Transforming T-Shirts: Create A Maxi Skirt

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to make a maxi skirt, look no further than your wardrobe! You can transform an old T-shirt into a stylish skirt in just 10 minutes. This DIY project is simple, affordable, and perfect for those who want to give new life to their old clothes. By repurposing a T-shirt, you can create a unique and fashionable skirt that reflects your personal style. So, get ready to unleash your creativity and give your old T-shirts a fabulous new purpose!

Choosing the right shirt

Type of Shirt

It is essential to select a shirt that is made of stretchy or knit fabric. This allows for comfort and ease of movement when wearing the skirt. Look for shirts with long sleeves, as the sleeves will be used to create the waistband. If the sleeves are not long enough, consider using scraps of knit fabric that match or complement the shirt.

Size of the Shirt

The size of the shirt will determine the fullness and length of the skirt. For a more voluminous skirt, choose a larger shirt. If you are using a men's shirt, consider sizing up to achieve the desired amount of fabric. Additionally, the shirt's width should be approximately 1.5 to 2 times the measurement of the waist. This ensures that the skirt will fit comfortably and have a flattering silhouette.

Colour and Pattern

When choosing a shirt, consider the colour and pattern. Solid colours or simple patterns are more versatile and can be paired with a variety of tops and accessories. However, if you wish to make a statement, opt for a shirt with a bold pattern or vibrant colour. Keep in mind the occasion you will be wearing the skirt to, and choose a colour and pattern that align with the level of formality.

Condition of the Shirt

It is best to choose a shirt that is in good condition, without stains or tears. Examine the shirt closely for any flaws or imperfections, as these may be challenging to conceal in the final product. If you are using a second-hand shirt, ensure that it has been laundered and is free of odours or damage.

Personal Style

Ultimately, the shirt you choose should align with your personal style and taste. Consider the type of skirt you wish to create, whether it be casual, boho, dressy, or preppy. Select a shirt that reflects your unique sense of fashion and allows you to put your spin on the maxi skirt.

Cutting the sleeves

To make a T-shirt maxi skirt, you'll need to start with a T-shirt, preferably one with long sleeves. The first step is to cut the sleeves off the shirt. This will be done in a few steps to ensure that you have enough fabric to work with when creating the waistband of the skirt.

Lay the T-shirt flat on a surface with the front side facing up. Using fabric scissors, cut across each sleeve, about one inch below the armhole. Be sure to cut in a straight line, parallel to the bottom hem of the shirt. This will give you a smooth, even edge to work with.

Next, you will need to cut open the side seams of the T-shirt. Starting at the bottom hem, carefully cut along the seam of the shirt, up to the point where you cut the sleeves. Do this for both sides. Once you have cut open the side seams, you will be left with a large rectangular piece of fabric, with the sleeves still attached at the top.

Now, take one of the sleeves and lay it flat on your work surface. You will notice that the sleeve is already in the shape of a rectangle, with one long side being the folded edge. Using your scissors, cut along this folded edge to create a straight edge. Do the same for the other sleeve.

At this point, you should have two long rectangular pieces of fabric from the sleeves, as well as a large rectangular piece from the body of the T-shirt. You are now ready to begin constructing the waistband for your maxi skirt.

Take the two rectangular pieces from the sleeves and place them right sides together, matching up the raw edges. Sew along the long side of each rectangle, using a long stitch and a high tension setting on your sewing machine to prevent stretching the fabric. Once you have sewn the two pieces together, you will have one long tube of fabric.

Fold this tube of fabric in half, wrong sides together, so that the seam allowances are hidden inside. You now have the waistband for your maxi skirt!

The next step is to attach the waistband to the skirt. Place the waistband inside the skirt, matching up the raw edges and pinning them together. Stretch the waistband fabric slightly as you work, to ensure that it fits smoothly around the top of the skirt. Sew around the entire circle, attaching the waistband to the skirt.

Finally, press your seams with an iron to give your skirt a neat and professional finish. And that's it—you've successfully cut the sleeves and created a T-shirt maxi skirt!

Sewing new side seams

Now you'll want to turn the main piece of the shirt inside out and sew new side seams. Start where the arm curve meets the top of your shirt pieces, then gradually taper out into the old side seam near the hem. The photo below shows what your shirt/skirt looks like before the new side seam on the left, and after the new side seam on the right.

If you're into measuring, now is a good time to try the skirt on. Check to make sure it's not too long or too wide. If it's too long, cut some length off the top (we're keeping that bottom hem intact to speed things up). If it's too big around the waist, pin it to fit comfortably and sew new side seams, again tapering out to meet the original side seams near the hem.

