Transforming T-Shirts Into Skirts: A Creative Guide

Making a skirt from a T-shirt is a fun and creative way to upcycle old clothes. This DIY project is ideal for sewing beginners as it requires minimal measuring and is a low-cost way to create a unique garment. You can use a variety of T-shirts, from old men's polo shirts to women's knit shirts, and add your own creative touches, such as pockets or a colourful waistband. The process involves cutting and sewing the T-shirt to create a skirt, and you can even add a waistband made from the sleeves or another T-shirt. With a simple elastic waistband, you can have a stylish and comfortable skirt ready in no time!

Choosing the right T-shirt

Type of Fabric

It is essential to choose a T-shirt made of stretchy fabric, such as knit. This type of fabric is ideal for creating a comfortable and form-fitting skirt. The stretchiness of the fabric will also come into play when constructing the waistband, as you will need enough material to work with.

Sleeve Length

The sleeve length of the T-shirt is important, especially if you plan to use the sleeves for the waistband. Ensure the sleeves are long enough to be sewn together to create a waistband that comfortably fits your waist. If the sleeves are too short, you may need to use additional fabric.

T-shirt Size

Consider the size of the T-shirt in relation to your body measurements. For a more flared or gathered skirt, choose an oversized T-shirt that is wider than your hip circumference. This will create a fuller skirt with a stylish gathered effect at the waistband. If you prefer a straighter, more fitted skirt, select a T-shirt that is closer to your hip measurement.

T-shirt Condition

When choosing a T-shirt, consider the condition of the fabric. It is best to select a T-shirt that is still in good condition, without any holes or excessive wear. This will ensure that your skirt is durable and that the fabric will not easily tear during the cutting and sewing process.

Colour and Design

The colour and design of the T-shirt will determine the overall look of your skirt. Consider whether you want a solid colour, a pattern, or a graphic design. You can also get creative and combine different T-shirts to form panels for a unique, customised skirt.

Waistband Considerations

If you plan to use the T-shirt fabric for the waistband, choose a fitted T-shirt that fits you well. This will ensure that the waistband is snug and secure. If you prefer a looser waistband, you may need to adjust the fit or consider using additional elastic for a more comfortable fit.

Cutting the sleeves and neck

The first step in making a skirt from a T-shirt is to cut off the sleeves and the neck. This will give you the basic shape of the skirt and allow you to create a waistband.

When cutting the sleeves, make sure you leave enough fabric to work with. The sleeves will be used to create the waistband, so they should be long enough or stretchy enough to fit around your waist. If the sleeves are not long enough, you can use scraps of knit fabric that match or complement the T-shirt.

Once you have cut off the sleeves, cut straight across under the neckline. If there are buttons on the shirt, make sure your cut is just below the lowest button. This will ensure that the finished skirt has a clean, straight edge at the top.

Now, turn the main piece of the shirt inside out. You will be creating new side seams to shape the skirt. Start sewing the new side seams where the curve of the armscye meets the top of the shirt, and then gradually taper out towards the old side seam near the hem. This will give the skirt a more fitted shape.

If you are making the skirt for yourself, try it on at this point to check the length and width. If it is too long, you can cut off some fabric from the top, remembering to leave enough fabric for the waistband. If it is too wide, pin the skirt to fit comfortably and sew new side seams, tapering out towards the original side seams near the hem.

Creating the Waistband

Now it's time to create the waistband using the sleeves you cut off earlier. Cut the sleeves into long rectangles, leaving the fold at the top. Open up the rectangles and lay them on top of each other, with the right sides of the fabric facing together. The amount of fabric you leave for the waistband will depend on the stretchiness of your fabric. If the fabric has more stretch up and down, as is typical with sleeves, the waistband will be less stretchy side to side. In this case, you will want the waistband to be almost as wide as the top of the skirt. If your fabric is very stretchy side to side, you can cut the waistband an inch or two narrower than the width of the skirt.

Sew down each short side of the waistband fabric, creating a ring or circle of fabric. Then, fold the waistband in half with the wrong sides together, so that the seam allowances are not visible.

Attaching the Waistband

Turn your skirt right side out again and place the waistband over the top, matching up the side seams and pinning them in place. All the raw edges (two for the waistband and one for the skirt) should meet up at the top. Pin the centre front of the skirt to the centre front of the waistband, and do the same for the centre backs.

Since the waistband is slightly narrower than the top of the skirt, the skirt fabric will bunch up slightly inside the waistband. As you sew the waistband to the skirt, stretch the waistband fabric enough to smooth out the skirt fabric. This will create a neat and secure finish.

Creating the waistband

The waistband is a crucial part of the skirt and can be made in several ways, depending on the desired style and the available materials. Here is a detailed guide on how to create a waistband for your skirt:

Choosing the Right T-Shirt

The first step is to select an old T-shirt that is fitted and fits you well but you no longer wear. It is important to choose a T-shirt that is stretchy, as this will be essential for creating a comfortable and form-fitting waistband.

Cutting the T-Shirt

Once you have selected the T-shirt, it's time to cut it. Cut off the bottom hem and the top of the shirt. You will use these pieces to create the waistband. If the sleeves of the T-shirt are long enough, you can also cut them off and use them to create a waistband. Alternatively, you can use any leftover scraps of stretchy fabric you may have.

