Make this skirt from two thrifted men's shirts and add a real sewn waistband for a professional look.

Step 1: Watch the Video Tutorial!

Step 2: You'll Need

Two men's shirts

Sewing machine

Matching thread

1/4 yard iron on interfacing

E-6000 Stitch Less Iron On Glue

Scissors

Ruler

Straight pins

Iron

Step 3:

Cut the front of the shirt along the side seams, across the front right under the collar band and down the side seam again

Cut out the back of the shirt removing the stitched side seams, across the upper back and down the side again

Do this to both shirts

Cut off the tail and up the center back of both shirt backs

Cut a straight line from the hem of the shirt to the shoulder

Step 4:

Pin the two back pieces from one shirt to the sides of the front of the other shirt and stitch together using 1/2" seam allowance

*This is the skirt front Cut off the button and buttonhole plackets on the other shirt, pin and stitch together to create one piece

Pin the back pieces from the other shirt to the sides of this piece and stitch together using 1/2" seam allowance

*This is the back of the skirt Stitch the front and back together to create the skirt

Step 5:

Press all seams together and zigzag over each one to finish the raw edges

Gather the waist of the skirt to your waist size

Cut the sleeves apart at the seams, remove the cuff and iron flat

Measure a 3" wide strip down the center of each sleeve (this will be your waistband)

Stitch the two 3" wide strips together to create a long 3" strip

Measure your waist, add 1" and cut the long fabric strip to that size (if your waist is 32", then cut the strip 33")

Cut an identical piece of iron on interfacing and iron it to the strip

Step 6:

Finish one edge of the waistband with a zigzag stitch

Pin the raw edge of the waistband to the gathered waist of the skirt (right sides together) leaving a 1/2" overlap on both sides

Stitch the waist band to the skirt using 1/2" seam allowance

Fold the waistband over (right sides together) and stitch the 1/2" overlap on each end of the skirt

Cut the corner at an angle and flip right side out

Press the waistband into place You will now be hiding the gathering of the skirt inside the waist band

Step 7:

Stitch over the waistband, trapping the gathering inside and catching the finished edge of the waistband on the inside of the skirt

Add a buttonhole above the line of buttonholes in the center front

Stitch on a button

Hem the skirt by turning the hem 1/4" and then 1/4" again *This is called a turn and turn hem

If you don't want to hem, you can always use E-6000 Stitch Less Iron on glue and iron your hem in place

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24 Comments

Miskui

5 years ago

I LOVE this; I am going to have to try this! Thanks for sharing!

hometownbetty

7 years ago on Introduction

I've been saving my husband's dress shirts. Maybe it's time I make something out of them. What a creative idea!

glou

7 years ago on Introduction

Just a suggestion... With all the leftover fabric couldn't you construct a summer top or even a halter top. You probably don't quilt but the cuffs would make interesting add ons to any project. Great job and this could certainly by on Project Runway's bizarre challenge.

AvantGarland

7 years ago

long time fan, from trading spaces and now YouTube, glad to find you on here also. great tutorial!

m3harri

7 years ago on Introduction

Why not use matching tie as belt? Would look cool if used a tux

microfarm

7 years ago on Introduction

As a long time (about 60 years) home/crafty/clothing "sew-er", I loved the detailed and happy video that brings sewing to even the most timid novice. Photography was perfect and made me wish I had the tools to video/record the amazing things I have made over the years (think long skirts from old bell bottom jeans in the 60s, to patched elbow corduroy sports jackets in the 70s, to home made life-sized Raggedy Ann/Andy dolls of the 80s, to ironed on patches and patterns on reworked tees in the 90s, to totes and retro clothes in 00s, and now, back to recycling old ties, jeans, shirts, bandanas, tees, backpacks, sweaters, coats and buckles (these into jewelry). I like to use old shirts and stuff for pillow and hassock covers, and make interesting patches of good tees and old clothing into tablecloths, throw rugs, stuffed animals and upcycled clothing. I will definitely get onto your channel. Thank you for sharing and teaching.