How to Make a Little Girl's Dress From a T-shirt
Whether you want a quick, easy project for a rainy afternoon or you want to make use of your daughter’s old short, stained, or ripped T-shirts, this comfortable, cute T-shirt dress is a breeze to stitch up. Cut the length of the T-shirt first if you’re looking for an above-the-waist or natural waist look. Or leave the T-shirt long if you prefer a dropped waist garment. You may also dress up the T-shirt dress with rickrack, ribbons, appliqués, and other decorative embellishments.
Things You'll Need
- T-shirt of an appropriate size; it may be too short or too long in length
- Measuring tape
- Fabric shears
- Cotton or cotton blend fabric
- Sewing machine or serger
- Thread
- Sewing machine needles
- Pins
- Iron and ironing board
Instructions
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1
Cut the T-shirt to length, if desired. Remember to include a little extra length to allow for a seam.
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2
Lay the T-shirt on a flat surface. Using the measuring tape, measure the bottom (width) of the T-shirt. Then measure the length (shoulder to hem) of the T-shirt.
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3
Multiply the width of the T-shirt by four and divide the length by two. Cut the cotton or cotton blend fabric into a rectangle meeting these measurements.
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4
Fold the cotton fabric right sides together in half along the width. Sew the edges into a seam. Finish the seam allowances.
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5
Sew two rows of gathering stitches along one long edge of the cotton fabric, starting and ending the stitches just before meeting the seam.
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6
Pull the gathering threads until the cotton skirt measures the width of the T-shirt, plus two inches.
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7
Sew the gathered edge of the skirt to the bottom of the T-shirt, right sides together. Stretch the T-shirt as needed to make it the right size for the cotton skirt. To make the seam stronger, run another line of stitching just barely under the first line.
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Press the seam between the T-shirt and the cotton skirt. Press under the bottom edge of the skirt one-quarter inch. Repeat and pin in place. Stitch the hem.
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Tips & Warnings
If preferred, fold pleats into the skirt fabric and pin in place before stitching the skirt to the T-shirt.
If desired, lengthen the skirt by making it as long as the T-shirt itself.
