How-To Give a Shirt “Contrast Cuffs”

I have been wanting a black & white contrast cuff shirt like this one for quite some time! After looking at several in the stores I realized that it wouldn’tt be too difficult to just do myself. (story of my life! )

It took a few weeks of thrifting trips to come across this beautiful sheer cream number! I found it at ThriftSmart while quickly glancing towards the women’s shirt aisle. I was there on a mission to buy sheets to make Ellen’s Birthday Fort, but I sure am glad I let my shopping urges overcome me

 In my bin of fabric scraps I had some leather from a grab bag I’d gotten once. I chose the smoother and shinier of the two options.

In my case, the sleeves were way too long, easily hanging past my wrists, so I decided to shorten the sleeves and have them hit below the elbow. Your blouse/shirt may be fine and then you dont have to worry about this bit

For those with short arms like me, Try on the top and mark where you want the sleeve to hit with a pin. Then cut about an inch or so less than that off, allowing for some length to be used up with a hem.

Right-side-out, I folded up the edge of the sleeve ~ 3/4″-1″. With cream thread I then loosely stitched the end of the sleeve so that I could pull slightly before tying it off with a gathered result. (This brings the sleeve in a little bit like it was before I choppped it and makes it easier to attach to the leather…more on that later).

I then measured the circumference of my arm where the sleeve would end (~9 1/4″ for me) and added 3/4″ to that number (for some wiggle room ). I cut the leather into two 10″ by 2″ strips.

To attach the leather cuffs I used a needle and black thread and the whip stitch technique (click here for a tutorial on this stitch).

After trying it on, I decided to add little leather triangles to corners of the top lapel. I think this helped “seal the deal” on the awesomeness of this shirt!

I think it looks pretty good, what do you think?

I think I might do this again to another shirt, but maybe this time I’ll do some pattern mixing or some color blocking. Options are endless!

I’m going to wear this “new” top with some other thrifted threads on a date with the hubs this weekend, so be looking for a thrifty outfit post on Monday!

Oh and by the way, this took maybe just over an hour for me to do (and that’s with stopping to take pictures!), so this is totally DO-ABLE! Would you give this refashion a try?

Best wishes, and happy almost-weekend!

ashley