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    Home » Sewing

    How to Sew a Summer Dress from 2 T-Shirts

    Updated: May 25, 2021 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 35 Comments

    Use this simple hack to turn two kids’ t-shirts into a summer dress! You’ll save loads of time and end up with a cute summer t-shirt dress as well!

    How to sew a summer sundress using two t-shirts- a cute t-shirt DIY refashion project.

    Today I’m sharing a tutorial teaching you how to make a summer sundress from 2 t-shirts! I picked up the t-shirts at Walmart on clearance, but any t-shirts will do.  Just make sure that they are mostly “straight” and not the fitted variety!

    Table of Contents
    • Dress Supplies
    • Instructions
    How to sew a summer sundress using two t-shirts- a cute t-shirt DIY refashion project.
    How to sew a summer sundress using two t-shirts- a cute t-shirt DIY refashion project.

    Dress Supplies

    • 2 t-shirts, both the same size, if you are not sure of sizes estimate UP
    • 2 ½″ band of fabric (just cut 2 ½″ off the edge of one of your favorite fabrics so that the piece will be 2 ½ x 44″)
    • 6″ band of fabric
    • Ribbon

    Instructions

    summer-dress-refashion

    The first thing you need to do is try one of the t-shirts on your model and mark the natural waist. This is usually at the belly button.

    things-make-tshirts

    Next cut off the bottom (after you take it off your model *wink*)… of  t-shirt #1 just below where you marked the natural waist.

    ideas-upcycle-tshirt

    On t-shirt #2, cut off the bottom off, just below the arm holes.

    recycle-tshirt-ideas

    With right sides together- stitch the bottom of t-shirt #1 to the top of t-shirt #2.

    Press seam.

    diy-cover-up-for-summer

    On your 2 ½″ wide strip of fabric, stitch 2 button holes in the center.

    Turn under edge of strip ¼-1/2″ on both sides and press.

    diy-swim-coverup

    Pin strip over seam where t-shirt 1 meets t-shirt 2.  Use the seam as a guide so that you will stitch the waistband on straight.

    Beginning at the front and working to the back, topstitch waistband in place. Topstitch the top and bottom of the strip.  At the back, end one side of the strip at the center back, and leave the other strip with a 1″ overhang.

    t-shirt-project

    Put a safety pin on your ribbon and string through the waistband so that the 2 ends are coming out of the 2 buttonholes in the front.

    how-make-dress-from-tshirt

    To close the back seam, fold under the strip overhang and stitch down. You will stitch through the ribbon (this also keeps the ribbon attached to the dress for safety reasons).

    Press waistband well.

    At this point I think the dress is a bit too short- but if you want to make a swim cover-up you can skip the next step as the dress is already hemmed (you kept the hem on t-shirt 2).

    Optional Skirt Hem Band:

    Cut the band the same size as the bottom of the dress, allowing for a seam allowance. Stitch together at short sides. You will have a circle of fabric that you can pin to the bottom of the dress. (it should fit perfectly, no gathering)

    recycle-t-shirt

    Pin this band to the bottom of the dress and stitch in place with ½″ seam.

    Press seam towards skirt band.

    add-band-to-dress-bottom

    Turn band under ½″ and press.

    Fold band so that the pressed edge of the band matches the seam between the skirt/band.  Pin in place.

    t-shirt-dress-refashion

    On right side of dress, topstitch band in place.

    You’re done!!

    How to sew a summer sundress using two t-shirts- a cute t-shirt DIY refashion project.

    I hope that you like the dress!!! Let me know what you think!

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    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Louley's Belles says

      June 21, 2011 at 9:24 am

      That is just too cute!!! Wish I could sew!!!

      Reply
    2. Lorie says

      June 21, 2011 at 1:58 pm

      So cute!

      Reply
    3. Michele says

      June 21, 2011 at 2:30 pm

      Cute! Have you tried to make one for women?

      Reply
    4. Michelle@Somedaycrafts says

      June 21, 2011 at 6:43 pm

      I loved this the first time I saw it! Cute idea!!!!

      Reply
    5. Cindy Lou says

      June 21, 2011 at 8:21 pm

      OMG…it is so cute. I want to make one for me. Thanks for the tutorial.

      Reply
    6. CraftCrave says

      June 22, 2011 at 12:14 am

      Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [22 Jun 01:00am GMT]. Thanks, Maria

      Reply
    7. CraftCrave says

      June 23, 2011 at 12:41 am

      Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [23 Jun 01:00am GMT]. Thanks, Maria

      Reply
    8. VickiT says

      June 25, 2011 at 2:35 pm

      Awesome tutorial and GREAT idea. That is an adorable dress. LOVE IT! I’m already thinking how cute it would be to do the same to make a little dress for my Granddaughter and even add some machine embroidery to the dress. Thank you.