Measuring the Waistband

Before assembling the waistband, it is crucial to ensure it will fit your waist comfortably. Measure the desired length of the waistband by determining where you want it to sit on your hips. For a maternity skirt, you may want a higher waistband. Mark this measurement and adjust the T-shirt pieces accordingly. If necessary, sew the raw ends of the fabric together to create a longer waistband.

Now, it's time to assemble the waistband. If you are using the sleeves or scraps of fabric, cut them into long rectangles, leaving a fold at the top. Open up the rectangles and place them right sides together. Sew down the short sides, creating a ring or circle of fabric. Fold this ring in half, with the wrong sides together, to hide the seam allowances.

If you are using the bottom hem of the T-shirt for the waistband, simply fold it to create a waistband. You can choose to sew the raw ends together to create a double-layered waistband, making it more durable. Alternatively, leave it as a single layer for a lighter and more flowy skirt.

Attaching the Waistband to the Skirt

Place the waistband onto the skirt, matching up the side seams and pinning them together. All the raw edges of the waistband and the skirt should meet at the top. Pin the centre front and centre back of the waistband to the corresponding places on the skirt. As the waistband is slightly smaller than the top of the skirt, the skirt fabric will bunch up inside the waistband. Stretch the waistband fabric while sewing to smooth out the skirt fabric and create an even attachment.

Finalising the Waistband

Once the waistband is attached, you can add elastic to ensure a snug fit. Cut a piece of elastic that is the same length as your waist measurement. Sew the elastic into a loop by overlapping the raw edges and stitching them together with a wide zig-zag stitch. Mark quarter points on both the skirt and the waistband with pins. Line up these points and pin the waistband to the skirt. Stretch the elastic so that it is the same length as the skirt and sew them together. This will create gathers in the fabric when you release the elastic.

Measuring and cutting the panels

The first step is to choose a T-shirt for the waistband. It should be a fitted shirt that you don't wear anymore but fits you well. Cut off the bottom hem and the top of the shirt. Fold the remaining fabric in half to create the waistband. You can adjust the length of the waistband by sewing the raw ends together.

Next, decide where you want the waistband to end. This is important for style, but especially if you are using mixed fabrics. Measure the circumference of your hips and divide this number by six, as you will need six panels to make the skirt. If you are larger, divide the circumference by a larger number, such as eight or nine.

Now, create a pattern for the panels. Start by adding 0.5 inches to your previous measurement to allow for a 0.5-inch seam allowance for each panel. For example, if the circumference of your hips is 35.5 inches, you will need six panels, so each panel will measure 6 inches at the top. Mark each end of the 6.5-inch line on a large sheet of paper.

Fold the paper in half so that the marks at the top match, and then fold it in half again. The marks should now be an equal distance from the fold line. Cut along the fold line to create a wedge-shaped pattern.

Decide on the length you want the skirt to be and add 2 inches to allow for error. Mark this length on your pattern. If you are using a fabric with a finished hem, such as eyelet, only add 1 inch.

Finally, determine how wide you want the skirt to flare. Measure this distance from the bottom of the pattern and mark it. Cut the paper along this line to create the bottom width of each panel. You should now have a wedge-shaped pattern that is 6.5 inches at the top, with a bottom width of 14 inches, and a length of 19 inches.

Cut out the number of panels you need and sew them together. You can leave the seams out or double the fabric. You can also use old T-shirts to create the panels, getting creative with different fabrics and themes.

Sewing the panels together

Prepare the T-shirt:

Start by choosing a T-shirt that fits you well but is no longer in use. Cut off the bottom hem and the top of the shirt. This will create a tube of fabric that will form the main body of your skirt.

Determine the Skirt Length:

Decide on the desired length of your skirt. Measure this distance on the T-tube and mark it. This will be your cutting line.

Cut the T-tube to Desired Length:

Using a ruler or a straight edge, cut the T-tube along the marked line. This will create the desired length for your skirt.

Fold and Pin the Fabric:

Fold the cut edge of the T-tube fabric towards the inside of the skirt, creating a neat finish. Use pins to secure this fold in place. This folded edge will be the top of your skirt, where the waistband will eventually be attached.

Sew the Folded Edge:

Using a needle and thread, sew along the folded edge to secure it in place. This step is crucial to creating a durable waistband for your skirt.

Create and Attach the Waistband:

For the waistband, you can use the same T-shirt or a different one, preferably with long sleeves. Cut the sleeves into long rectangles, keeping the top fold intact. Open up the rectangles and place them right sides together. Sew down the short sides, forming a ring of fabric. Fold this ring in half, wrong sides together, to create the waistband.

Attach the Waistband to the Skirt:

Place the waistband over the skirt, matching up the side seams, and pin them together. Stretch the waistband slightly as you sew it to the skirt, smoothing out any fabric bunching. This step ensures a snug fit.

Finishing Touches:

Your skirt is now ready for final touches. You can hem the bottom of the skirt if desired, or leave it as is for a raw, edgy look. Press the seams with an iron to give your skirt a professional finish.

Tips and Tricks:

• When sewing knits, use a long stitch and a high tension setting to prevent stretching the fabric.
• If you want pockets, use the fabric from the T-shirt sleeves to create them.
• For a more complex design, you can create panels from multiple T-shirts or other fabrics and sew them together to form the skirt.

Frequently asked questions