If you’ve run out of love for an old and worn dress, how about transforming it into a skirt and top? Our friends over at Love Your Clothes are here to help with their guide on how to make a dress into a skirt and top!
Doubling up is easy with this guide – all you need is some thread, elastic, a sewing machine and a splash of patience.
It’ll teach you the skills on the job and you’ll end up with a great new look – times two!
What you’ll need
- A dress
- Matching thread
- Wide elastic to fit your waist measurement
- Pins
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Scissors
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Sewing machine
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Iron and ironing board
Method
Step 1

Step 2
Fold and press the cut edges of the top in on themselves by about 0.5cm, then 1cm, to create a nice even double- folded hem edge.
Step 3
Pin the edges you’ve just pressed in place, then sew the hem using a medium to long-length straight stitch and matching thread. You’ll need to be careful to hold this flat and straight while you sew.
Step 4
Step 5
Fold the top edge of the skirt over to the wrong side in by 1 cm and press it flat. Sew it down using a long straight stitch.

Step 6
Step 7

Step 8
Step 9
Step 10
Stretch and adjust the elasticated waist until the gathers are evenly distributed

Learn more on Love Your Clothes’ website, and by watching the video that accompanies this guide
Want to give it a go? See what vintage and second-hand dresses you can source on Preloved