10 DIY Dress Refashion and Upcycle Tutorials

Make a new dress out of an old one by following one of these upcycling and dress refashioning instructions. Don’t stop at a dress—start with one!

Refashioning dresses can be challenging because every dress you discover is different. It’s possible that there isn’t a lesson available for your equipment. Fortunately, I discovered some really easy dress refashioning methods that you can use for any dress you own.

I have a list of how to refashion dresses for girls and women.

1. How to Add Sleeves to a Strapless Dress

Sew on thick straps and flutter sleeves to add sleeves to a strapless garment. This is a simple way to make a garment more approachable!

2 How to Make a Dress Longer

Lengthening a dress can be a straightforward process with a few simple steps. Here’s how you can make a dress longer:

Materials Needed:
Fabric that matches the dress or complements its style
Scissors
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Pins
Measuring tape
Iron and ironing board (optional)
Steps:
Assess the Dress: Determine how much longer you want the dress to be. Take into account the style of the dress and how much additional length you need to achieve the desired look.

Choose the Fabric: Select a fabric that matches the color and style of the dress or complements it well. Consider the weight and drape of the fabric to ensure it blends seamlessly with the original dress.

Prepare the Dress: Turn the dress inside out and lay it flat on a clean, flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles and ensure that the dress is evenly positioned.

Measure and Mark: Using a measuring tape, measure the desired length you want to add to the dress. Mark this measurement with fabric chalk or pins along the hemline of the dress.

Cut the Fabric: Cut a strip of fabric that is slightly longer than the measurement you marked on the dress. The width of the fabric strip should match the width of the dress hem plus seam allowance.

Hem the Fabric Strip: Fold and press the raw edges of the fabric strip inward, about 1/4 inch, and then fold them over again and press to create a clean edge. Sew along the folded edge to secure the hem.

Attach the Fabric Strip: Pin the hemmed fabric strip to the bottom of the dress, aligning the raw edges of the fabric strip with the bottom edge of the dress. Pin in place all around the hemline.

Sew the Fabric Strip: Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew the fabric strip to the dress along the pinned edge. Use a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch to secure the fabric strip in place. Remove the pins as you sew.

Finish the Hem: Trim any excess fabric from the fabric strip, leaving a small seam allowance. Press the seam with an iron to give it a neat finish.

Final Touches: Give the dress a final press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles and ensure that the hem is even and well-sewn.

By following these steps, you can effectively lengthen a dress and give it a new lease on life. Enjoy wearing your refreshed garment with its added length!

3. How to Lengthen a Dress with a Ruffle

Ruffles are a great way to add length to a dress that is just a bit too short! You can use attractive fabric, and it’s a quick and simple fix.

4 Button Up Shirt to Dress Refashion Tutorial

Transforming a button-up shirt into a dress is a fun and creative way to upcycle clothing. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial to guide you through the process:

Materials Needed:
Button-up shirt (preferably oversized)
Scissors
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Pins
Measuring tape
Elastic (optional)
Additional fabric or trim (optional)
Iron and ironing board
Steps:
Choose the Shirt: Select a button-up shirt that is oversized or larger than your usual size. This will provide enough fabric to work with and ensure a comfortable fit for the dress.

Prepare the Shirt: Wash and iron the shirt to ensure it’s clean and wrinkle-free before starting the refashioning process.

Marking and Cutting: Put the shirt on and mark the desired length of the dress with fabric chalk or pins. Leave some extra length for hemming. Cut along the marked line to separate the bottom portion of the shirt to create the skirt of the dress.

Creating the Bodice: Fold the top portion of the shirt down to create a fitted bodice. Use the measuring tape to determine the desired width of the bodice, ensuring it will fit comfortably around your bust. Pin the folded fabric in place.

Sewing the Bodice: Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to sew along the pinned edge to secure the folded fabric and create the bodice of the dress. Reinforce the seams for durability, especially if the fabric is thick.

Adjusting the Fit (Optional): If the shirt is too loose around the waist, you can add elastic to the waistline to create a more defined silhouette. Measure and cut a piece of elastic to fit comfortably around your waist, then sew it into the waistline of the dress.

Adding Details (Optional): Get creative and add additional fabric or trim to customize the dress. For example, you can sew on lace trim along the hemline or add fabric panels to the sides for a pop of color.

Hemming the Skirt: Fold the bottom edge of the skirt portion of the dress up to create a hem. Press the fold with an iron to create a crisp edge, then sew along the fold to secure the hem in place.

Final Touches: Give the entire dress a final press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles and ensure a polished finish. Trim any loose threads for a clean look.

Styling: Style the button-up shirt dress with accessories such as a belt, scarf, or statement jewelry to complete the look. Experiment with different styling options to showcase your unique creation.

With these steps, you can successfully transform a button-up shirt into a stylish and versatile dress that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy wearing your one-of-a-kind creation!

5 How to Add Sleeves to a Dress

Find out how to make a dress have sleeves. Any sleeveless dress or strapless dress will look great with this sewing technique.

