Yesterday I posted a “patchwork princess” dress. Today, I’ll show you how to make one. I didn’t actually take any pictures when I made it, so I made another one this morning — very simple.
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05451.jpg)
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05469.jpg)
The fabric I used on the patchwork princess dress was already pieced together. You could do that to by piecing together 3.5 inch squares of fabric to create a 3″ x 3″ patchwork, but the basic dress is very simple.
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC04858.jpg)
Start with a t-shirt (plain or embellished). For this version, I was inspired by the fabric I used on the bottom of the dress. I saw this little bit on the fabric
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05387.jpg)
and started by making an open heart shape using freezer paper and fabric paint (you can download my heart shape from here).
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05118.jpg)
Then I added some orange dots by hand.
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05121.jpg)
(To see a full tutorial on how to use freezer paper to paint on fabric go here.)
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05375.jpg)
I cut off the shirt at about the length of the elbows and set it aside.
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05384.jpg)
You’ll need about 1/4 – 1/2 yard of fabric, depending on the final length you want. I used 1/2 yard of Summer in the Nest line by Free Spirit. The fabric was a very light corduroy which had a beautiful feel to it. I used the full 44″ width of the fabric. Since we’re going to gather it, it will work for various sizes. It will just be more or less gathered.
Next I hemmed the bottom of my fabric. To hem the fabric, fold up 1/2″
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05366.jpg)
then another 1/2″ and iron in place.
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05374.jpg)
Sew along the edge securing the fabric.
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05391.jpg)
Put the side edges together, right sides together. Sew along the side of the skirt with 1/2″ seam allowance. Finish the edges with a serger or zig-zag stitch.
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05392.jpg)
Set your machine to the longest stitch possible. Along the top (unfinished) opening, sew two parallel lines of stitches. Do not backstitch.
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05401.jpg)
Pull the bobbin threads to gather the fabric.
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05404.jpg)
Place the t-shirt inside the skirt (right sides together).
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05413.jpg)
Sew around the opening, with your serger or use a narrow zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine.
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05418.jpg)
Turn it right side out and you’re done!
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05425.jpg)
![simple tshirt dress](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC04851.jpg)
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
![Patchwork Princess uses the same technique.](https://www.punkinpatterns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/DSC05431.jpg)
Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [15 Feb 12:00am GMT]. Thanks, Maria
Adorable!
You don’t know how timely this post is – I have a long-sleeved shirt and some fabric on hand to make one of these, but have been too scared to try it on my own. Now I can follow your tutorial and get it finished! Thanks so much 🙂
My girls went crazy over the patchwork dress. Guess I’ll be busy this weekend! 😀
muito fácil!!
I couldn’t wait to try these! My nieces wore theirs today and everyone loved them 🙂 Thanks for the tutorial! I just blogged about it if you want to check it out!
Just make this today with a short sleeved shirt and fabric I had on hand! Thanks for the great tutorial!
Thanks for posting this! So sweet and simple. I made one today for my little one!
This is my first dress that I ever made – in fact it’s my first thing that someone could wear! I just made this dress for my 4 year old – we both love it. Going to make two more for my younger girls! Thank you so much for this tutorial!