How to Turn a Dress Into a Skirt & Turkish Vest
Many women have at least one old dress that they never wear anymore for one reason or another. It may seem like the only thing to do with these old dresses is to get rid of them. However, a dress can provide enough material to make two different items of clothing, such as a Turkish skirt and vest. Turkish vests, worn with flowing skirts, are a staple in belly dancing costumes. In addition to this, they can also be worn as an every day fashion item. With an old dress and some common sewing supplies, any amateur seamstress can make her own Turkish skirt and vest.
Instructions
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1
Turn the dress inside out and cut straight across the waistline, separating the bodice of the dress from the skirt.
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2
Turn the raw edge of the skirt under 3/4 inch and iron the fold in place. Sew fold down to create the hem, tucking under the raw edge of the fabric as you sew. Leave a one inch opening in the hem.
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3
Cut a piece of elastic that is just long enough to wrap around your waist. Thread this elastic piece through the waistline of the skirt, using the one inch opening. Gather the fabric as needed.
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4
Sew the two ends of the elastic together and sew the one inch opening closed.
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5
Cut the sleeves off of the bodice of the dress. Cut the front of the bodice open all the way down the middle.
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6
Fold the raw edges of the arm holes and the front opening under 1/4 inch. Iron this fold in place and fold the edges over 1/4 inch more.
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7
Sew down the folds on the arm holes and the front opening. Turn the skirt and the vest right side out again.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit sewing image by Yury Shirokov from Fotolia.com
