For this diy fashion tutorial, I converted an oversized t-shirt into a dress without a pattern. The short sleeve DIY blouson dress from t-shirt adds an elegant twist to a basic essential.
This blouson dress tutorial focused on refashioning a t-shirt to dress, and I absolutely love how this style turned out.
The skin tight fitted dress snugs gently against the hips, and contrasts quite nicely with the blouson bodice. In addition, the elastic waistband also gives an hourglass look to your figure.
However, that is truly just the beginning in regard to DIY fashion, there are countless t-shirt upcycle ideas for you to explore. When it comes to sewing for beginners, there are so many fun projects for you to complete.
Learn new skills and push your boundaries to the next level with upcycled clothing. Turning old clothes into something new to wear is extremely rewarding!
In the end, you get to wear unique and fashion-forward looks that you create. Think of the endless possibilities available when you make your own clothes!
Incorporate a statement necklace and a cute handbag to really upgrade this look. If you’re looking for a casual contrast, pair this DIY blouson dress form t-shirt with converse chucks and you will be all set.
Give it a try, and lets start making this DIY blouson dress from t-shirt!
More T-Shirt Dress Upcycle Designs:
How do you sew elastic on fabric?
For this DIY blouson dress from t-shirt, you will be attaching elastic directly to the inside waist of the garment. There are a few important steps to take when you sew elastic directly on fabric.
- Measure and cut the elastic band.
- Sew the ends of the elastic band to create a complete circle.
- Divide the elastic band into four evenly spaced lengths. Mark the elastic band with chalk or a straight pin.
- Divide the garment into four evenly spaced lengths. Mark the inside of the garment with chalk or a straight pin.
- Match the marks on the elastic band with the inside of the garment. Pin the four quarters of the elastic to your fabric to secure.
- Sew the elastic to the inside of the fabric
- Fold the fabric over the elastic band to cover
- Topstitch along the bottom edge of the folded fabric to give a finished look.
DIY Blouson Dress From T-shirt
I love this DIY blouson dress silhouette. It features a skintight skirt bottom that closely snugs against the hips. The dress hugs nicely on the waistline, and also give an hourglass look to your figure.
Add a statement accessory, like a necklace, to upgrade the look for going out. Furthermore, pair the dress with converse kicks for a casual outing.
Materials
- Oversized T-shirt
Tools
- Sewing Machine
- Fabric Chalk
- Measuring Tape
- Ruler
- Straight Pins
- Scissors
Instructions
- For the top bodice, fold the t-shirt in half and lay it flat. Measure 16 ½” from the highest point on the shoulder, and mark with chalk. Draw a straight line across the waistline with a ruler, then cut.
- I used my favorite crop top shirt from a striped t-shirt no sew tutorial. I copied the shirt to give a nice fitted top bodice for this dress.
- Fold the t-shirt in half, and then trace the shoulder seam and armhole. Square off at the beginning of the side seam, because this is where the skirt will be attached.
- For the bust measurement, I used 8” and then made the waistline length 10” to give enough blouson effect. Mark with chalk and connect the line to the side seam with a ruler. Add ¼” seam allowance around the side seams and armhole. Then, cut along the line.
- For the short sleeves, use the discarded sleeve pieces. Measure 7” from the sleeve opening and mark with chalk. Measure 5” along with the sleeve opening and mark again.
- Lay the top bodice over the sleeves, and trace the armhole to make the sleeve pattern. Give a nice curve line under the sleeve. Add ¼” seam allowance around the sleeve, and then cut.
- Trace the sleeve to copy for the other side.
- For the skirt bottom, fold the bottom piece in half and lay flat. I copied a knit pencil skirt to complete the skintight bottom silhouette for this t-shirt dress.
- Fold the skirt in half and lay flat along with the bottom piece. Trace the waist, hips, and hemline of the skirt. Add ¼” seam allowance and cut.
- To attach both sleeves, flip the top bodice inside out and lay the sleeve along the armhole. Attach the top and sleeve together with ¼” topstitch, and then zigzag stitch to finish.
- For the side seam and under sleeve, use ¼” topstitch and finish with a zigzag stitch.
- For a balloon silhouette waistline, I used a piece of elastic that was 24” long and ¼” wide. Overlap the elastic about ¼”, and then double topstitch.
Helpful hint: Check the elastic by stretching to make sure it doesn’t pop.
- Slide the elastic loop over the t-shirt hemline, and pin on both side seams. Sew in the middle of the elastic band.
Sewing tip: Stretch the elastic as you sew all the way around.
- To sew the skirt, flip the skirt pattern inside out with the right sides of the front and back pieces facing each other. Join the side seam with ¼” topstitch, and then zigzag stitch to finish.
- To attach the skirt to the top bodice, slide the skirt piece over the top piece and pin. Sew ¼” topstitch around the waistline to join the skirt and the top.
Notes
For this short sleeve dress, its important to create a nice balance between the blouson top bodice and the skin tight skirt bottom. An oversized tee works best to help with the ballon silhouette.
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