Have you ever had a craft supply keep calling to you until you decided to give in? I kept passing these oversized gold eyelets at the craft store and finally decided it was time to take them home and put them to good use. I’ve been super into the lace-up trend lately, so doing an oversized lace-up detail on a short-sleeve sweatshirt seemed like the perfect project for those cool spring nights before the summer heat fully kicks in. It’s so easy to do, and once you figure out how, you’ll want to do this to more than one item in your closet!
Supplies Needed
- Sweatshirt
- Fabric scissors
- Extra-large eyelet kit
- Hammer
- 3/4″ wide shoelaces
- Marking pen for fabric
- Fray Check
- Cutting mat, rotary cutter, and ruler (optional)
- Medium-weight iron-on interfacing (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step One: Prepare Your Sweatshirt
First, try on your sweatshirt and mark with a pin how far down you want your center cut to go. Since the bottom of the lace-up can be closed depending on how you tighten the strings, you can cut down a bit farther than you would for an open V-neck type t-shirt. Use scissors or a rotary cutter to cut a line straight down to your stopping point. Then, widen your cut into a “V” by cutting off the same amount from each side of your straight cut. The wider you make your “V,” the more open the lace-up can look. Cut in small increments and keep trying it on if you aren’t sure how far you want to go. I cut about 1/2” off each side on mine.
Step Two: Add Support (Optional)
If your sweatshirt material is thinner than you would like and might need some help holding up the large eyelets, you can cut two 2” wide strips of fusible interfacing and iron them onto the back of where you’ll place your eyelets for extra support. This will give the fabric more stability and help the eyelets stay in place.
Step Three: Place and Mark Eyelets
Once your “V” is cut, place your eyelets on either side of the opening to determine how many will fit comfortably without looking too crowded. Place the center of your eyelets about 1” in from the cut middle seam. Use a fabric marking pen to trace the middle of each eyelet. This will guide you when cutting the holes for the eyelets.
Step Four: Cut and Seal Holes
Cut out the middle circles for your eyelets using small sewing scissors, which can be really handy for these types of cuts. Then, seal your edges with some Fray Check to prevent fraying. I only sealed the cut round edges with the Fray Check rather than the cut straight neck edge, but you can also seal the neck if you want to. Test it on one of your cut scraps first, as Fray Check can darken some colors of fabric where applied.
Step Five: Insert Eyelets
Use a hammer and follow the instructions in the eyelet kit to insert each front and back piece through your holes and hammer the pieces together. Make sure your front eyelet piece is on the front side of your shirt. This step secures the eyelets to the fabric, creating the lacing holes.
Step Six: Lace Up Your Sweatshirt
Lace up your eyelets with your shoelace, and you’re ready to wear your new creation! Thread the shoelace through the eyelets in a crisscross pattern. You can also use two shoelaces connected together if you need longer lacing. The oversized eyelets and lacing give a bold look, but you can opt for thinner lacing and smaller eyelets if you prefer a different style.
Customization Tips
- Different Lace Widths and Eyelet Sizes: Customize the look by choosing different widths for the laces and sizes for the eyelets. Thinner laces and smaller eyelets can create a more delicate look.
- Wide Openings: Create wide openings for an off-the-shoulder style. This can add a versatile, casual look to your sweatshirt.
- Color Choices: Play with different colors for the laces and eyelets to match or contrast with your sweatshirt. This can add a unique touch to your DIY project.
Conclusion
Creating a lace-up sweatshirt is a simple and fun DIY project that can give new life to an old piece of clothing. Once you see how easy it is, you might want to apply this technique to multiple tops in your wardrobe. Enjoy the process and experiment with different styles and colors to make each piece uniquely yours. Happy crafting!
With this DIY lace-up sweatshirt, you’ll not only stay warm on those cool spring nights but also stay stylish with a trendy, customized look. Enjoy your new creation and the compliments that are sure to follow. Happy lacing!