How to Make a Cozy Flannel Shirt Dress Out of 2 Old Shirts

When I’m under the weather, there’s nothing I like better than throwing on my cozy flannel nightdress and curling up in bed with a few good books until I recover. Except maybe showing you how to make a flannel shirt dress!
Having your own DIY flannel dress is perfect for when you’re sick or just lounging about and needing some good ol’ snuggly comfort. Keep reading for my very own tutorial on how to make a dress from a flannel shirt.
Tools and materials:
- Two flannel shirts
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Pins
1. Choose the top shirt and sew the button placket closed
First, choose which shirt you’d want for the top of the dress. I decided to go with this classic red flannel. Then stitch the bit of fabric at the end of the button placket together (the bit at the bottom after the last button on the front of the shirt) - watch the video for the full explanation.
2. Cut length from second flannel
Next, you need to decide how long you want the finished dress to be, and then cut off the extra length needed from the other flannel.
3. Sew together the opening
Stitch together the open sides of the button placket together on the second flannel.
4. Align the two flannels and sew them together
Place the cut fabric from the second flannel over the first with right sides facing. The button plackets and side seams should be lined up perfectly. Sew the ends together.
5. Strengthen the hold
Once the bottom is attached, go over the seam with a tight zigzag stitch for extra strength.
That’s really it! You could be done here if you like, or if you’re like me, you want to spice it up a little bit. To do that, let’s fancy up the sleeves.
6. Cut off the sleeves
Fold your dress exactly in half. Then, cut off your sleeves just above the elbow area.
7. Align and cut the second flannel’s sleeves
Now, take the second flannel that we cut the extra length from and fold it in half, as well. Take your cut sleeves and place them on top of the folded flannel’s sleeves.
Make sure the cuffs are aligned perfectly, so you can use it as a template to cut off the sleeves from the folded flannel.
8. Sew the sleeves together
Pull the second flannel’s sleeves over the top of the dress sleeves so it’s right sides facing. Make sure the underarm seams are lined up and then stitch them together.
All done! What do you think?
How to make a flannel shirt dress
This DIY flannel dress is super cool, super cozy, and perfect for those days when you don’t want to get out of bed. Let me know if you try it out and if you love it as much as I do!
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Yes, thank you. Of course after I asked that, I read it a few more times and then figured it out. I was thinking you went across the bottom. Then I realized you meant that part, so it wouldn't look like an opening in a pair of men's boxers, is how it finally hit me. (my husband wears plaid boxers) Ooopsies. I was thinking bottom, like literally the bottom going across. Not up and down from last button to horizontal hem. I get it now. It's super cute! PS: I also didn't watch the video until just now.....
Trish- right??? In the first picture I thought she was showing line up the front and back hem and sew that. Of course I didn't watch the video before I posted my question.