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Summer of T-Shirts Event: Cashmerette's Concord T-Shirt Dress Hack

This week's post is from Jenny, Founder and Creative Director behind Cashmerette Patterns, a pattern line for the modern, curvy woman. This concept can be used on other t-shirt patterns too.


It’s really easy to turn the Cashmerette Concord T-Shirt into a casual dress! When you’re thinking about fabrics, consider using something a little heavier than your usual t-shirt jersey: a double-knit, ponte, or quilted knit would be a great idea. I’d also recommend sizing up a size or two to avoid too much cling over your midsection.



How to make your dress pattern

1. Trace your pattern pieces  - use the longest length option.



2. Take your front piece (1 A/B/C) and cut across the lengthen/shorten line.



3. Move the top and bottom pieces apart from each other, by the amount of additional length you need to take your t-shirt to a dress length. For my dress I lengthened it by 7 inches (I’m 5’6”), but you can do more or less depending on the hem length you want.



4. Place a spare piece of paper underneath the two pattern pieces, and tape it together.



5. Trim the paper along the sides so you now have an extra-long front piece.



6. Repeat this process with the back piece (2), adding the same amount of length.

7. Sew your dress in exactly the same way as the t-shirt!



Thanks again to Jenny for sharing this tutorial with us! You can purchase this pattern HERE.


Next week, Julie Marlow, a Palmer/Pletsch Certified Sewing Instructor, will be sharing with us how to do a colorblocked t-shirt. Julie is also a garment sewing instructor at Charlotte Sewing Studio in Port Charlotte, FL. She has a T-Shirt of the Month club, where she introduces a "pattern hack" on the basic t-shirt She's a pro at this and that's why we asked her to join our event! 

Every Monday throughout the summer, we will share with you a pattern hack on a t-shirt pattern. I have lined up some of our Fabricistas as well as sewing experts such as Pamela from Pamela's Patterns! (And others, too!) 

Don't forget you can sew along with us at home. Share you t-shirt pattern hacks (new ideas you have and ideas that we have shared with you) on Facebook and Instagram using #FMSummerofTshirts. At the end of the summer, we will compile all the people that used the hashtag and you will be entered into a random drawing for $75 gift certificate to Fabric Mart!

Write your comments, I'd love to hear what you think of this. Do you have a favorite t-shirt pattern that was not mentioned? Share it with us!

See you next week! 
~ Julie

Comments

  1. What a cute outfit! I'm curious about the leggings, did you make those, too? And, if so, what pattern did you use? Lovely outfit and great color combination.

    Debbie...(0;
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    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Debbie - thanks! And they are RTW leggings, from Boden (www.bodenusa.com).

      Delete
  2. Yes, great idea and lovely fabric. But I must disagree with the recommendation of ponte for summer T's or dresses. MUCH too hot! To avoid the clingy properties of some lighter knits or ITY fabrics, go for a more substantial cotton/lycra or bamboo/lycra blend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We would agree that using a jersey for a summer dress would be a much better option than ponte knit. Ponte knit will though hold shape nicely for a dress, almost like a stretch woven. A jersey will most likely be looser and flowy.

      Delete
  3. CoCo here, what pattern did you use?

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love an easy peazy hack and that's what this is...that fabric is AWESOME!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a nice looking top, especially paired with the black leggings. What a great Friday date night outfit to wear to dinner. A great outfit to wear around the house too, when you need to make a quick run you look nice.

    ReplyDelete

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