T Shirt Skirt With Ruffle Made With Recycled Materials

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  Step 1

  This is what I started with. I found a shirt with the pattern on it and knew it had to become a skirt. There are pieces of t-shirt that I had used on other projects.

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  Step 2

  Here is the patter I used for this skirt. I wanted 10 panels and my seam allowance was only 1/4" since the seam is on the outside and I wanted it to accent the design and not take it over. I have made many skirts like this and have never had an issue with the 1/4" seam.
  Here is my math part, don't worry it is easy :-)
  I have a 40" waist, so with the top panels being 5" with 1/4" seam allowance, and making 10 panels the waist will be 45" total.
  I have a bad habit of just making things up when I can. The bottom of the skirts fullness is up to you. I made each of my panels 8-1/4" seam allowance included. This seems to be a nice fullness at about 80". The length of the skirt is also up to you. I always measure mine a little longer then wanted, it is easier to cut fabric off then add it on.

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  Step 3

  Even stained t-shirts can be used, just cut around the stain.

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  Step 4

  Here is how I have my sewing machine set up.

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  Step 5

  Here is where the real fun begins. Cut a straight edge on 2 different t-shirts. Pin them together and sew.

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  Step 6

  Continue to do this. Cut straight edges, sew together, iron your seam, repeat. At this point you can cut any side of your new piece to add another piece of t-shirt. You want your piece to be at least the size of you pattern.

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  Step 7

  Lay your panel pattern on top of your sewn together t-shirts and cut off the excess.

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  Step 8

  Here is what you will have once you cut away the extra t-shirt. Take away the pattern and you have a skirt panel, only 9 more to go for me.

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  Step 9

  Here is another piece that is ready to be cut out with my pattern.

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  Step 10

  Here is that piece cut out.

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  Step 11

  Now lay your pieces out and decide what order you want to sew them together. Just sew you panels together.

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  Step 12

  Sew along the long edge in the order you placed them.

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  Step 13

  Getting closer. Once all the panels are sewn together, and you have wrapped it around you to make sure it will fit. You want the top to be about your measurement. Add more panels if you feels it is to tight then sew the first and last panel together to make a tube.

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  Step 14

  Now onto the bottom ruffle. Someone gave me this lace a while ago and I was so happen to finally find a use for it :-) I folded over sections of the lace to make a loose style ruffle. I used a lot of pins to make sure it was exactly as I wanted it. I don't measure each fold, I just eyeball it. I have never had anyone point out that the folds are not all the same and if I did I would tell them to make their own skirt then complain :-)

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  Step 15

  After I make sure the bottom of my skirt is cut evenly I sew the lace on to the bottom of the skirt with a zigzag stitch.

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  Step 16

  I sew the lace onto the inside of the skirt, like so.

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  Step 17

  I cut some of the scraps left over from the skirt into 3" strips and sew them together. I make my ruffle, pinning it directly to the skirt to make sure they are spaced in between the lace ruffles. I like to fold my top ruffle in the opposite direction as the lace, just because I like the look of it, you can fold your ruffles in the same direction if you like. Try both ways on some scraps pieces and see which way you like it.

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  Step 18

  Here is what it looks like attached. I like to put a little finishing touch on the bottom and run a 1/4" zigzig, fancy, overcast etc stitch along the bottom.

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  Step 19

  You can see the difference here.

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  Step 20

  The top band was done with the top of a pair of yoga pants that were riddled with holes. The top band fit perfectly and it already had elastic and a drawstring.

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  Step 21

  I have a barstool that works great for this part. I stretch the top band over the seat then pin, adjust, repin, etc until I have the bottom of the skirt sandwiched in between the inside and outside of the band.
  carefully take your pinned piece and sew with a stitch that will stretch. If nothing else a zigzag stitch will work.

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  Step 22

  Once it was complete I realized I want a little pocket, so with a black t-shirt scrap and a little piece of elastic suited this pocket

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  Step 23

  I wear an X-large and the fit was great. Here is me in the skirt.

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  Step 24

  And the back.

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  Step 25

  Here is my friend, Amanda, who wears a medium and with the drawstring and elastic the skirt fit her also.
  PS she tried it on and wore it out, I feel I will have lost this skirt to her :-)

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  Step 26

  Here is another skirt that I made with the same pattern. The only thing different is the bottom has 3 ruffles instead of just 2.

Comments

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Recycled Miracles · Stateline, Nevada, US · 63 projects 11th March 2015

Thank you for your kind words. It is much easier to make then it looks. I love making them.

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J. Pario · Lincoln, Nebraska, US · 26 projects 11th March 2015

This skirt is super-cute and your instructions are excellent! I love how it looks complicated to make, but is actually simple.

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