
The t-shirt dress pattern is a part of my attempt to make a summer wardrobe that is both easy to make and easy to wear. The t-shirt dress is the perfect item to make when you only have a couple of hours to spare and are in need of something practical to hang around in the warm summer days.
Summer is a time to relax and enjoy the outdoors, especially if you live in a place where it snows during winter. Sewing takes a step back to enjoy light lunches under an umbrella by the sea or the pool.
I am not a t-shirt kind of person, maybe because I find it makes my chest and shoulders larger. The only t-shirts that I do wear are v-neck with soft fabrics (bamboo, rayon, and linen). The V neck elongates my neckline and streamlines the whole torso.
I find the t-shirt dress far better than normal t-shirts while also being easy to make and style. I like to wear mine with sneakers or sandals and a long cardigan, especially if I am going out at night and it is cool outside. For a more sophisticated look, the use of a belt and large accessories, and high strappy sandals will bring this t-shirt dress to the next level. But as always these are just suggestions and you are welcome to add your own spin to the outfit.
Today, I had the pleasure of using a cover stitch/overlocker combo machine. I do not own one and it has been in the back of my mind for some time to acquire one. I am lucky enough to have a few friends with far better equipment than I possess. One of them is kind enough to let me test one for a few weeks before I make my decision whether to buy or not.
Materials
- Two to three yards of four-way stretch knit or a knit that has at least 40% stretch.
- Thread to match
Tools
- Jersey needle
- Twin needle (Please see our tutorial on how to use a twin needle)
- Serger ideal but not essential (optional)
- Cover stitch machine (optional)
- Rotary cutter (optional)
Fabric Recommendations from Fabric.com
Here are some recommendations of suitable materials you can source from Fabric.com.
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Pattern Download
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Our patterns are still free, but now you now have the option of making a small contribution if you like our work! We'd really appreciate it and it will help us keep going with new and fun designs like this. Even a dollar or two really goes a long way.
Thanks so much in advance for helping us out. You can use any credit card and you don't need a Paypal account, although you can use one if you have one.
Download the FREE Pattern HERE
Finished Garment Measurements
Use the following measurements to determine what size would work for you best. Allow at least 4″ of ease. I am wearing a large size but I am actually Medium. I prefer a loose-fitting dress since the fabric is a light color and I do not have to worry about my underwear showing.
This t-shirt dress pattern would work best on an hourglass figure, a pear and a rectangular shape woman. Could work on an apple if you are XL or less.
Size | Bust | Hips | Length |
XS | 36 5/8″ | 38′ | 45″ |
S | 37 5/8″ | 40″ | 45 1/2″ |
M | 38″ 5/8″ | 42″ | 46 |
L | 39″ 5/8″ | 44″ | 46 1/2″ |
XL | 40″ 5/8″ | 46″ | 47″ |
2XL | 44″ 5/8″ | 48″ | 47 1/2″ |
3XL | 45″ 5/8″ | 50″ | 48″ |

I am a reluctant model, hate taking pictures of myself, but this is one of those garments that do not have hanger appeal. Perhaps I should write a post about what that is but basically, the garment needs to be shown on a body rather than in a hanger. I have to admit I did not even comb my hair for the shot, but I think you get what I mean.
Here is the same dress on a Janome adjustable mannequin Medium to Large size, which is a really wonderful piece of equipment belonging to my new best friend Andrea. I will talk more about her in the future.
Pattern Layout for the T-shirt Dress Pattern
Printing Instructions
Print the pattern using Adobe Reader, actual size, and landscape mode. Do not scale the pattern at all and you will not need any other program to print the pattern.
Cutting Instructions
I am using a super stretchy four-way 50% stretch fabric.
This fabric is not the easiest fabric to work with. The cutting is what will determine whether your garment will look homemade or professional. Keep a strict grainline and leave the fabric layout on the table overnight to relax the fibers. Believe me, this is a small step that will get you closer to a lovely finish garment.
As you can see on the pattern the front and back of the t-shirt dress are the same.
I have provided you with only one piece of the pattern to save you paper and time.
Cut two backs and two fronts by folding the fabric in half leaving the selvages on the sides. Cut the pattern on one side then flip the pattern creating a mirror image.

You will end up with four pieces of fabric.

Sewing Instructions For Your T-shirt Dress
We are going to sew this t-shirt dress in a mass-produced way, meaning the way a factory would be sewing it. The following technique will save you a lot of time and will let you stitch the project in less than an hour. The use of a serger is ideal for this project and I will assume you have one.
Note: When I mention serge you can substitute for zigzag if you do not have a serger.
Step One
Sew the fronts to one of the backs at the shoulder seam using your serger.
Step Two
In this step, we are going to sew the neckline.
Serge the edge of the neckline front and back and then use a twin needle to sew the neckline by turning 3/8″. Or simply use the covers stitch machine to achieve the same result in just one step. In this step, you can see I am not getting the best results with the machine and this is due to my lack of experience using a cover stitch machine. I think I should have practice with scraps first. However, I see on the right side look fine so I leave it at that.