6. How to Raise a Neckline

Raising the neckline of a garment can be a simple alteration that can completely change its look. Here’s how you can raise a neckline:

Materials Needed:

1. Garment with a low neckline
2. Fabric matching the garment
3. Scissors
4. Sewing machine or needle and thread
5. Pins
6. Measuring tape
7. Iron and ironing board (optional)

Steps:

1. Assess the Neckline: Determine how much you want to raise the neckline of the garment. Take into account factors such as modesty, comfort, and style preferences.
2. Measure and Mark: Using a measuring tape, mark the new neckline on the garment. You can use fabric chalk or pins to make the markings. Make sure the markings are symmetrical on both sides of the garment.
3. Cutting: Carefully cut along the marked line to remove the excess fabric and raise the neckline. Use sharp scissors to ensure clean cuts, especially if you’re working with delicate fabrics.
4. Prepare the Fabric: If you need to add fabric to raise the neckline, cut a piece of fabric that matches the garment in color and texture. The fabric should be large enough to cover the new neckline area.
5. Attach the Fabric: Place the fabric over the neckline area and pin it in place, ensuring that it covers the entire neckline and blends seamlessly with the rest of the garment.
6. Sewing: Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to sew the fabric onto the garment along the edge of the neckline. You can use a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch, depending on your preference and the fabric type.
7. Finish the Edges: If necessary, finish the raw edges of the fabric to prevent fraying. You can use a serger, zigzag stitch, or a narrow hemming technique to finish the edges neatly.
8. Pressing: Give the garment a final press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles and ensure that the neckline lays flat and neat.
9. Try On and Adjust: Try the garment on to check the fit and comfort of the raised neckline. Make any necessary adjustments to the fabric or stitching to ensure a perfect fit.
10. Final Touches: Trim any loose threads and give the garment a final inspection to ensure that the raised neckline looks clean and professionally done.

By following these steps, you can effectively raise the neckline of a garment and give it a new look without having to completely alter the entire piece. Enjoy wearing your updated garment with its refreshed neckline!

7. DIY Men’s Shirt to Dress Refashion Tutorial

Three men’s button-up shirts are refashioned into a single women’s dress with this men’s shirt to dress. For a playful look, use complementary or matching shirts.

8. How to Add Back Darts to a Dress

To achieve the ideal fit on your top or dress, learn how to sew back darts. It’s an easy method to draw in the waist for a fit that flatters.

9 Lace Dress Refashion

Refashioning a lace dress can breathe new life into an old garment and give it a fresh, updated look. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you refashion a lace dress:

Materials Needed:

1. Lace dress
2. Scissors
3. Sewing machine or needle and thread
4. Pins
5. Measuring tape
6. Additional fabric or trim (optional)
7. Iron and ironing board

Steps:

1. Assess the Dress: Examine the lace dress to determine how you want to refashion it. Consider whether you want to change the length, neckline, sleeves, or overall silhouette of the dress.
2. Decide on Alterations: Based on your assessment, decide on the specific alterations you want to make to the dress. For example, you may want to shorten the hem, add sleeves, or change the neckline.
3. Measure and Mark: Use a measuring tape to mark any areas where you plan to make alterations. For example, if you’re shortening the hem, measure and mark the new length. If you’re adding sleeves, measure and mark the desired sleeve length and placement.
4. Cutting: Carefully cut along the marked lines to remove any excess fabric or to reshape the dress according to your desired alterations. Use sharp scissors to ensure clean cuts, especially when working with delicate lace fabric.
5. Preparing Additional Fabric or Trim (Optional): If you plan to add additional fabric or trim to the dress, prepare these materials by cutting them to the appropriate size and shape. For example, if you’re adding a contrasting fabric panel to the hem, cut the fabric to the desired width and length.
6. Adding Additional Fabric or Trim (Optional): Pin the additional fabric or trim to the dress in the desired locations. Ensure that the edges are aligned and that the fabric or trim is securely pinned in place.
7. Sewing: Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to sew the alterations and any additional fabric or trim onto the dress. Sew along the marked lines, removing pins as you go. Reinforce the seams for durability, especially when working with lace fabric.
8. Finishing Touches: Once all alterations are complete, give the dress a final press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles and ensure a polished finish. Trim any loose threads for a clean look.
9. Try On and Adjust: Try the refashioned lace dress on to ensure that it fits comfortably and that you’re happy with the alterations. Make any necessary adjustments as needed.
10. Styling: Style the refashioned lace dress with accessories such as jewelry, shoes, and a handbag to complete the look. Experiment with different styling options to showcase the updated design of the dress.

With these steps, you can successfully refashion a lace dress to give it a new lease on life and make it uniquely your own. Enjoy wearing your revamped creation!

10 How to Sew Fringe on a Dress

This simple tutorial will teach you how to sew fringe onto a frock. This dress is ideal for casual holiday gatherings!