How to Make a Two-Piece Set From a Dress: Fun Thrift-Flip Tutorial

Tools and materials:

• Vintage/thrifted dress
• Seam ripper
• Ruler
• Measuring tape
• Chalk
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Paper
• Pen
• Scissors

The dress, as you can see, was rather dull without any shape or style to it. So, I decided to wave my magic wand and turn it into a trendy DIY two-piece set.

1. Seam rip the dress

First, I seam ripped the dress to take it apart and see what I have to work with. This dress had a seam at the waist, but not at the arms.

I had three pieces to work with: the skirt, two halves of the bodice, and the waistband. 

2. Make the two-piece set sewing pattern

I created a rough pattern using the shape of the dress. You can create the same using your bust and waist measurements, style preferences, or a top that fits you well.

3. Cut the pattern pieces

Now, it’s time to cut the pieces. I wanted to keep the bottom part with the finished edge, so I traced the front part of the bodice without the seam allowance. Then, I flipped the pattern piece over and cut the other side. 

Then, I cut two more pieces with the same shape, as well as the back piece.

4. Assemble the bodice

I pinned the pieces on top of each other, as shown. Then, sewed the side seams of each layered piece. 

Next, I sewed the side seam of each side bodice to the side seams of the back bodice, making sure the right sides face each other. 

5. Make the facing

Using leftover pieces, I cut out fabric the length of the top edge of the whole bodice pattern, with a width of 5cm (1.96 inches). I had to cut several smaller pieces and connect them together to get the right length. Then, I pinned and sewed this long strip to the top edge.

Next, I folded the strip over and sewed a topstitch on the edge, as shown. 

6. Make and add the straps

I cut a long piece from excess fabric to make the straps. I pinned and sewed the edges, turned the straps right sides out, and pressed them.

Finally, I attached the strap to the top, placing it right on the tip. 

7. Make the ruffle

To make the ruffle at the bottom of the top, I cut and folded a long strip in half and stitched the edges with a basting stitch. 

I pulled the thread to make cute little gathers, then arranged the gathers to fit the hem. I pinned the gathered side to the hem of the bodice, right sides facing. After everything was pinned in place, I attached the ruffle with a topstitch. 

This is what it looks like up close.

8. Modify the waistband and skirt

The actual waistband of the dress was quite big for me, so I took it in a little according to my waist size. To see how I do this, skip to 4:17 minutes of my video.

The skirt itself was also too big for me at the waist, so I made small pleats on each of the seams - there are three seams on this skirt.

I marked 2cm (0.78 inches) on both sides from each seam, then connected these two marks together. Then, I pinned and sewed the pleats.

Next, sew the waistband to the top seam of the skirt. Make sure both pieces are right sides together. 

How to make a two-piece set from a dress

There you have it! This is how to make a dress into a two-piece. It’s so trendy and this "dress" looks good as new. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you have some inspiration to take on your next thrift-flip project with confidence.