We all have a stack of them sitting in our home – t-shirts! Lots and lots of t-shirts. You know those t-shirts that are too short, have a stain, or you hate to toss because they are a favorite for one reason or another. Instead of throwing them out, repurpose them into a new outfit for your little ones.
Gather these few supplies:
- T-shirt
- 2″ wide ribbon (1.5 – 2 yards)
- Fabric of your choice (1.5 yards)
- Scissors
- Sewing machine and accessories
- Pins
First, cut your t-shirt. It’s best to put the t-shirt on your child and determine where you want the skirt to hang. Add 1″ and cut the shirt. I cut about 4″ off my tee. There is no right or wrong place to cut shirt.
Next, put the cut shirt back on your child and measure from the bottom of the t-shirt to where you want the skirt to hang. Add 3″. I wanted mine to hang about 19″ below the tee, so I cut my fabric at 22″. I left mine the same width as the fabric and cut two rectangles of that same size.
Sew the two rectangles together on the 22″ side. Sew them right sides together so you make a tube, then press the seams open.
Next, hem the bottom of the skirt. Turn the skirt section inside out, then fold over the top of the skirt section 1″, and press it in place. Add another 1″ and press. Then sew into place.
Next, we’ll finish the raw edge on the top. A serger machine works best if you have one, otherwise fold over the top 1″, press, and sew. I used a zigzag stitch.
Pin the pleats around the entire skirt. Measure along the shirt as you are pinning. I just eyeballed it, and did my best.
You want the finished circle to fit about with the width of the t-shirt. Pin the t-shirt to the pleated skirt. The t-shirt will sit down on the top of the pleats about 1″. Sew on the top of the pleats to sew it all together.
And…ta dah! You have finished sewing the dress.
Add a ribbon to tie around waist of the skirt. This will cinch it all together and give it a more fitted look. The dress looks cute both ways.
