When I first started blogging, I ran across a blog that had made a skirt from a sheet, or a curtain, or something. I don’t remember those details, but the thing that I remember most is her statement that “fabric is fabric.” It doesn’t matter what the fabric was, but it’s what you’re going to make of it. So when I received another Mystery Box from ILovetoCreate that had a 2XL T-shirt in it, it didn’t take me long to dream up this T-shirt to Swim Cover Up Refashion. A big thank-you to ILovetoCreate.com for the product and inspiration!
What stood out to me when I opened the mystery box and saw the 2XL T-shirt is that the sleeve looked like the perfect size to fit around my daughter’s chest. And, of course, it also has a seam on the sleeve that would serve the purpose of the top of the bodice without me having to put extra effort in! It’s a win-win. The T-shirt makes a great swim cover up because t-shirt material dries quickly, doesn’t easily wrinkle, and is cool for the beach!
Supplies:
- 2XL T-shirt
- Sewing machine, thread, scissors, straight pins
- 2 large buttons
- Tulip Fabric Markers
Begin by making the cuts. Cut one of the sleeves off the shirt. This will be the bodice. Cut six 1/4″ strips from the opposite sleeve. Determine how long you want the skirt portion to be and cut this from the shirt. I didn’t use the entire width of the shirt, but that is totally up to you. The wider it is, the more that you will have to gather.
Turn the skirt portion, right sides together. Pin the sides and sew with a zigzag stitch and a 1/4 seam allowance.
Right sides together, pin the top of the skirt portion to the bottom of the bodice portion. My skirt was a tad fuller than the bodice. I didn’t gather the skirt with my sewing machine. Rather, I just folded the fabric in intervals as I pinned.
Sew with a 1/2 seam allowance. Turn right side out.
The skirt and bodice are now done! It’s time to make the straps.
Take three of the strips and stitch or knot them together.
Braid the three strips together.
Pin the braided strip one inch from the side of the bodice at the top. Be sure the braid is pinned from the inside. Stitch over the strap on the outside.
Here is what it will look like from the inside.
At this point, try the cover up on your daughter and see how long you want the straps to be. Stitch the loose end of the strap on the backside of the cover up the same as you did on the front.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Hand sew a button over where you stitched the straps onto the bodice.
Now use the Tulip Fabric Paint Markers to create a fun design on the front of the bodice. I am terrible at free hand work, so cut out sea shell shapes with my Cricut from removable vinyl. I used them as templates to draw with the Fabric Markers.
My daughter is very happy with her new Swim Cover Up. Now, she wants to head to the beach!
this is perfect. How clever!
This is such a cute project! I love how it turned out. Pinned and scheduled to share on FB! 🙂
Such a fun idea, love this!
Great idea! I love all of the fun things we can make with just a t-shirt! Thanks for the inspiration!
What a creative idea. I’d never guess that was a tee shirt if I didn’t know it!
What a great idea! You are so inventive. I just had to [in this. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by!
Melanie, this turned out so well! I never would have thought to turn the t-shirt into a beach cover up! genius!