How to Add Boho Sleeves to a Thrifted T-Shirt

Sometimes the best thrift flip starts with pieces you already have.

For her latest Second Chance Studio project, Jenny Smith of Starline and Santorini reached into her collection of Goodwill finds and pulled out two pieces she'd thrifted at different times: a Dolly Parton T-shirt and a flowy shawl.

After the recent passing of Dolly Parton, Jenny knew it was finally time to give the shirt its second act. By combining the graphic tee with the flowing fabric from the shawl, she created an easy boho-inspired top that celebrates creativity, individuality and a music icon who knew a thing or two about unforgettable style.

Even better? This beginner-friendly project doesn’t require your fabrics to match perfectly. Sometimes the colors simply complement each other—and that’s enough reason to see what they can become together.

Watch The Thrift Flip

See how to two previously thrifted Goodwill finds into one flowy statement piece, including how you can cut the shawl into new sleeve panels, alter the T-shirt and change course when your original measurements don’t quite go according to plan.

What You'll Need

• Thrifted graphic T-shirt
• Thrifted shawl or other flowy fabric
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Fabric scissors
• Rotary cutter
• Cutting mat
• Ruler
• Pins
• Adhesive webbing
• Iron or heat press
• Ironing mat or towel to protect your work surface

Step 1: Find Your Perfect Pair

Start by laying your T-shirt and shawl next to each other.

Don't worry about finding an exact color match. The pieces in the video aren't identical—the colors simply work well together. Look for a shawl with a color, print or texture that complements your shirt and gives you enough fabric to create two flowing side panels.

Lay everything out before cutting so you can see how the pieces will work together.

Step 2: Cut Your Shawl Into Panels

Start by removing the sleeves and separating the shawl fabric into panels.

In the video, Jenn’s shawl is longer in the back than the front, she trims away the excess fabric and cuts along the side to create the first panel.

Before cutting your second panel, use the first as a guide so both sides are similar in size.

Step 3: Check the Length of Your T-Shirt

Place one of your new panels alongside the T-shirt to see where the bottom edges meet.

Shorten your T-shirt (if needed) by folding the bottom to your desired length, pinning around the front and back and sewing along the fold. Then cut away the excess fabric and press the new hem.

But thrift flips sometimes change as you go.

Once Jenny attaches both side panels, she realizes her original measurements don't quite line up. Instead of starting over, she removes the first hem and adjusts.

Second Chance Studio Tip: Don't let a change of plans convince you the project went wrong. Upcycling often means adjusting as you go—and sometimes the second solution is the better one.

Step 4: Remove the Original Sleeves

Once you've decided where your new panels will sit, it's time to make room for them.

Lay your ruler along one side of the shirt and cut from the bottom toward the shoulder, removing the original sleeve and side of the T-shirt.

Use the fabric you removed from the first side as a guide for the second, then double-check your measurements before cutting. This helps keep both sides even.

Step 5: Position Your New Sleeves

Lay your shawl panels against the newly cut sides of the shirt and determine exactly where you want them to sit.

For Jenny's construction, the right side of the T-shirt fabric faces the right side of the shawl fabric.

If you have to flip the pieces around a few times before it makes sense, you're in good company.

Step 6: Secure the Fabric With Adhesive Webbing

Before sewing, use an adhesive webbing like Jenny does, or pins, to hold the pieces together.

Measure a strip to fit along the edge of your T-shirt. Jenny cuts hers thinner before placing it between the T-shirt and shawl panel.

Following the instructions for your adhesive webbing, use an iron or heat press to secure the fabrics together.

Repeat along the front and back of both sides.

The webbing helps keep everything in place, but it's only the first step—the seams will be sewn for a more secure finish.

Step 7: Adjust and Hem the Bottom

Once Jenny sees both panels attached, she realizes the T-shirt needs another length adjustment.

She removes her original hem, folds the bottom edge under just enough to line it up with the side panels and sews a simple straight stitch close to the edge.

The result isn't identical to the shirt's original factory hem—and that's completely fine. The goal is a finished edge and a top you'll actually want to wear, not factory perfection.

Step 8: Sew Your New Sleeves in Place

With the panels secured, sew a straight stitch close to the inside edges where the shawl meets the T-shirt.

Continue along the front and back of both sides to permanently connect the pieces.

Then fold under any raw edges remaining on the shawl fabric and finish them with another simple straight stitch.

Trim any loose threads, and your thrift flip is ready for its debut.

Make It Your Own

The magic of this project isn’t recreating Jenny’s exact shirt. It’s looking at two pieces you already own—or two completely unrelated finds on the Goodwill racks—and wondering what they could become together.

Try a favorite band tee with a printed shawl. Pair a vintage graphic shirt with something fringed. Mix colors that don’t technically match but somehow just work. And if the project changes halfway through? Keep going. Sometimes a second chance needs a second plan.

For Jenny, a Dolly Parton tee she’d thrifted long before this project became an unexpectedly meaningful piece to revisit. What started as a colorful Goodwill find is now something completely her own—and a small, joyful tribute to an icon whose unforgettable style was always about being exactly who she was. 💕

Take another look at what’s already in your closet, then visit your local Goodwill Store & Donation Center to find the missing piece for your next thrift flip.