I love to make t-shirt dresses! They are so easy, and are cool and comfy for my daughter. She can wear them to school with a pair of stretch Capri’s or shorts underneath, and they are so cheap to make!
First I haunt the thrift store looking for t-shirts that still look brand new. I even buy a few with logos, because I can cover them up! You would be surprised at how you can get a whole pile for just a few dollars.
Next I hit the discount table at the fabric store and buy up a stack of remnants. If they have any big, crazy buttons, I grab them, too, and I pick up some iron on appliqué fabric as well. A stop at the hobby store for t-shirt paint and ribbon, and we are all set!
I usually try for tees that are a little big for her frame and come down just past her hips. We decorate first - that way if we hopelessly mess one up, we can trash it and start over! We use the iron-on to create cut-outs to cover up logos, and t-shirt paint, buttons or ribbon to decorate the collar, sleeves and front of the shirt.
Next we can use our remnants to make skirts for the dresses. I can simply gather one length, attach it to the bottom of the t-shirt and hem the edge, or I can get fancy and make a gored skirt with panels of contrasting fabrics. You can even use bandanas for the skirt and angle them so that you get flirty points hanging down around the knees. We make hair bows and headbands to match each dress. In the winter, we use turtlenecks or long-sleeved tees to make dresses, and she can wear them over leggings!
Hope this inspires you to make some with your own little girl!
Wow what a great idea! It is so hot here in the summer, this will be the perfect way to let her ahve some extra cool, fun clothes we can make together!