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Writer's pictureSharon Prigan

Tshirt Waistbands

Updated: Jan 10, 2021

This last week I have had a number of requests from people asking me how I do my tshirt waistbands for skirts and pants so that one does not have to add elastic.


I have written a short tutorial which I am going to share with all of you.


First of all you need one used t shirt. It can even be used if it is stained, it can be turned inside out so that the stained area ends up on the inside of the waistband.


USed t shirt for waistband
Used t shirt

Cut off the hem of the tshirt. Don't throw it away, it can be turned inside out and used to make a flower or as a cord for a necklace.


Cutting off the t shirt hem
T shirt hem

Cut the shirt in a straight line under the armpit so that you end up with a tube like this which is open on the top and the bottom.


T shirt tube
T shirt tube


Mark the center of the tube, this is the height of your waist measurement.


Centre mark of t shirt tube
Centre mark of t shirt tube


Take your waist measurement and halve it. Mark 1/2 of your waist measurement at this point. It is a tube, so you have a front and a back section.


Position of waist measurement
Position of waist measurement


Stitch on these 2 lines with a serger or a zigzag stitch on a domestic sewing machine. This stitch has to be strong as it will stretch every time you put the skirt on or take it off.


Serged tshirt tube
Serged tshirt tube for waistband

Fold this tube in half - your waistband is ready to use.


Note that the top area is narrower than the hip area. I make them snug and tight so I never have to add elastic to them.



T shirt waistband
Folded t shirt waistband

I prefer a longer waistband which measures about 20 cm down. Experiment, you can make them shorter or longer. Show us what you do.



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