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!
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
- 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
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.
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.
On t-shirt #2, cut off the bottom off, just below the arm holes.
With right sides together- stitch the bottom of t-shirt #1 to the top of t-shirt #2.
Press seam.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Pin this band to the bottom of the dress and stitch in place with ½″ seam.
Press seam towards skirt band.
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.
On right side of dress, topstitch band in place.
You’re done!!
I hope that you like the dress!!! Let me know what you think!
Louley's Belles says
That is just too cute!!! Wish I could sew!!!
Lorie says
So cute!
Michele says
Cute! Have you tried to make one for women?
Michelle@Somedaycrafts says
I loved this the first time I saw it! Cute idea!!!!
Cindy Lou says
OMG…it is so cute. I want to make one for me. Thanks for the tutorial.
CraftCrave says
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
CraftCrave says
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
VickiT says
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.
Amy says
very nice,, thank you. I may have to try one for my granddaughter.
Kelly @ Run With Glitter says
So Comfy! What a great tutorial!I’m visiting from 101 summer sewing tutorials roundup. Have a great day! http://runwithglitter.blogspot.com/
Shir Benovich says
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!
shopannies says
love this idea very cute 🙂 come visit me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Linda says
Thanks for this tutorial! I reported here: http://paneamoreecreativita.it/blog/2011/07/raccolta-di-progetti-di-cucito-creativo-per-lestate
Linda
Essie says
Loved this cute dress idea and hope to try one for my little niece.
Essie
Emily Hodges says
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!
JJCrochet (Jayna) says
Very cute design. I was wondering if this would work for women’s dresses as well as kid’s. Love it – thanks!
loves2spin says
To say I am impressed would be a big understatement. Thank you for this!!
ranchgirlothello says
This is the cutest !! Can’t wait to make one.
ranchgirlothello says
This is soo cute, can’t wait to try it !!
Maybe one for me too. 😉
Florida Pati says
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!!!
Trina says
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?
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?
Karen Jakab says
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.
Charlene Ellick says
Thank you, I have been looking for something that is so easy. Can’t wait to go to the store tomorrow!!
Teje says
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
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Syed Qasim Ali says
Cute! I loved this the first time i want to make one for me. Thanks for the tutorial.