mama makes… embellished tee

The t-shirt can never be underestimated as comfortable, practical mum-wear, but there are so many options other than your average basic tee, with interesting cuts, prints of every kind and embellishments to lift the humble t-shirt to a new level.

A gorgeous tee caught my eye on a shopping trip recently, it was so simple yet the detail added a little something to dress it up.  I had a closer look and being the thrifty type I am, thought I can do that so I gave it a whirl.

You will need:

• Imitation pearls with holes in – I used around 20 in size 12mm
• Grosgrain* ribbon – 2m to be safe, slightly wider than the width of the pearls *the one with the ridges, but you could use any ribbon.
• Needle
• Thick sewing thread – or double up some regular thread for strength
• T-shirt – This one was from Primark, £4 but you could revamp one you already have
• Scissors

You are essentially making a necklace then attaching it to the t-shirt.

How to do it:

1. To decide where to start with the ribbon leave enough ribbon loose to drape and tie at the back of the neck to part way around the neckline. Tie a knot in the ribbon at this point.
2. Sew a running stitch (basic up, down, up, down stitch). But with each up, thread on a pearl, put the needle back through to the other side of the ribbon and thread on another pearl, then back up, thread pearl, and so on.
3. Evenly space the stitches and pull the thread as you go along and the ribbon should gather. If not, leave wider gaps between stitches.
4. Lay the necklace around the neckline to decide how far round you want the detail to go.
5. When you’re happy (and on the next up pearl) tie a knot in the ribbon and secure the end of the thread through the knot.
6. Cut the loose end of ribbon to the same length as the other side.
7. You could leave it there and just wear it as a statement necklace.
8. If you want the full look, try the t-shirt on and lay the necklace around to decide where to position it.
9. Then place a few small stitches on each side where the knots lie to attach it to the t-shirt.
10. Leave the ends loose to tie.

Et voila!

Tips for choosing a basic tee:

• Look for a looser fit and finer jersey so it will drape well.  This will look more expensive than a figure-fitting, short t-shirt.
• If you’re busty choose a scoop neck t-shirt.
• If you’ve got a smaller bust go for a crew neck.

Make it your own:

Experiment with colours and types of bead and ribbon.  I also made this with a coral tee and cream ribbon with pearls. Go tribal with a selection of wooden beads or buttons or go glam with metallic beads and ribbon.