Skip to main content

Summer of T-Shirts: Hacking the Back of the Renfrew

This week's blog post is by Sue from I Love to Sew and one of our Fabricistas!

I was so excited to participate in this post as pattern hacking is something I don't do a lot of, but when I do, I am just (usually) stoked when I see the overall results. Since I didn't want a wadder, and who does, I searched Pinterest for an idea that I could use with one of my favorite tee patterns: Sewaholic's Renfrew.  

In case you aren't familiar with the Renfrew, here is a picture of the pattern envelope.  Just think of the possibilities with this pattern!  


When I was looking at all the pins I have on Pinterest, here is the look I was hoping to recreate


But I wanted only to recreate the back color-blocking portion and of course use my beloved Renfrew, which doesn't have raglan sleeves.  

Here is what I did for drafting the back pattern piece.  



I use plain tissue paper when I copy off my pattern pieces. It is easy to see through to copy and lightweight and I can refold it back into the pattern package easily.

And yes, I do lightly iron the tissue before I lay it out on the fabric to cut it out.



Here is a closer-up of the drawing along with the reminder to add the 5/8" seam allowances, just like the rest of the pattern calls for.  



Here is what the back pieces looked like after I cut out my fabrics. I really love the contrast of the blue perforated scuba knit and the ITY floral print.


That inverted 'V' I had made so pronounced on the pattern tissue and in the cut fabric is my less so when sewn together--this is more of the look I was going for!


I really loved the sleeves that were in the contrasting fabric, just like the inspiration photo.


I just love using a pattern to 'hack' that you've used before, fits well, and is simple to sew.


You get a hint of some fun when you see the front but with this top, the party is mainly in the back!


I love the look of this from all angles!  


Sewing with two very different fabrics wasn't difficult at all.  Just use the right needles, notions, and take your time to think through the steps.  


I am very pleased with how my 'hack' turned out, or should I say redesign?  

Thanks for reading!
Sue from Ilove2sew!



Thanks again to Sue for putting together this creative take on the Renfrew top. 

Did you miss our previous posts on t-shirt pattern hacks? Check out our Summer of T-shirts Event Page.

We've also put together a t-shirt inspiration board on Pinterest. Check it out HERE.

Don't forget you can sew along with us at home. Share you t-shirt pattern hacks (new ideas you have and ideas that we have shared with you) on Facebook and Instagram using #FMSummerofTshirts. At the end of the summer, we will compile all the people that used the hashtag and you will be entered into a random drawing for $75 gift certificate to Fabric Mart!

Comments

  1. Fantastic, each week I say "This is my favorite!", and of course, this is no exception. I honestly think that I could do this, and to all of the posters, I say a very heartfelt thanks for showing, and sewing, your creativity. You have inspired me to try new things, and Fabric Mart, thank you for incredibly priced fabric so that I will, and have, tried sewing up my creations and been successful! I give you all credit for making this one of my best sewing summers. Now if I could just over my hesitation to show what I sew! Thank again to all of you. Headed over to the scuba fabric page right now to make this shirt

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great hack, that cut out scuba works so well, I love the contrast and that the sleeves are scuba too

    ReplyDelete
  3. This looks awesome, I really like how you redesigned the back with the inverted "v", a great look! I'm inspired to give this a try myself.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ooh I like this very much. Nice design Sue.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great combination of fabrics! I have the Bethioua pattern in my inspiration file for the color blocking, but raglan sleeves are not a good look for me. So I was thrilled to see the same seam styling applied to a non raglan sleeve T.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That looks fabulous! Fantastic work!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks everyone!!! You made my day!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: Did someone say FREE??? All about Free Sewing Patterns

Hi sewing friends! I am SEW excited to share this blog post with you today! This is my fifth post with Fabric Mart since I did a guest post late last year and then joined the blogging team in 2024 but I would say this is the post that 1) I worked the hardest to create, and 2) the one that has me the most excited! Today I am going to talk about FREE sewing patterns, showcase a few free patterns I’ve sewn, and then share some very exciting news at the end of this post about an upcoming! First, let’s talk about free patterns – where they come from, why they exist, and how you can find them. But first, here’s a recent free pattern I sewed. This is the Finn Crop Tee from Petite Stitchery . I used an ITY (Interlock Twist Yarn) for this one and I was able to squeeze it out a yard of a fabric. ITY is one of my favorite fabrics to dress up a t-shirt and it wears well across all seasons. And Fabric Mart gets the most AMAZING designer deadstock designs you will ever see! Petite Stitchery offers...

Made By A Fabricista: Fall is here!

Fall is here, and I have been in a coat/cape mood lately! I have a few that I plan to make, however, this pattern was not in the plans. It was in my stash, but it wasn’t on my “must make” list. I wanted to make a coordinating set but I thought it might be a little too much with this print. Now, I absolutely love animal prints, don’t get me wrong. I am a sucker for them! When I saw this jacquard double knit I had to have it. Instead, I decided to make an easy, comfortable cape that I can wear casually or dressed up. This pattern and fabric were perfect! The pattern I chose to make is McCall’s 8029. This cape has three designs that you can choose from. I chose to make view C. View C has a hood. All three views have a neck and front facing and a belt/tie. Now, if you are wanting to make a cape but would like something on the easy side, this is your cape! I didn’t realize just how easy this was prior to getting started. This cape has minimal sewing. It doesn’t even require a hem. Which, w...

Made by a Fabricista: Structure

Hi everyone!  I can’t believe the year is nearly wrapping up already and this is my last post for 2024! You may have noticed but the barrel silhouette has been very much in right now from pants to sleeves.  To be honest I was a little bit hesitant about hopping on to the trend.  One I was not sure if the proportions would work for my body also I considered would this be a long lasting trend to keep incorporated in my closet?  But after a few seasons the barrel seems to stay in many variations, I think exaggerated proportions are such a thing now.  I saw this Cult Gaia x Gap denim dress collab with the barrel sleeves and wanted to remake it.  When I saw this brown distressed denim twill I knew it was perfect.  I had been debating between making cargo pants but I wanted to try to do something different and went for the dress once I saw the inspiration.   I used McCall’s pattern 8139 as my base with the following modifications.  Instead of...