Rework your wardrobe favorites by creating a t-shirt dress with an edgy zipper design. Start by checking your closet for two well-loved t-shirts, and then learn how to turn them into a sexy summer dress. Follow this simple do it yourself tutorial from Mark Montano, and let’s get started.
- You’ll need a sewing machine, two t-shirts, scissors, two 21″ long zippers, matching thread, straight pins and fabric chalk.
- Start by turning your t-shirt inside out.
- Pin the side seams for fit. Mark the sides using the fabric chalk.
- Mark the sleeves, and then cut one side. Remove your pins carefully.
- Place the scraps on the other side. Mark again and repeat the cutting process.
- Zigzag stitch sleeves stopping at the sides.
- Pin and stitch the side seams.
- Use half of one zipper as the front. Pin the other zipper in place. Cut around your neckline.
- Cut down the center back. Stitch your zippers around the neckline.
- Fold and overlap them where they meet. Slowly stitch them into place, working carefully.
- Cut off the excess from the bottom.
- Cut across the 2nd tee under the arms. This will serve as the bottom part of the dress.
- Match raw edges of both tees and pin into place. Make sure right sides are together.
- Stretch softly and stitch together using your sewing machine, and you’re finished!
The best part about wearing a t-shirt dress is that it’s totally comfortable and breathable. For another plus, you can use the hem of the t-shirt at the bottom, so you won’t have extra work with hemming your dress. For a tip, remember that sewing with knits means that you’ll have to pull the knit slightly when you use the sewing machine.
If you have a serger, then you’re exempt, but you can do it with a regular straight stitch on a regular sewing machine. Now is the time to unleash your creativity and get ready to make a t-shirt dress of your own. Check out the plethora of zipper options, including various styles and colors, that we have available for sale here at MJTrends.
Written by Jade Nicolette
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Red nylon non-separating Zippers
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Black nylon separating Zippers
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The idea of using the original hem from the second t-shirt to avoid extra finishing work is genius and saves a lot of time for a quick summer piece.
Cutting down the center back before inserting the second zipper gives it that edgy vibe, but it also seems like a spot where beginners might struggle with alignment.
Using half of one zipper as the front is such a clever twist, but I’m curious how bulky it feels around the neckline when both zippers meet and overlap.
The supply list is refreshingly simple, especially just needing two 21 inch zippers and basic tools, which makes this project feel accessible for most home sewists.
I’ve followed Mark Montano before, and this method of pinning and chalk-marking before cutting really reflects his beginner-friendly approach to DIY fashion.
Combining two well-loved shirts into one fitted dress feels like a great way to keep sentimental pieces in rotation instead of tossing them out.
The tip about slightly stretching knits while sewing was really helpful since my machine tends to pucker jersey, and I don’t own a serger either.
Not sure I’d trust myself stitching zippers around a curved neckline slowly like that, but the instructions do make it sound manageable with patience.
I like that you emphasized matching right sides together before stitching the two tees, because that’s an easy mistake that can ruin the whole dress if overlooked.
I appreciated the step about placing the scraps on the other side to mirror the cut, because getting symmetry right is always where I mess up projects like this.
I like how the tutorial uses two old tees instead of buying new fabric, especially cutting one under the arms for the skirt portion. That detail makes the whole project feel approachable and practical.