Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Preparation
Determine what type of fit you want in your skirt. This will make a big difference in the type of T-shirt you use to create your new skirt. For example, if you want to make a swingy, A-line, or circle skirt, you will need to look for large T-shirts, or piece together several T-shirts of complementary colors or designs. You should also have an idea of how clingy you want the skirt to be to ensure you select appropriately weighted T-shirts.
Choose one to four T-shirts --- depending on your needs --- from which to construct your skirt. You should try to choose shirts of similar weight to avoid awkward bunching and ensure your skirt lies smoothly.
Pre-wash and dry your T-shirts, particularly if you have purchased brand-new or used T-shirts. You may need to treat used T-shirts with stain remover or bleach, but don't worry if you can't get all the marks out of a chosen T-shirt; you may be able to work around stains in your skirt construction.
Iron the T-shirts to make working with them easier. Be careful not to harm designs or embellishments that you wish to use in your skirt design. Lay the T-shirts out flat on your workspace.
Sewing
Cut the bottom half off one of the T-shirts to create a wide waistband. Size will vary based on your body dimensions, but you should cut below the line at the sleeves and also below any graphics or embellishments that you will wish to use in your skirt design.
Open one of the side seams in your waistband. Trim the created strip into a size that fits comfortably around your waist. The fit should be snug, as T-shirt material is stretchy.
Sew the short ends of the rectangle back together --- right sides facing --- creating a custom-fit waistband. The T-shirt's original hem will be the top of the waistband. Set aside.
Measure the length of the waistband, then double; record this measurement. This is the size you will need to tailor the rest of the skirt to, plus a seam allowance.
Cut panels for the remainder of the skirt from the torsos of your remaining T-shirts. This step is where you can use your imagination, and discretion based on your own size and desired skirt fit. For an A-line skirt, cut four trapezoid panels --- almost like rectangles, but with one side angled like a triangle --- each with a top dimension that is one-quarter of your waistband's measurement, plus an inch for seam allowances.
Pin the two front panels of the skirt together; sew together with a half-inch seam allowance. Do the same for the skirt's two back panels. You should now have two shapes that look similar to a triangle with the top point cut off.
Pin the front and back panel together, right sides facing. Sew together, with a half-inch seam allowance, along the angled edges. Turn right side out.
Fit the waistband over the skirt, aligning the skirt's top unfinished edge and the waistband's unfinished edge, with the right sides facing --- the waistband will be inside out. Stitch together, press the seam open, and fold the waistband up.
Hem the skirt to the desired length. This is often easiest to do by having someone pin the hem while you are wearing it, to account for the drape of the skirt.