How to Make a Cute Beach Cover-Up Dress Using 2 XXL Men's T-Shirts

Tools/materials

• Two XXL mens t-shirts
• Pattern
• Scissors or rotary cutter and board
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Thread

Because I’m a size small, I was able to turn two XXL men’s t-shirts into a dress. Keep in mind that you may need something larger, depending on your size; or smaller, if you’re making something for a child.

1. Use a pattern to cut the top t-shirt

First, depending on the t-shirt style or the fit that you want for the beach dress, you may need to use a pattern.

I traced this t-shirt pattern from a tee that fits me nicely.

Place the pattern for the t-shirt on the body, fold it in half, and cut it. I’m using a rotary cutter, which is not the best, but I didn’t have a really good pair of scissors to hand.

Measure where you want the waist to meet on the dress, then cut there as well. 

2. Cut the sleeves

For the sleeves, I cut them out of the original sleeves of the t-shirt. Lay them flat, making sure the seams match, and cut the pattern on a fold.

I managed to use the original seam, but that may depend on the style of t-shirt that you’re using. 

3. Cut the skirt

For the bottom part of the beach dress, measure how long you want it to be and cut what will become the skirt out of the second t-shirt. If you can and to save time, try keeping the original seam at the bottom.

4. Sew the sides of the top

Now that every part is cut, now you can work on the top. Turn it inside out, pin the sides, and sew them. 

5. Attach the sleeves

Then, sew the sides on both sleeves. 

To attach the sleeves, I managed to do it the hard way, but I’ve since found out there are easier ways to sew sleeves!

My method was to flip the t-shirt right side up again and turn the sleeves inside out. Then, I inserted the sleeves, making sure the seams matched. 

I pinned everything together, did a quick basic stitch by hand, then sewed it all with my machine.

6. Sew the top and skirt together to make the beach dress

For the skirt part, gather the top of the tube of material you should now have, and make it match the width of the bottom of the top piece. Watch this tutorial on how to gather fabric if you’re unsure of this step.

Once you’re happy with it, turn the skirt inside out, put it over the top piece and match the two pieces together. 

If you can, use a serge or a zig-zag stitch, so the seam is stretchier. My 1954 Singer machine does neither, so I went for the basic straight stitch! It wasn’t so bad, as this fabric won’t fray.

Once it’s sewn, cut the excess fabric off the seam and your beach cover-up dress is done!

Ready to wear by the sea!