Skip to Content

DIY Twist Front Dress From T-shirt

Sharing is caring!

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure to learn more.

In this upcycle tutorial, learn to transform a DIY twist front dress from t-shirt. Follow the step-by-step instruction to clearly understand how to make a dress without a pattern. 

Although this DIY fashion tutorial looks difficult, it’s a great beginners sewing project to start out with. Step up to the challenge with me, and learn how to turn a t-shirt to dress.

DIY twist front dress from t-shirt before and after
DIY twist front t-shirt dress before and after

Believe it or not, but this is just another one of the best t-shirt upcycle ideas in a long list of successful projects. From mini skirts to crop tops and yoga tops, there are lots of upcycle ideas that can be made from a t-shirt.

Once you learn how to upcycle clothes, the door opens to endless creative designs that you can make from old clothing. Get more use out of your favorite garments when you turn old clothes into new outfits to wear. 

T shirt To Dress (5 DIY T shirt Dress Upcycle Projects)

The cut out detail of the front twist show off a little skin, and gives a flattering appearance for your figure. This DIY twist front dress is perfect for a laid back casual day, and also works well with statement accessories for a date night look.

The front twist detail of this dress turned out fantastic, just another fun project to execute when you searching for what to do with old t-shirts. The cut out detail shows off a little skin that really adds a sexy feature to the overall look.

DIY twist front dress from t-shirt front view

Wear Your DIY Fashion

The before and after photos look remarkable different. When you see the finished results, it’s really hard to imagine the this simple dress was made from a tee. However, this guide details each step and displays photos of the entire process from start to finish. 

Easily assemble a few basic pieces to upgrade this DIY front twist dress from t-shirt. Start with cute ankle boots or comfortable block heel sandals to create a stunning look that you will look forward to wearing.

Making upcycled clothing does not need to be super complicated. There are many refashion projects to help you create personalized styles and practice new skills. Follow along and lets get started with a DIY twist front dress from t-shirt.

DIY twist front dress from t-shirt sideview
Yield: 1 Twist Front Dress

DIY Twist Front Dress From T-shirt

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Active Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $5.00

I love this front twist dress from a big t-shirt. The cut out detail really helps to accentuate the waistline and adds a sexy appeal to the look.

Pair this dress with ankle boots or square toe sandals to upgrade your summer look! Showcase class and sex appeal with this stunning look.

Materials

  • Big T-shirt

Tools

  • Sewing Machine
  • Fabric Chalk
  • Measuring Tape
  • Ruler
  • Straight Pins
  • Scissors

Instructions

  1. For the top bodice, flip the t-shirt inside out and fold in half. Use your favorite crewneck shirt to trace the measurement for the top bodice of the dress.
    Measure and mark the dress silhouette on the t-shirt with fabric chalk.
  2. Trace the armhole and all the way down the side seam. Add ¼” seam allowance, and then cut.
    Cut along the chalk mark to make t-shirt dress shape.
  3. To cut the sleeves, use the discarded sleeve pieces. Measure 6” away from the sleeve hemline and 5” along with the sleeve opening; mark with chalk.
    Use the excess fabric from the sleeves to make new sleeves for the t-shirt dress.
  4. Lay the top bodice over the sleeve pattern to trace the new armhole. Add ¼” seam allowance along the curved line and also under the sleeve, and then cut.
    Make two new matching sleeves for the dress.
  5. To make the front twist, measure 17” down from the highpoint on the shoulder, and draw a line across with chalk. Measure across the waistline to find the center. Mine is 17” total, and I marked 8 ½” as the center. 
    Measure from the high point on the shoulder down the front of the dress to mark the twist front detail.
  6. Measure 13” down from the highest point of the shoulder. Use a ruler to draw a 4” line perpendicular to the side seam on both sides. In addition, draw a 4” vertical line at the center point of the waistline.
  7. Cut along the waistline of the front piece, vertical centerline, both 4” horizontal lines and also both side seams.
    Cut the twist front on the t-shirt dress
  8. Take the right front piece and twist with the left front piece two times. Position the pieces to match the original cut lines, and then ¼” topstitch to reattach both 4” horizontal and also the 4” vertical cuts.
    Twist the front panels and sew to reattach.
  9. Flip the dress inside out and measure 1 ½” up from the center waistline; mark with chalk. Cut from the bottom corner of the waistline side seam to the chalk mark to create a slight triangle shape. Double fold the cutline and edge topstitch to finish the hem.
    Trim the bottom of the front twist to give more shape to the t-shirt dress.
  10. To make an elastic waistband, cut a 15” long piece of ⅘” elastic band. Use the remaining fabric to cut a 16” long by 3” wide strap to cover the elastic, and then sew with ¼” topstitch.
    Cover the elastic band with a piece of excess fabric.
    Sewing tip: Only sew the fabric and not the elastic.
    Wrap the elastic band with the fabric and sew.
  11. To attach the elastic band, join the elastic to the waistband of the front skirt with ¼” topstitch.
    Attach the elastic band to the waistband of the dress.
  12. To attach the sleeve to the top bodice, ¼” topstitch the armhole on both sides. Match the side seam, then close under the sleeve and side seam with ¼” topstitch.
    Attach the new sleeves to the armhole of the top bodice
  13. To sew the side seams, face the right side of the skirt piece towards the right side of the dress. Then, join the side seams with ¼” topstitch.
    Finished twist front t-shirt dress

Notes

Any plain color tee that is big on you will work best for this shirt to dress transformation.

A stretchy jersey knit t-shirt will also work well if you don’t have a cotton t-shirt. In addition, combining two t-shirts to make this dress makes the process much easier because you have excess material to to cut and sew.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Did you make this DIY clothing project?

Share your DIY clothing with me on Instagram!

How to make a DIY twist front dress from t-shirt. Step-by-step pictures with easy instructions for beginners to follow.

Sharing is caring!

Skip to Instructions