If you don't have the chance to try the skirt on, use a skirt or pair of shorts that fit to determine if you need to take the skirt in at all. If you've started with a shirt that fits fairly well, the skirt will probably be just right because baby girls tend to have similar chest and waist measurements.

Now pull out those sleeves. Cut them into long rectangles, as shown in the photo below (leaving the fold at the top of the rectangle).

Open up your rectangles and lay them one on top of the other, right sides together. The rectangles will become the waistband for the skirt. How wide they should be depends on how stretchy your fabric is. Since we've used sleeves here, the stretch will be mostly up and down, which means the fabric will be less stretchy side to side. So, since this waistband is NOT very stretchy side to side, you'll want it to be almost as wide as the top of the skirt. If you are using material that IS very stretchy side to side, you'll want to cut it an inch or two shorter than the width of the skirt.

Creating the waistband

Creating a waistband for your T-shirt maxi skirt is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Cut the sleeves

Start by cutting off the sleeves from the T-shirt. You will use these sleeves to create the waistband, so ensure they are long enough or stretchy enough to fit the waist of the intended wearer. If the sleeves are too short, you can use scraps of knit fabric that either match the T-shirt or create a colour-blocked effect.

Step 2: Cut the main piece

Cut straight across the T-shirt, just under the neckline. If there are buttons on the back of the shirt, cut just below the lowest button. This will be the main piece of your skirt.

Step 3: Sew new side seams

Turn the main piece inside out and sew new side seams. Start sewing from where the arm curve meets the top of the shirt, and then gradually taper out towards the old side seam near the hem. This step creates the basic shape of your skirt.

Step 4: Measure and adjust length

Try on the skirt or use a skirt of the correct length to determine if any adjustments are needed. If it is too long, cut off the excess fabric from the top, keeping in mind that you want to preserve the original bottom hem of the T-shirt for a finished look.

Step 5: Prepare the waistband

Cut the sleeves into long rectangles, leaving the fold at the top. Open up the rectangles and lay them one on top of the other, with right sides together. Sew down each short side, creating a ring or circle of fabric. Fold this ring in half with wrong sides together so that the seam allowances are not visible:

Step 6: Attach the waistband

Turn the skirt right side out and place the waistband inside, matching up the side seams. Pin the centre front and back of the skirt and waistband together. As the waistband is slightly narrower than the top of the skirt, the fabric will bunch up inside the waistband. Stretch the waistband fabric as you sew to smooth out the skirt fabric and attach the waistband securely.

Once the waistband is attached, press the seams and fold it down. Your T-shirt has now been transformed into a stylish maxi skirt!

Attaching the waistband to the skirt

Step 1: Prepare the Waistband

Start by folding your waistband fabric in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press it with an iron to create a crisp fold. This will be the top edge of your waistband. Then, unfold it and place it right side up on your work surface.

Step 2: Pin the Waistband to the Skirt

Take your prepared skirt and place it right side up on your waistband fabric. Align the raw edge of the skirt with the pressed fold of the waistband. Match the side seams of the skirt and waistband, and pin them together. Continue pinning the skirt to the waistband along the raw edges, evenly distributing any fullness or gathers. Make sure the skirt is attached to the waistband without any puckers or uneven areas.

Step 3: Sew the Waistband to the Skirt

Set your sewing machine to a stretch stitch or a zigzag stitch to allow for stretch and movement. Begin sewing the waistband to the skirt along the pressed fold, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Start at one side seam and stitch all the way around, ending at the other side seam. Backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitching. Remove the pins as you sew.

Step 4: Press and Topstitch

Press the waistband and seam allowance up, away from the skirt. Topstitch along the bottom edge of the waistband, approximately 1/4 inch from the seam line. This will help to keep the waistband in place and create a neat finish. You can also add an additional row of topstitching about 1/2 inch below the first row for extra reinforcement and a decorative touch.

Step 5: Create a Waistband Facing (Optional)

If you want a clean finish inside the skirt, you can create a waistband facing. Cut a strip of fabric that is the same length as your waistband and about 2-3 inches wide. Fold and press the long raw edges toward the center, then fold the strip in half and press again. Attach the facing to the inside of the waistband by stitching along the lower edge of the waistband, catching the folded edges of the facing. Fold the facing up and press, then understitch close to the seam line to keep the facing from rolling to the outside.

Step 6: Finish the Ends of the Waistband

Fold the ends of the waistband over diagonally at each corner, creating a point. Stitch across these ends, securing the waistband and encasing the raw edges. This will create a neat finish and provide a comfortable fit at the waistband ends.

Your waistband is now securely attached to your maxi skirt! This method provides a comfortable, stretchy waistband that is perfect for a casual and flowing maxi skirt.

Frequently asked questions