How to Cut Sleeves Off a Shirt for the Gym: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Are you looking to modify an old shirt into the perfect gym attire? Cutting the sleeves off is a great way to make a unique and comfortable workout shirt. Whether you’re using fabric scissors, a rotary cutter, or a heat gun, we’ll walk you through each step of the process.

Using Fabric Scissors

Gathering Materials: For this method, you’ll need fabric scissors, a measuring tape, a washable marker or tailor’s chalk, and your shirt. Make sure the scissors are sharp enough to easily cut through the fabric.

Measuring and Marking: Start by measuring the length of sleeve you want to cut off. Wrap the measuring tape around your arm and mark the spot where you want the sleeve to end. Take the same measurement on both sides of the shirt and use the washable marker or tailor’s chalk to make a line across the sleeve at that point.

Cutting the Sleeves: Once the lines have been marked, it’s time to start cutting. Place the shirt on a flat surface and carefully follow the line as you cut along the sleeve. Make sure not to cut too far or else you may end up with a shorter sleeve than intended. When you’ve finished cutting, check the edges for any loose threads or frays.

With a Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat

Gathering Materials: For this method, you’ll need a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, a ruler, a washable marker or tailor’s chalk, and your shirt.

Measuring and Marking: Start by measuring the length of sleeve you want to cut off. Wrap the measuring tape around your arm and mark the spot where you want the sleeve to end. Take the same measurement on both sides of the shirt and use the ruler and washable marker or tailor’s chalk to make a line across the sleeve at that point.

Cutting the Sleeves: Place the shirt on the cutting mat and carefully follow the line as you cut along the sleeve with the rotary cutter. Make sure not to cut too far or else you may end up with a shorter sleeve than intended. When you’ve finished cutting, check the edges for any loose threads or frays.

Tracing Out the Sleeve Pattern

Gathering Materials: For this method, you’ll need a sheet of tracing paper, a pencil, a washable marker or tailor’s chalk, and your shirt.

Tracing Out the Pattern: Start by tracing the pattern of the sleeve onto the tracing paper. Place the tracing paper over the sleeve and use the pencil to trace the pattern. Take the same measurement on both sides of the shirt and use the washable marker or tailor’s chalk to make a line across the sleeve at that point.

Cutting the Sleeves: Carefully cut along the line with fabric scissors. Make sure not to cut too far or else you may end up with a shorter sleeve than intended. When you’ve finished cutting, check the edges for any loose threads or frays.

Sewing the Cut Edges

Gathering Materials: For this method, you’ll need a sewing machine, thread, and your shirt.

Sewing the Edges: Once the sleeves have been cut, it’s time to sew the edges. Start by placing the shirt on the sewing machine and following the line as you sew along the edge. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to ensure the stitching won’t come undone. When you’ve finished sewing, check the edges for any loose threads or frays.

Using a Heat Gun to Seal the Edges

Gathering Materials: For this method, you’ll need a heat gun, a pair of gloves, and your shirt.

Applying Heat to the Edges: Once the sleeves have been cut and sewn, it’s time to apply heat to the edges. Start by heating up the heat gun and then slowly move it along the edge of the sleeve. Make sure to keep the heat gun at least 6 inches away from the fabric to avoid burning it. When you’ve finished applying heat, check the edges for any loose threads or frays.

Adding Elastic Bands or Drawstrings for Extra Comfort

Gathering Materials: For this method, you’ll need elastic bands or drawstrings, a needle and thread, and your shirt.

Attaching the Elastic or Drawstrings: Start by cutting the elastic bands or drawstrings to the desired length. Then thread the needle and begin attaching the elastic or drawstrings to the edges of the shirt. Make sure to securely knot the ends of the elastic or drawstrings so they won’t come undone. When you’ve finished attaching them, check the edges for any loose threads or frays.

Conclusion

Cutting the sleeves off a shirt can be a simple and effective way to customize your gym attire. Whether you’re using fabric scissors, a rotary cutter, tracing out the sleeve pattern, sewing the cut edges, or using a heat gun to seal the edges, you now know the steps to take in order to achieve the perfect workout shirt. Additionally, you can add elastic bands or drawstrings for extra comfort.