Zero waste project 19: gym t-shirt

[Coffee break post ☕️] My first finished* piece of activewear: a zero waste #xantheatshirt!

This is @lizhaywood3754’s latest pattern and is sized to fit a 86-178cm/34-70” bust. I’m actually 1 size smaller than that and would have graded down, but for exercising I prefer my tops a bit looser anyway so went with the smallest available size.

I made this t-shirt from exactly 75x105cm of athletic knit fabric. It’s lightweight and breathable, and I used jersey bias binding for the neckline.

I love the decorative front and sleeve seams created by the fun construction, the shape created by the bias cut, and the gender-neutral boxy fit which will work just as well for the dudes in my house. I did end up unpicking the sleeves to sew darts at the shoulders (see photos 4-5), to reduce the pooling at the shoulder/bust/armpit (see photo 6). I used my personal bodice sloper as a guide for the dart angle I needed. I left some visible selvedge in places because I’m punk 😂

The eagle-eyed may notice the cool front zip pocket is missing – I kept it for a pocket for shorts I’ve planned in the same fabric 😉 But it would definitely be useful for holding a gym card and locker key!

This is a quick sew and I already have plans for the next one – another athletic knit with the other neckline option, no sleeves (just ribbing), and maybe one size bigger (more room to sweat 😅). And maybe with the zip pocket! And then maybe a long-sleeved version in French terry or sweatshirt fleece for post-exercise 😎 And then maybe an everyday version in a woven fabric. And then maybe a couple for the boys. And then… 😆

*I should really topstitch the ribbing and all those seams but we’ll see if I feel like it.

#zerowastesewing #zerowastefashion #zerowastetshirt #zerowastepattern #sewingactivewear