Step Three
Sew the other side of the dress the same way you did as in steps one and two.
Step Four
Sew the sides using your serger stopping one inch from the notch in your pattern. Then open the seam allowance and serge or use your cover stitch machine to sew from the hemline to the other side.
Repeat on the other side of the dress.
Step Four
Sew the front seam and then the back seam using your serger/overlocker.
Step Five
Simply turn the hem at the sleeves and the bottom at 3/8″ and sew.
In five easy steps, you have one of the most versatile dresses you can possibly make for yourself. Add a long cardigan and scarf and this dress is good for spring and autumn. Sandals and a straw hat and your swimsuit underneath you can be ready for the beach and dinner after with very little effort.
Need another beach dress that shows a little more skin, why not try the ultimate beach dress a very popular design.
Hope you find the t-shirt dress pattern useful and load your take on it as a comment below. I must say that is my favorite part of the day, to see what you have come up with, I am actually going to go and add a long cardigan, a scarf and some booties, it is cold in my side of the world.
Happy sewing, until next time!


instead of cutting 4 pieces, can I cut 2 on the fold 1 for the front and 1 for the back
Are the instructions available for download?
I cannot seem to find them. It is entirely possible I am just not seeing them, lol!
Thanks!
Fantastic tips
How would I adjust the neckline to a bit more modest coverage to be able to wear to work? Would also like to know if it can be modified to a scoop neck. Thank you.
I was wondering the very same thing as Kathy above. Would it not be better to place the pattern pieces on the fold to eliminate center seams both front and back?
Thanks!
fantastic color, fantastic cut and looks fantastic on you!!
Thank you so much for all that you do!
(My pennies sure don’t go as far as they did several decades ago, but I still make every one of them squeak as they leave my fingers.) pj stitches!
hello love your patterns but this one keeps coming out bigger than what it should be for the box is bigger than what it is to be and can’t get it to come out to the right size and i don’t know how to make it come out to the right size …any ideas …thank you for great patterns …
This would be perfect for the textured slinky knit I found in my stash. One question: why can’t the pattern pieces be cut on the fold? That would eliminate the center seam on the back and front. (Unless each side of the v- neck is sewn separately)
Thanks so much,
Kathy
I was wondering the same thing?
Probably could?
exactly my question, I think I am going to try cutting it on the fold, plus I am planning on using a polyester\spandex fabric my sister gave me
Do you think adding side pockets would weight the dress down? Thanks kindly!
Love this pattern. Have you made it with linen?
Mi Marisa, If it knit yes, woven no.
What is the seam allowance for the t-shirt dress?
3/8″
I love this pattern. It was so easy to make. I needed something with sleeves to wear with a sleeveless dress so I left the front open and turned it into a short sleeve long caridgan/coat. I finished the edge with a coverstitch
What a fabulous idea, if you have instagram please use #soseweasy in your description and I will be able to see your outfit. I am very curious. Kind regards,
Very good article!!
Cute dress! Can I ask why you made the fronts and backs 2 pieces instead if just putting them on the fold?
I am using a cover stitch machine. It is easier to have two pieces to be able to finish the entire project with one machine rather than going back and forth with a serger and a sewing machine. You can do the the back and the front on fold if you would like. Just finish the neckline using bias tape around the neck.
thank you, I don’t have a serger, just a regular Baby Lock sewing machine that I am still learning to use
I love it…..great for hanging around…. cover up for beach!
Cute ❤️ dress. Could you cut front and back pattern pieces on the fold?
You can, just remember to take out the seam allowance.
Thank you so much for this practical, comfortable dress pattern!
I have two really nice T-shirts on my sewing table right now. I hate that high, ribbed neck but love the shirts. The first thing I am gong to do is attempt a neckline modification using your pattern. I have been at a loss as to how to “fix” them so I can wear them I am very excited about this and could find NOTHING online to help. If that goes well, will make the dress for my daughter.
You might consider a pattern that can be used to change t-shirts, including the sleeves, as you seem to have the same “issues” with them that I have. I even have a couple of silk ones that need fixing!!
Great Idea!Thank you!
I cut out the 3XL size and 2 yards was not enough fabric when I laid it out….any suggestions on lay out?
HI Johanna, how wide is your fabric and how are you lying it out?
Do you think it will still work if I just fold the fabric at the “center line” so instead of having 4 pieces to cut out I will only have 2? Also I’m only 4′ 11″ tall. How can I shorten the length?
Hi, Demetria, the reason I have a seam in the middle is so you can take in if you wish to have the dress a little bit closer to the body and to make it absolutely easy to sew the neckline. If you decide to eliminate the seam check out the tutorial on how to attach a bias tape on a V-Collar on the site. As for how to shorten and lengthen the dress, thanks for the reminder I have not finish the post I will on it right now. Kind Regards…
I’d love a slip that sucks everything in to wear under my new winter knit dress!
I hear you, I could use one too, prepare your power netting…
What do you mean by allow 4 inches of ease? I would like it to be tighter fitting to my body, how many sizes should I go down? Also, what do you thInk of adding some elastic on the side seam to create ruching/gathering?
