Plaited back T-Shirt

Here's the front.

So it's been a while since I've posted anything but I've finally got around to fitting in a crafty diversion. I've seen lots of ways to upcycle clothing, especially T-shirts, and this weekend decided to try one idea out - the plaited back T-shirt.

I found a T-shirt I was happy to customise. First you need to turn your T-shirt over and cut off the bottom hem - if there is one (they don't plait well).

Now you can cut a slit right across the back of the T-shirt, about halfway down depending on the length of your T-shirt (below your brastrap!). From below this point, cut the rest of the back of the T-shirt into strips. Make sure you cut the strips in sets of three. Leave the strips attached to the T-shirt at one end but cut them apart from the other. Alternate which sides you leave the strips attached to. (I lightly marked out the strips before I cut).

If you gently pull the T-shirt strips they become more like cords (see photo) - continue to do this while you are plaiting. 

Taking three cords at a time, you can now plait them and then pin the plait to the other side of the T-shirt. 

Carry on until you have plaited and pinned all the cords. 

Remember the hem I cut off? I used a piece of that to gather the plaits together. Though a little tricky, what with all the pins, you can try your creation on and adjust to fit.  

Finally sew all the plaits into place and secure the 'knot'. Wear it with (or without) a vest top!

Thank you Model 1, longer style plaited back.

Thank you Model 2, shorter style.