      Reply
    9. Amy says

      June 28, 2011 at 12:50 pm

      very nice,, thank you. I may have to try one for my granddaughter.

      Reply
    10. Kelly @ Run With Glitter says

      June 29, 2011 at 6:19 pm

      So Comfy! What a great tutorial!I’m visiting from 101 summer sewing tutorials roundup. Have a great day! http://runwithglitter.blogspot.com/

      Reply
    11. Shir Benovich says

      July 02, 2011 at 3:04 am

      Love it!! Yesterday I sewed my daughter a dress based on your tutorial: http://shir-benovich.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-dress.html
      Thanks a lot!

      Reply
    12. shopannies says

      July 19, 2011 at 11:32 pm

      love this idea very cute 🙂 come visit me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

      Reply
    13. Linda says

      July 28, 2011 at 11:05 am

      Thanks for this tutorial! I reported here: http://paneamoreecreativita.it/blog/2011/07/raccolta-di-progetti-di-cucito-creativo-per-lestate
      Linda

      Reply
    14. Essie says

      July 31, 2011 at 2:31 pm

      Loved this cute dress idea and hope to try one for my little niece.
      Essie

      Reply
    15. Emily Hodges says

      August 02, 2011 at 11:13 pm

      Cute, Cute, Cute! I can’t wait to make this! My dad taught me to sew a few years back, and now, i hunt for great patterns like a hunter hunts for deer! This was so a bull’s-eye!

      Reply
    16. JJCrochet (Jayna) says

      August 13, 2011 at 10:25 am

      Very cute design. I was wondering if this would work for women’s dresses as well as kid’s. Love it – thanks!

      Reply
    17. loves2spin says

      November 06, 2011 at 2:47 pm

      To say I am impressed would be a big understatement. Thank you for this!!

      Reply
    18. ranchgirlothello says

      March 16, 2012 at 8:39 pm

      This is the cutest !! Can’t wait to make one.

      Reply
    19. ranchgirlothello says

      March 16, 2012 at 8:40 pm

      This is soo cute, can’t wait to try it !!
      Maybe one for me too. 😉

      Reply
    20. Florida Pati says

      June 15, 2013 at 5:58 am

      Love, love, love this!!! I don’t have little ones anymore, and no grandchildren (yet)… BUT, I am buying tee shirts today and plan on making this for MYSELF!!!! Thank you for this GREAT idea!!!

      Reply
    21. Trina says

      June 15, 2013 at 11:38 am

      Correct me if I am messed up, but should not the bottom of shirt #2 be attached to top of shirt #1? This way the two longer pieces are used instead of the two shorter ones?

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        June 17, 2013 at 6:13 pm

        Yes that’s how it goes. In the directions when it says to sew the bottom of #1 to the top of #2 it’s referring to the parts of the t-shirts you sew on not the part of the t-shirt that is cut. Does that make sense?

        Reply
        • Karen Jakab says

          June 03, 2014 at 12:44 pm

          I can’t find any written instructions for this. Am I just overlooking them? I can’t quite see how two shirts are used just from the pictures.

          Reply
    22. Charlene Ellick says

      August 19, 2013 at 9:48 pm

      Thank you, I have been looking for something that is so easy. Can’t wait to go to the store tomorrow!!

      Reply
    23. Teje says

      February 02, 2014 at 2:42 am

      Hi! This is beautiful dress and your idea to add the ‘belt’ is great! Want to do for myself! I need so much cool dresses during the hot, Greek summer! x Teje

      Reply
    24. agen bola piala dunia says

      May 31, 2014 at 7:05 pm

      Even of you lose don’t panic, just move onto the next bet and work harder.
      John Wooden encouraged his players to be good citizens – on the court and in the world.
      Train your mental game for laser focus, confidence and to easily deal with distractions.

      Reply
    25. make t shirt says

      June 29, 2015 at 7:46 pm

      This info is worth everyone’s attention. How can I find out more?

      Reply
    26. Band T Shirts says

      September 12, 2015 at 11:25 pm

      whoah this weblog is fantastic i like studying your posts.
      Stay up the good work! You recognize, lots of
      persons are hunting round for this info, you can aid them greatly.

      Reply
    27. Syed Qasim Ali says

      August 12, 2018 at 11:07 am

      Cute! I loved this the first time i want to make one for me. Thanks for the tutorial.

      Reply

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    I’m Melissa. I like to design things, like fabric, printables, and projects.

    I’m also a Mom and a Maker. I am like most of you, just trying to do my best every day. Some days I succeed, many days I fail.  I find joy in creating, if you do too, then I hope that you find something here bring a little “happy” to your life.  Find out more about me here.

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