Cut a Thrifted Dress in Half

Upcycling clothes is a fantastic way to breathe new life into old garments. In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to transform a thrifted dress into a trendy two-piece set—a top and skirt! 

It’s a simple project that only requires a few steps, and with some fabric scissors, an iron, and a sewing machine, you’ll have a brand-new outfit in no time. Let’s get started!

Tools and materials: 

• Dress
• Fabric scissors 
• Iron
• Sewing machine
• Clips
• Fabric pins
• Elastic

1. Cut the dress

Lay the dress flat on your workboard. Using fabric scissors, cut straight across the center of the dress. This will divide it into two pieces—one for the top and one for the skirt.

2. Fold the skirt edge

Take the skirt piece and fold the top edge over about an inch. This will create a neat waistband. Use your fingers to press the fold flat.

3. Iron the skirt fold

Once you’ve folded the top of the skirt, press it down with a hot iron. The heat will help the fold stay in place and create a clean edge.

4. Fold the top edge

Next, take the top piece of the dress and fold the bottom edge inside about an inch so that the raw edge is hidden.

This will create a hem for the top. Use the iron again to press the fold down on the bottom of the top. This will ensure it stays in place while you sew.

5. Sew the top

Take the top to your sewing machine. Sew along the folded edge of the top to secure the hem. This will give the bottom of the top a neat and professional finish.

6. Pin and sew the elastic to the skirt

Cut a piece of elastic that fits around your waist comfortably. Clip and pin the elastic to the top edge of the skirt, making sure it’s evenly spaced. Then, sew the elastic onto the skirt to secure it.

7. Fold and sew the skirt waistband

Fold the elastic over and tuck the fabric over it so that the elastic is hidden inside. Sew along the top of the skirt again, ensuring the fabric is covering the elastic, to hold it securely in place.