Modifying the Centerfield Raglan Sleeve T-Shirt to a Sleeveless T

Posted by Angelyn Bennett on March 15, 2014

Here are the steps to create this fun top to wear during those hot summer months or to make a great top for the gym.

1) Get the Centerfield Raglan Sleeve T-Shirt pattern from GreenStyle.

2) Cut out the bodice front and bodice back as instructed in the pattern.

3) Cut out the neck binding piece as instructed. I made this one the exact width of the neck binding piece in the pattern. I am going to try one that is a little wider (or thicker) next time just to see if I like it that way too.

4) Now, lay the bodice front and back out with right sides together matching the side seams. Pin and sew with a serger or stretch stitch.

5) Turn under the raw edge 1/2" where you would sew the sleeves and hem this edge with a zigzag stitch, stretch stitch, a twin needle, or a coverstitch (shown).

6) Stitch the neck binding piece closed along the short end and press the seam allowance open or to one side. Mark the center front of the neck binding.

7) Pin the neck binding piece with right sides of the neck binding to the WRONG side of the upper raw edge of the neckline of the back bodice. Match up the center back of the shirt with the seam on the neck binding. Stretch the neck binding just a little as you pin the back to the neck binding.

8) Now line up the center front of the neck binding with the center front of the front bodice. Again with right side of neck binding facing the WRONG side of the bodice. Stretch the neck binding just a little as you pin across the width of the shirt.

9) Now stitch that into place with a serger or a stretch stitch. Press the seam allowance up.

10. I used a sheet set from Target and the neck binding was rolling up on me so I added an additional row of serging around the raw edge of the neck binding to keep it straight.

11. Now you can press the lower seam up and fold the neck binding down 1/4" and press. Fold down again and pin the free edge into place as you just barely extend this past your first seam so you catch all the seam allowance and visible thread. Pin this all the way around.

12) Stitch very close the edge of the neck binding with a stretch stitch, a twin needle, a zigzag stitch, or a coverstitch (shown). A zigzag stitch looks great here too.