Many years ago, I got an idea to make a girls maxi dress from a t-shirt. When she was younger she loved to wear this dress... and had requested another one but this time with JUST fabric on the bottom. She’s all grown up now, but this t-shirt maxi dress lives on and has been passed down to cousins and friends. The tutorial is a few years old but has managed to stand the test of time.
This maxi dress is made from Voile. I love the light airy fabric which is perfect for summer.
(note: with over 10 years of tutorials on this site, I like to go in and clean up and improve older tutorials to make them easier for you to use (based on experience and reader feedback. I also have a lot of new readers who have not seen all of the great stuff in the archives. This project is one of my all time favorites, and I’m happy to be sharing an updated version of it with you today)
Turn a T-Shirt into a Dress with this Maxi Dress pattern:
Ready to get started?
To make this maxi 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 the waistband
Seam allowances are 1/2″
Step One:
On your t-shirt make a mark approx 2″-3″ down from the bottom of the armholes.
Step Two:
Step Three:
Step Four:
Step Five:
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.
You May Also Like:
How to Make a Dress from Two T-Shirts
Summer Dress Patterns for Girls
How to Make a Pillowcase Dress
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Lil' Luna says
May 9, 2012 at 1:52 PMSo cute, Melissa! LOVE it! 🙂
Rebecca McGuire says
August 13, 2012 at 9:49 PMI made two of them using ruffle cloth. So easy and sweet!! If I knew how to put the pictures on here I would.
melissa says
August 16, 2012 at 2:52 PMCute! Did you post photos on your blog or flickr acct? I’d love to see them and add them to my pinterest page.
Katy Cameron says
May 9, 2012 at 5:09 PMVery cute!
The Cantelmo Family says
May 9, 2012 at 10:12 PMI LOVE this dress!!!
Gayle says
May 11, 2012 at 10:50 PMVery cute, beautiful dress and model.
The Craft-Arty Kid says
May 12, 2012 at 5:51 AMVery cute, and a great tutorial
Louise Ambrosi says
May 20, 2012 at 3:39 AMI 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!
PinkPorcupine says
May 25, 2012 at 1:34 AMI made one!
Anna says
May 26, 2012 at 9:31 PMLove 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
Jackman Clan says
May 31, 2012 at 6:10 PMhttp://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!
laurareid says
June 2, 2012 at 12:11 AMI 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
Rose says
August 3, 2012 at 5:17 PMThis 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.
Charity says
September 10, 2012 at 10:14 PMSo 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!
Morgen McMahon says
February 13, 2013 at 2:33 PMWhat a great tutorial. Your girl is beautiful – she looks just like you!
Melissa Mortenson says
February 15, 2013 at 9:57 AMOh thanks. I think she’s beautiful, but I’m biased. But I think she gets her good looks from her Dad 🙂
Alison Haley says
April 24, 2013 at 12:00 AMwould knit be too heavy for a size 6 dress in your opinion?
Melissa Mortenson says
April 30, 2013 at 4:54 PMNo I don’t think so, I would just not make the skirt as gathered. Less full.
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Camila says
October 2, 2013 at 2:56 PMI just loooooove it!!!!! So sweet and cute! I’m featuring this tomorrow on my weekly round up!!! Hope you have a wonderful week!
Hugs
Cami @ TitiCrafty.com
Sunday Bewitch Me & Titi {Link Party}
RoseMary says
May 4, 2014 at 1:42 PMI want to do this for the two youngest granddaughters. but we are in the middle of moving and my sewing in packed up.
I would be sewing instead of packing, if it was out. thank you for the pattern
Hope to make it soon
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May 3, 2015 at 10:14 AMThis website was… how do I say it? Relevant!!
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April says
June 12, 2016 at 3:15 PMThis is so cute.Im going to try this one day
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Tamara says
April 20, 2017 at 10:59 AMTried it. Love it!!! I’ll be making more of these for sure.
Crystal says
April 23, 2017 at 1:24 AMLove this. Thanks so much. I thought for colder months you cold use a long sleeved top too. Also if a top gets stained around the tummy area but is still nice it’s a smart idea. Thanks.
Amanda says
August 28, 2018 at 1:27 AMCute dress! I am so inspired by your work. I want to make this dress for my daughter. Thanks a lot for sharing the great tutorial.
Becky says
October 27, 2018 at 9:25 PMMade a Christmas version of this dress, turned out super cute.