How to make a summer dress with t-shirts

Nothing better than a comfy dress for the nice summer days. I can’t believe I’m saying that! I use to wear denims all year long, but I started to like wearing dresses lately.

So today, it’s a very simple tutorial to learn how to make a summer dress upcycling t-shirts. 

Ready to give those forgotten shirts in your closet a gorgeous second life? This upcycling project is one of my favorites because it’s incredibly easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for beginners.

All you need are two shirts you no longer wear and a bit of creativity to transform them into a pretty, wearable dress. The best part? You don’t need to be a seamstress to pull this off! With simple techniques and straightforward steps, you’ll have a unique, eco-friendly piece that’s completely your own.

Whether you’re new to sewing or just love a good upcycle, this project proves that sustainable fashion can be fun, accessible, and absolutely delightful. Let’s turn those old shirts into something you’ll love to wear!

Make a dress with t-shirts

Supplies you will need:

• Two t-shirt 
• Matching Thread
• Good scissors 
• Fabric pencil
• Sewing machine

For the top part of the dress you need a t-shirt at your size, I used a tank top but it will work as find with a sleeve top.

For the skirt part of the dress you need a man t-shirt, I used a XL size one.

Before you start cutting, take a moment to play around with different t-shirt pairings—this is where the magic happens!

Lay out several options and see what speaks to you. I picked two t-shirts with matching colors because I love how cohesive and intentional that looks, but don’t be afraid to get bold and mix patterns!

A solid paired with stripes, florals with checkered pattern, or even a graphic tee combined with a plain one can create a stunning, one-of-a-kind piece.

The beauty of upcycling is that there are no rules—just make sure the colors complement each other and the overall vibe feels right to you.

Step back, snap a quick photo if it helps, and trust your instincts. When two shirts look good together on the table, they’ll look even better transformed into your new dress!

 

Cut out the sleeves and the top part of the shirt. It was easy with this shirt, I just followed the line pattern.

You can trace an horizontal line to help yourself.

Place the top shirt next to it, and trace two diagonals lines to make the skirt shape.

The top of the man shirt must have the same dimension as the bottom of the woman shirt.

Trace the lines, pin and sew with zigzags stitches. Once you are done sewing, cut out the extra fabric on the sides.

Time to assemble the top and the t-skirt to make the dress. Place the top inside the skirt, right side out. The skirt must be wrong side out.

Check that front and back match for both t-shirts.

Pin the edges together, they must fit perfectly. As both edges suppose to be the same size, you will not have any fold. Sew all around.

Turn the right side out and iron! And done, your pretty summer dress made with upcycled t-shirts is ready to wear!

 

 

 

 

 

And the tutorial for the tassels flipflops is HERE.

And just like that, you’ve transformed two forgotten t-shirts into a brand-new dress that’s completely your own! This is what I love most about upcycling clothes—taking something simple and giving it a second chance to shine. You didn’t need fancy equipment or years of sewing experience, just a little creativity and the willingness to try something new.

Whether you stuck with matching colors or went bold with mixed patterns, your finished piece is unique, sustainable, and full of personality. Wear it with pride knowing you made something beautiful from what you already had.

And if you loved this project, don’t stop here—your closet is probably full of other items just waiting for their own transformation.

Happy crafting, and I can’t wait to see what you create next!

RELATED: 35 Easy sewing project ideas for summer time

RELATED: Easy Dress Sewing Patterns for Beginners (Free)

Want to remember it? Save this Upcycled Dress made with t-shirts on your favorite Pinterest board

 

 

You will find all the tutorials featured in the video on my “Best DIY” page.

Amaryllis