length. Next, take the shirt off and cut along the bottom of the folded crease to crop it. Starting on the sides of the shirt, you’re going to cut out a rectangle directly below the seam of the armpit. Then to create the laced effect, you can cut 5/6 holes on each side of the rectangle. Once you’ve done that, you can use a different color fabric, or the rectangle section, to lace it through the sides of the shirt. Once you lace it through, tie off the bottom, and you’re good to go!
3. V Neck T-Shirt
For this last one, you’re going to start by trying on the shirt to find where you want the triangle to end (if you’d like to crop it you can create a crease again like the tied t-shirt). Next, you’re going to want to lay the shirt flat on the ground and cut a small hole a little bit above where you would prefer the point to come to. After that, turn the shirt around and cut a straight line from the previous hole to where you want the “V” in the triangle to be. From there, you’re going to cut from the point up to right where the collar ends on both sides, creating a “V” shape. For the final step, cut along the collar- it is very important that you do not cut the seam, otherwise the collar will fray. Once you’re finished, all you need to do is clean up any lines or spare fabric strands and you’re ready to tailgate!
I hope these 3 DIY shirts help you shake up your tailgating look this fall!