Hello Mrs Williams, There is no way I can tell you how many sizes you need to down if I do not know your measurements. I am wearing Large in the picture. The dummy is bigger than I am and it is tighter on it.
What do you mean by allowing 4 inches of ease? I would like it tighter fitting to my body, how many sizes should I go down? What do you think of adding some elastic on the side seam for some ruching/gather?
The dress is drafted as a loose fitting garment. You can have it tighter to your body, how much tighter only you can answer that question, bear in mind that if you use a light color fabric your underwear will show. Send me your measurements and I will be able to assist you in choosing the right size:)
Love this dress. I saw a very similar one on QVC just last week. Theirs was made with rayon/spandex and carried an on sale $68 price tag. The only difference is your is fitted at the waist and maxi length. Theirs was not fitted; had a loose caftan style and was below knee.
HI Marvel, which one would you go for? I am curious 🙂
Which long cardigan do you wear with it would love to see them paired! Love your hair!!!!!!
Hi Deborah, I have not shared the long cardigan with you yet, but I will because I love it I wear it all the time. It is long with splits on the side and pockets…soon I promise:)
A link to the T shirt dress pattern at Craftsy would have been nice, I haven’t found it yet!. Not all of us are computer savvy to that extent…
Hi Sherry, there should be a gray box with a yellow button with the link but perhaps your browser is blocking it or something. In any case, here’s a direct link: https://so-sew-easy.com/l/t-shirt-dress
I can’t get the link to work.
If you have a window blocker you might have trouble making the link work.
Would this dress look good on a body with “mature” curves —tummy, waist etc ? I’m 65 years old and would love to make this.
Absolutely! Don’t forget to share a pic of your finished work back on the site. We’d really appreciate that.
I don’t think why not. If you want you can add a long knitted or crochet vest or a cardigan to complete the look and hide the bumps.
This looks so beautiful on you. Thank you for sharing, I really want to give this a go, especially as I have the same problems up top as you, if I look half as good as you, I’ll be very happy!
Thank you Jan, do give it a go and let me know how it went:)
Is it possible to cut the front and back pieces on the fold to avoid a center front and center back seam?
Hi, Angel, you can but mind that the finish on the neckline would be different, you would have to apply bias tape to the neckline, here is tutorial on that regard https://so-sew-easy.com/apply-bias-tape-v-neck/
I would love to download this pattern but I encounter a malware warning when I click on the link.
I would be ban from Google and from hosting a site if I carry malware. It is in your browser, clean your history and cookies before you proceed.
Thank you for this pattern! I wanted something easy and caftan-like. I think this will totally do it and have plenty of fabric in my stash!
Looking forward to your picture 🙂
Hi, you look “stunning” in that dress! No need apologize for not combing your hair(at least I wasn’t looking at your hair). I have a big chest(48 1/2) & the largest size(3XL) still isn’t big enough. What can I do? I really want to make this dress…it’s very hot here! This dress would be perfect!
Thanks,
Rae from Missouri
Is it possible to make pattern adjustments to this pattern like round back etc without throwing off the symmetry of the same pattern pieces?.
Yes, t is possible if you know how.
Thank you ! Awesome pattern ! Just what we needed ! A comfortable and flattering shirt dress to wear with endless possibilities ! Love your keeping it real and beautiful with your hair !!!! 99% of women are not coiffed and fully made up while they are at home ! They are too busy taking care of and loving their families who love them back just they way are and all the magic they bring to their lives ! #RealWomen
Thank you, Tami, you are so sweet!
I’m not a maxi girl – do you think this has enough give that if I cut it/hemmed it at the notch length I would be able to walk?
Yes, Linda do alter the pattern to your body, it is easily done, let me know if you need help with that.
OHIAMSOMAKINGTHIS! I have been sewing cotton/linen for many years now but have never ventured into the world of sewing knits (I’ve been trepidatious). This will be my first one. I love how it looks and your instructions are easy (this coming from someone who never learned how to read a pattern).
Now I just need to get through my pile of UFO’s to get to this project. 🙂
Thank you!
Jump in with both feet Mea, fitting woven fabrics is far more difficult than working with knits. If you need any help just drop me a line:)
I love the fabric you chose. Thanks for the pattern.
You are welcome Susie, hope you make the dress, let me know if you do:)
Looks comfortable. Looking forward to making this soon. I love the fact its loose fitting unlike some you can purchase in the store. Love this pattern. Thanks for sharing!
I hear you, Lisa, I too was looking for something that does not seem like a sock around my body, although I do have a dress that sucks everything in. Perhaps I will share that for Autumn.
Hi Maura, I was thinking that since I will be using
the Twin needle that maybe I can do some “pin tucks”
Have you heard of this? I got a pin tuck foot & you have to use a twin needle with it. Maybe use a different color thread? Or a metallic thread!
By the way, did you know there’s a triple needle too?
I’m SSSOOO sorry I misspelled your
name! Maura! You know the Y & U or
Next to each other! lol!
Rae from Missouri