In today’s post: Learn how to turn a t-shirt pattern into a midi length dress perfect for spring.
Time for another dress! I usually sew maxi dresses for myself because they’re my favorite, but the weather is warming up and I wanted something a little lighter, so I this week I whipped up a midi length dress. I used my free classic tee pattern as the base for this extremely easy-to-sew dress.
I found some more floral brushed polyester spandex fabric on Etsy – I love this stuff! It’s the same type of fabric that I used for the classic tee maxi dress, just in a different color. It’s lightweight without being clingy and it’s also extremely soft.
This dress was super easy to sew. I simply added length to the classic tee pattern and added some elastic around the waistline and that was it!
I kept the curved hem from the tee shirt pattern which I think turned out pretty cute.
To make this dress, you’ll need 2 yards of 60 inch wide knit (stretchy) fabric. Wash and dry  your fabric before beginning.
You’ll need to go to the classic tee post to download the free pattern in women’s size large. Print it out at 100% or full size. Butt the pages together and tape them without overlapping, then cut out the pattern. If you are not a size large, you could trace an easy fit tee to make your own pattern.
To make a dress instead of a shirt, you’ll need to make a few alterations (as shown in the photo above). I added about 18 inches of length to the shirt pattern, as well as angling the side seam out a bit. I cut the sleeves about 4 inches longer than the elbow length pattern as well to make 3/4 length sleeves. I also cut neckbinding as directed on the pattern.
You’ll sew the dress up the same way as directed in the classic tee tutorial. You can finish the neckline and hem the sleeves. It will look like this:
Then you can try the dress on and wrap a piece of 1/2 inch wide elastic around your waist. Move the elastic up and down to decide where you want the waistline of the dress to be, and mark it with pins.
Then you’ll attach the elastic to the inside of the dress. You can use a zigzag stitch, as directed in this girl’s dress tutorial. Or you can use two rows of straight stitches, as shown in this tutorial.
Then hem the dress by turning up the bottom 1 inch and sewing with a double needle (or other stitch that will stretch).
Done!
Ber says
It looks cute! I even liked the look of it where you were figuring out where the elastic should go. Have you ever made any without the elastic and just made a fabric belt to go over it? I was thinking if you just stuck a couple of tiny darts in to take care of a little of the excess fabric on top it could give you a great variation!
Dana says
Simple dresses made from favorite tees are the best! Thanks for having great directions and photos.
login problem says
Then you can try the dress on and wrap a piece of 1/2 inch wide elastic around your waist. Move the elastic up and down to decide where you want the waistline of the dress to be, and mark it with pins.
Loriann says
Been looking for this pattern for a long time!!! Thank you ? how do I change the pattern to a small? Also where do you find good quality knit fabric?
Loriann Jenson says
Been looking for this pattern for a long time!!! Thank you ? how do I change the pattern to a small? Also where do you find good quality knit fabric?
Lindsey mastain says
How cute! I’m definitely going to have to do this–easy, summertime dress. Thanks!
Natassa Rakintzi says
Great looking dress and very clear and easy to follow instructions accompanied by amazing pictures. You look great in your creation and I will give it a go using your patterns as soon as I get the chance. I do need to practice my sewing skills, so I will give some of your other posts a read too. Thanks for the idea and of course the patterns. Keep the good work!
Houston McGuirk says
So cute! I think I found my weekend project! Thank you for the free pattern!
Joy says
I love this! It looks so flattering!
Question: do I need a special needle to sew this fabric? I’m a little scared of stretch fabric…
Brooke says
This dress is adorable. Living in Canada, I think the cost of the fabric and getting it shipped would make it not affordable to DIY. But this is a dress I would totally buy, or rope a friend into making it for me. Great dress, and I love your shoes.
linda says
Brooke, I also am in Canada. Fabricland always has sales….. I recently got some knit fabric for $3 a yard, some white and some grey and white stripe. Just check periodically and get the email notification for sales.
Still cheaper than buying if you know how to sew, and it fits!
Kristie says
Love this! I need to grab some fabric and make several. Thank you so much for sharing the tutorial. That dress looks fabulous on you. Very flattering.
Kristi says
I have done this with your pattern and It’s such a comfy flattering dress. 🙂