Tools and materials:
- Bedsheet
- Measuring tape
- Ruler
- Curved ruler
- Marker
- Sewing pins
- Sewing machine
- Serger
- Elastic
I’ve been wanting to make a dress out of a bedsheet for quite some time, now. I saw it done and thought it was such a cool idea, and I really wanted to give it a try. So on a recent trip to the thrift store, I found a very old and very vintage-y looking bedsheet and knew that I just had to get it for this project. In this tutorial, I’ll show you what I did to transform that bedsheet into a great midi cottagecore dress!
The first thing I did was cut out the bottom part of the dress. My plan was to do two layers for the skirt. I then measured my bust measurement and multiplied it by 1.5, which gave me my width. So I marked that down along with my length of 11”. I chose these measurements because I like my dresses to be high-waisted. I then cut out the fabric, and since I had folded the fabric beforehand, I had two panels after cutting.
With my fabric folded right sides together, I measured and marked 3” down with my curved ruler and cut it out. Then, on a different piece of fabric, I cut out 10” by 14” to be the sleeves. Then I used my bodice template to mark out half of the arm side onto the fabric I had cut out for the sleeve. Once it was marked, I cut out that curve.
The next thing I did was hem the neckline by double-folding the edge and sewing it all the way down the fabric. Once all my pieces were hemmed, I overlocked all the raw edges with my serger.
I took the pieces and lined them up, right sides facing each other, and stitched the side seams with a ½” inch seam allowance. I then did the same thing on the sleeves, stitching the end seams.
With all my pieces ready and stitched, it was now time to join the sleeves to the bodice. With the right sides facing each other, I matched up the centers of the sleeves with the centers of the armholes. Then I stitched along the edge with a ½” seam allowance.
I laid my top down and measured and marked 8”, which is the measurement under my bust. Then, starting at that point, I used the lines on the fabric to guide me in shir-stitching all the way until the end of the fabric.
The next thing I needed to do was making a casing for the elastic. So, since my elastic was ¼”, I folded the edge at about ½” and pinned it down. I did this all the way around the shoulders and the neckline. I then sewed the channel, keeping an opening that I would be able to feed the elastic through.
After that was ready, I fed the elastic through the casing and tried on the top so that I could make adjustments. Once I made them, I was able to go ahead and secure the elastic and close the opening.
Now that my top was almost done, all I had to do was hem the sleeves. I actually couldn’t decide whether to add elastic to the sleeves and make them puff sleeves or if I should just hem them as they were. So I left them for the time being. Should I decide to add elastic, it will be a similar process as before, in which I’ll make a casing for the elastic then feed it through.
For the skirt panel, I used a double layer of fabric, using the second layer to cover up a stain on the first one. The width of the skirt panel was the same as the bodice’s width, which was about 51”. So I cut the fabric down to the right width and the right length that I needed.
I took the two panels and sewed them together. This made it so I only had to work with one piece instead of two separate pieces of fabric. Then I was able to join the side seams. Since there were ruffles on my side seam, I had to be extremely careful to align them perfectly.
It was now time to join the bodice and the skirt together. So I matched the waistlines, right sides facing each other, and pinned them together. Then I shir-stitched it so that waistline would stretch, making it easier to get in and out of the dress.
In the end, I decided that my sleeves were too long, so I cut them about 2” at an angle so that they would taper to the centerfold. Then I double-folded them to hide the raw edges and my dress was done!
I love the way this dress turned out. I think it’s super cute and it’s really comfortable, too. I just can’t believe this dress started off as a thrifted bedsheet! I’m very excited to wear this dress, and I even made a matching bow to go with it. The only thing left to do now is to decide whether to make the sleeves into puff sleeves or to leave them flowy like they are now. Which do you think I should do? Let me know in the comments!
Button-down shirts are just lovely! They make for a perfect formal outfit and give your outfit an...
I'm going to be showing you an easy but effective glitter DIY. I’ve gone for a gorgeous red color...
Hello Readers. Spring has sprung. I am so happy to be able to wear lighter weight clothes and not...
Have you ever experienced sewing FOMO? After seeing Indigo after Indigo flood my IG feed, I knew I...
I’m so excited to write this blog post today! A few months ago, my dear friend Mijke reached out to...
Cycling shorts are back. They're not an easy piece to style, so I'm here to help you out! I'm going...
I’m going to be showing you how to style plaid. I feel like plaid is hard to style - it’s flannel,...
This easy travel makeup bag is so cute, you’ll want to make one for everyone you know! I love the...
Do you want to know how to sew a pocket to a T-shirt so that it does not curl and ruin the look of...
Social distancing and wearing face masks is the new social norm that looks like it’s going to stay...
Today, I’m going to be showing you ten different ways of styling a white button-down shirt. As a...
I’m going to be showing you how to wear black leggings. To look trendy with leather leggings, you...
My husband taught me the trick to tying a cute knot in clothes a few months ago and it was life...
I'm here to give inspiration to all of my ladies who are over 40 who might feel in a bit of a rut....
This easy lounge sweater can be made from the cotton blanket you would find anywhere in your local...
I got this oversized men’s blazer from my mom’s friend and immediately fell in love with the...
Lace-up shoes, lace-up top, lace-up everything! Adding some lace to your clothing and shoes gives...
Recently, the app TikTok has become super popular and I’d be lying if I said that I haven’t found...
Do you feel a bit lost when it comes to styling blazers? Have no fear, I’ve put together twelve...
A classic sheath dress is a wardrobe staple. This lightly form-fitting dress is flattering on almost...
In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to make a turtleneck bodycon top. This top really shows...
In this tutorial, I'm going to show you how to upcycle a men's button-down shirt into a flirty...
Do you ever buy something and dream about all the ways you’ll wear it!? Orrrr is that just me?That’s...
Another day, another jumpsuit. This really should be my mantra. I honestly love jumpsuits so much. I...
When I started my sewing journey I only sewed dresses and skirts. I never wanted to tackle tops...
Bags are the perfect accessory - and not only because they are useful too! A bag can make or break...
Which ones really make a statement and which ones make your outfit seem over crowded. Personally I...
This project is super simple, and you won’t have to sew a stitch. To make this top, I used Lycra...
It is spring and the weather is warm enough for skirts and dresses. (No heavy tights needed!) I made...
All these haute couture brands are of a high standard for a reason; their unmistakable fashion...
A lot of people are unsure how to style the ever-so-trendy pair of joggers. They are more versatile...
Today we’re going to do two hair accessory DIYs. I actually managed to make both of these projects...
Time to up your fashion game! I've listed 5 simple style tips to help you to elevate your look, no...
In this tutorial, I’m going to show you nine different ways to style a wraparound skirt so you can...
Deconstructed high-rise denim are all the rage this spring, especially those with wider-legs. I...
If you have not heard of sashiko before it is a Japanese word describing embroidery frequently used...
Want to know how to cut jeans into shorts? Then you've come to the right place! I really wanted to...
Join the conversation
Love the sleeves as is!
I love it. Your detailing is on point
Thank you I'm glad to hear that you liked this dress too!