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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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
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.
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I 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}
I 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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This is so cute.Im going to try this one day
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Tried it. Love it!!! I’ll be making more of these for sure.
Love 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.
Cute 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.
Made a Christmas version of this dress, turned out super cute.