Spaghetti Strap Western

I stole this idea from Chelsea over at Seablanket for her 'Tutorial Tuesday' post. I thought it was it such a great idea a immediately dug out the 4 western style shirts I was given over year ago by my friend The Faux Bot.

I have changed the design slightly, as my favourite thing about a western shirt are the pockets, so I didn't want to cover them up with a frill but the basic principles are the same.

Here's what it looked like before:

This is how I made it:

I cut off the sleeves then using my pattern master (This is the best tool you could own if you're thinking of creating your own patterns) I gauged how far up from the pockets I should cut across the chest.


I then worked on the side seams by pinning where I would need to take them in. There was so much excess I had to cut up the Centre Back and take some of the fabric out from there too (this was so the pockets on the front didn't end up in a weird position.) I then cut the back piece to where I wanted it, folded the fabric over twice on the raw edges of the back and sides and top stitched.

I then cut a strip of fabric folded it in half, tucking under the raw edges and sewed it to the front of the shirt. This created a loop in the fabric in which I would thread the straps.

I created the straps by sewing together long strips of fabric, folding both edges in to the centre and then folding it in half, stitching down the one edge. Using a safety pin attached to one end I thread the strap through the loop. I then cut the strap to the appropriate length.

I then went over the few bits and pieces that needed tidying up and finishing off.

If you have any trouble understanding my terrible instructions and would like to ask me any questions go right ahead.

I'm sorry the photos are so bad (I'm no photographer that for sure,) and I promise will post a pic of me wearing it when I'm well - I'm still all tonsillitis-ed up and it's not a pretty sight.