I got an idea to make a girls maxi dress from a t-shirt. Last Summer after I made my daughter this dress... she “requested” another one but this time with JUST fabric on the bottom… So to keep my little fashionista happy, I drew it up in my sketch book and promised to make her one this summer.
I decided to make it from Voile this time. I love the light airy fabric and thought it would be perfect for summer.
I saw that Lindsey at the Pleated Poppy has a tutorial on her site for an Adult size made from a tank top- If you’re looking for an adult size of this dress, she uses a different method to attach her skirt to the top.
To make this dress you’ll need the following:
- t-shirt. It needs to fit snugly, but not tight- if you’re not sure of the size, go down a size. Mine is from Old Navy.
- 2 yards of Voile Fabric- You could also use Velveteen- but try to stick to something light and airy, otherwise the dress will get heavy- if you want to make it for a taller than a size 10 you’ll need more yardage.
- 1/2 yard of Voile Fabric for waistband
The measurements for this dress will make approx a size 10- but you can adjust them easily to make other sizes.
Seam allowances are 1/2″
On your t-shirt make a mark approx 2″-3″ down from the bottom of the arm holes.
To make the sash.
Cut a piece of fabric 6″ wide by 54″. (it was 54″ wide since it was a Voile fabric).
Fold in half, miter corners. Stitch together leaving a 2″ opening in the center.
Turn right side out- slip stitch opening closed. Press.
Be sure to send me links to your t-shirt projects!! I’m going to do a round up at the end of the month! (thanks to those of you that have already sent them).
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So cute, Melissa! LOVE it! :)
I made two of them using ruffle cloth. So easy and sweet!! If I knew how to put the pictures on here I would.
Cute! Did you post photos on your blog or flickr acct? I’d love to see them and add them to my pinterest page.
Very cute!
I LOVE this dress!!!
Very cute, beautiful dress and model.
Very cute, and a great tutorial
I love this – it would be perfect for my 7 year old daughter, so I’m going to have a go! Just need to get the right fabric first. Thanks for a great idea!
I made one!
Love it! I’m going to make one for my grand daughter. She requested a ruffle on the bottom. I’ll send you a pic after. Laura
http://reidgirlshandmade.blogspot.com/2012/05/blog-post.html
Hi, I finished the maxi dress for my grand daughter. you can see it on my craft blog. thanks for the tutorial!
I made one. You can see it at reidgirlshandmade.blogspot.com
I included a link back to your tutorial.
Thanks for the idea. It was fun to make. Laura
[...] Love the maxi dresses that you are seeing everywhere, but they just cost too much? Well we have a solution for you! You can make one yourself by using an old T-shirt or using a new one that you can get from Rock Bottom T-Shirts and some fun colorful fabric from your local fabric store. This is a super cute dress for the first week of school! [...]
This is super cute! I want to use it to make a dress for myself from a t-shirt that fits my shoulders but is too short for my comfort.
So adorable. Love this tutorial!! I referenced you on my blog. Hope that’s ok. ☺http://tayfamilynews.blogspot.ca/2012/09/project-monday-asian-silk.html?m=1 I made this dress last summer and kinda wish I would have seen all of these tutorials out there to help me out. So many great versions. My daughter would love one like this too!
What a great tutorial. Your girl is beautiful – she looks just like you!
Oh thanks. I think she’s beautiful, but I’m biased. But I think she gets her good looks from her Dad :)
would knit be too heavy for a size 6 dress in your opinion?
No I don’t think so, I would just not make the skirt as gathered. Less full.