How To Upcycle Your Blouse With Lace

Lace Embellished Work Shirt

A well-made, comfortable work shirt is a staple in any artist’s or crafter’s wardrobe. Definitely a staple for any wardrobe no matter what you line of work. Was you New Year's resolution to live a more sustainable lifestyle? Or maybe it was to save money and you need to get creative on jazzing up your garments on a budget?  Flannel, denim, chambray and cotton, are all favorite choices for adding trims to give these button ups shirts a completely different look. A work shirt doesn’t have to be plain or boring; with a few trims from Trims By The Yard, watch how this plaid button down goes from drab to fab, in no time at all!

What You’ll Need:

• ScallopedEmbroidery Lace Trim
• Larissa Laurel Leaf Scalloped Trim, White
• Button Down Work Shirt (If your shirt is new, be sure to launder and dry it before starting this project, to allow any shrinkage to occur before you add trims.)
• Fabric Glue
• Scissors

Step One:

Gather scissors, scalloped lace trim and fabric glue, and flip the cuff of one sleeve inside out.

Step Two:

Trim the lace to fit the length of the cuff, as shown. Use fabric scissors to ensure a nice, clean cut.

Step Three:

Attach the trim to the inside of the cuff using fabric glue, as shown.

Step Four:

Repeat this process on the outside of the shirt pocket, (if it has one!)

Step Five:

Using fabric scissors, trim off the bottom front section of the work shirt, below the second to last button. Do not trim into the side seam.

Step Six:

Using fabric glue, attach the Larissa Laurel Leaf Scalloped Trim to the inside of the shirt, so that it hangs down, as shown.

This shirt can be worn as is, or further customized to your liking. I like to trim off the back hem so that the ends become a little frayed. I’ve also seen shirts like this dipped halfway in a bleach solution for a very distressed look. You can add patches or fabric paint to make this look completely unique. Of course, it IS a work shirt, so in time, it will gather its share of paint, glitter and other crafty “stamps of authenticity!”