by Beth Huntington
T-Shirt Maxi Dress Project
Ah, the maxi dress! So cute, so versatile and so fun to make. Even a beginning sewist can successfully create a unique and perfectly fitting maxi dress in one class session. This is not only a great project to introduce students to basic garment construction but it's also a great way to give one of their old t-shirts a new life and to try their hand at refashioning. Along the way they will learn how to measure for fit, sew a basic seam, gather, and finish a raw edge. Each student will leave this class with a wearable one-of-a-kind maxi dress they will be proud to wear.
This class is a single session class should only take approximately two hours. Plus shopping for the knit fabric.
Class Supply List
- Required text: The Refashion Handbook by Beth Huntington
- T-shirt to use for the top of the dress- this shirt should fit well in the shoulders and bust.
- 1 1/2 to 2 yards of knit fabric to use for the bottom of the dress.
- 1/4 inch elastic
- Jersey or ball-point needles
- Coordinating thread
- Measuring tape
- Sewing scissors
- Rotary cutter and mat (Optional)
TIP: This would be a great time to have students shop for their coordinating thread and knit fabric for the bottom of the dress and learn the benefits of using a rotary cutter and mat for a potential purchase.
Students will need to have a variety of knit fabrics available and The Refashion Handbook to purchase. Students will also need an area to cut their fabric and individual sewing machines.
- Choose knit fabric to coordinate with their t-shirt
- Measure and cut t-shirt and fabric (Basic Refashioning Skills: Measuring for Fit)
- Gather (Basic Refashioning Skills: Gathering)
- Sew (Basic Refashioning Skills: Sewing a Basic Seam)
- Hem (Basic Refashioning Skills: Finishing Raw Edges)