Are you looking to add functional detail that’ll enhance your entire outfit? Try working with an adjustable drawstring feature to make a side ruched mini skirt from t-shirt.
For more beginner level sewing techniques, try making the entire collection of t-shirt to mini skirt projects. The quick sewing techniques give you totally different looks without trying very hard.
Many people have a closet full of old t-shirts, which provide the base material for plenty of t-shirt upcycle ideas. Options range from crop tops to dresses and mini skirts, so you can make almost anything.
In fact, upcycled clothing is not very challenging and the creative options are seemingly without bounds! Dive into the exciting tutorials and you will also learn how to recycle old t-shirts into new clothes that you will be excited about wearing again with trendy outfits!
If you are tired of wearing shorts all summer long, making this cute mini skirt is not a bad idea. Adjust the length to be super short or mid-thigh style, choice is yours!
So, let’s grab an old t-shirt and dive into the mini skirt transformation.
You will love this side ruched mini skirt from old t-shirt because…
- Learn how to convert a t-shirt into a bottom without a sewing pattern.
- Make a matching skirt and crop top set.
- Continue to practice using a loop turner to flip the spaghetti strap inside out.
- The best part is the length of the skirt is adjustable.
- The elastic band makes it easy to slide in and out without the need for a zipper.
Whether you choose colored or print pattern t-shirt, make sure it matches with this side ruched crop top from t-shirt. Don’t limit yourself with one style; mix and match any crop top from t-shirt to pair with your new mini skirt.
In order to make this skirt, I used a plain white t-shirt that is 100% rayon jersey knit. The material will give a nice hug on the body to comfortably show off a skin tight silhouette.
How to make side ruched mini skirt on a t-shirt?
Proper measurements are the most basic basic thing you need to know to start making this side ruched mini skirt from a t-shirt. Learn how to take body measurement for clothing so you can easily follow my tutorial and have clothes that fit you.
Before you can begin, have all the specs ready. Grab your basic sewing kit, a t-shirt and get ready to enjoy the DIY fashion project.
DIY Side Ruched Mini Skirt Materials:
- T-Shirt
- ¾” Elastic Band
- Sewing Machine
- Fabric Chalk
- Loop Turner
- Measuring Tape
- Ruler
- Straight Pins
- Scissors
To make a side ruched mini skirt from t-shirt, fold the tee in half lengthwise.
To make the mini skirt length, mark at 21” up from the hemline, draw a straight line across and cut.
To make the the front of the mini skirt, measure two side panels and one center panel.
Use the top of the old tee to make eight drawstring straps.
Fold the strap in half lengthwise and close the seam.
Cut off the excess seam allowance to remove the bulky material and make it easier to flip the drawstring inside out.
Join the side panel pieces to the center panel with ½” seam allowance.
Topstitch the ends of the seam allowance on both sides to make a tunnel for the drawstrings.
Use a loop turner to pull the drawstring through the tunnel.
Attach the drawstring to the waistband so that the mini skirt can be ruched from the bottom hemline.
Follow the same method to make the back of the skirt.
Attach the side panels to the center panel. Use the seam allowance to make a tunnel. Slide the drawstrings through the tunnels.
Join the front of the ruched mini skirt to the back of the ruched mini skirt.
Make an elastic waistband for the mini skirt with a 28” long piece of ¾” elastic band.
Cover the elastic waistband with fabric, then attach the elastic waistband to the waistline.
Ruche the mini skirt and tie a cute bows with the ends of each drawstring to finish this side ruched mini skirt from t-shirt.
DIY Side Ruched Mini Skirt Sewing Tips:
It’s intimidating to start a sewing project without any guidance. However, I cover what to do with old t-shirts with unique sewing tips and techniques in each tutorial.
My goal is to help you increase your skills to the next level. The tricks listed below will help you have a smooth transition and avoid any mistakes while accomplishing this project.
- Needle: When working with any knit material, you need to switch the sewing machine needle to a ballpoint or stretch sewing needle. As a result, you can prevent skipped stitches or stretched out hemlines.
- Thread: Read the care label when deciding what thread to sew for stretchy knit fabric. In general, a polyester blend thread is ideal for working with jersey knit fabrics.
- Pins: Because stretchy knit is weaved differently than tight weaved non-stretchy woven, work with smooth edge ballpoint pins to secure the two panels together.
- Sewing Foot: Use a knit sewing foot to help create smooth stitch line. The specialized foot applies pressure from both above and below the fabric to control the knitted material. So, it’s important to not push or pull the fabric when using a knit foot.
- Elastic: To make the process a bit easier, attach the elastic around the waist instead of adding a zipper closure. Cover the elastic band with self fabric and attach to the skirt part with zigzag stitch to avoid stretching out the knit fabric while sewing.
More mini skirt from your old t-shirt upcycle projects:
How To Make Side Ruched Mini Skirt
The side ruched mini skirt is the number one voted summer piece that you would love to wear. The adjust the amount of gathering with the functional drawstring. Pair the mini skirt with the side ruched crop top for an adorable DIY outfit!
Materials
- T-Shirt
- ¾” Elastic Band
Tools
- Sewing Machine
- Fabric Chalk
- Loop Turner
- Measuring Tape
- Ruler
- Straight Pins
- Scissors
Instructions
- For this side ruched mini skirt from t-shirt tutorial, start by folding the tee in half lengthwise.
Mark 21” up from the hemline.
Draw a straight line across and cut. - To make the center panel pieces of the mini skirt, measure 4½” from the side seam.
Measure 5” from the side seam on the other side.
Draw a straight line to connect both points.
- To make the side panel pieces of the mini skirt, measure 3½” from the line.
Measure 5” from the line on the other side.
Draw a straight line to connect both points. - To make an elastic waistband for the mini skirt, cut a piece of ¾” elastic band that is 28” long.
Use the folded edge of the fabric.
Cut two pieces that are 1¼” x 14” long.
- To make the drawstrings, use the top of the original tee.
Cut a piece that is 1” x 20” long.
Make four drawstring straps on the front,
and four drawstring straps on the back.
A total of eight drawstrings are needed for this side ruched mini skirt.
- To finish the drawstrings, fold a strap in half lengthwise.
Sew the strap with ½” seam allowance.
Use fabric scissors to cut off the excess along the edge to make the drawstring less bulky.
Pro tip: The fabric will get caught in the feed dogs if not wide enough.
Use a loop turner to flip the drawstrings inside out.
- To make the front of the mini skirt, join the side panel pieces to the center panel.
Sew the seam with ½” seam allowance.
- To make a tunnel for the ruched drawstrings, topstitch the ends of the seam allowance on both sides.
Use a loop turner to slide the drawstrings through the tunnel.
Join the drawstring to the waistband so that the skirt can be ruched upwards from the bottom.
- To make the back of the mini skirt, join the side panel pieces to the center panel.
Sew the seam with ½” seam allowance.
Topstitch the ends of the seam allowance to make a tunnel for the ruched drawstrings.
Use a loop turner to slide the drawstrings through the tunnel.
Join the drawstring to the waistband so that the skirt can be ruched upwards from the bottom.
- To attach the front to the back of the mini skirt, lay the pieces on top of each other with the right sides facing together.
Pin to secure and sew along the side seams.
- To cover the elastic waistband, join both straps together.
Sandwich the elastic band inside the waistband cover and pin to secure.
- To complete the side ruched mini skirt, attach the elastic waistband to the top opening.
- Gather the fabric with bunching to ruche the skirt.
Make a cute bow tie with the ends of each drawstring to finish this side ruched mini skirt from t-shirt.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
