Upcycled T-Shirt Romper and Dress Sewing Pattern
This post may contain affiliate links.
Upcycle an adult t-shirt into a romper or a dress with this sewing pattern in toddler and baby sizes. There are three views with lots of different options.
I’m so excited to share this pattern with you! The Upcycled T-Shirt Romper and Dress pattern comes with six baby and toddler sizes and three views.
I came up with the idea for this pattern SEVEN years ago. I had a beautiful baby boy and I wanted to sew for him, but I wanted to use what I had.
I had a bunch of leftover t-shirts that inspired the idea of making a romper. I figured out how to reuse the neckline and sleeve hem. I made a bunch, shared a free romper pattern in size 6 mos, and then left it at that.
Fast forward to about a year ago when I decided to expand the pattern. It has been a long and slow process, and I’m not very good at the instruction and pattern side.
It was really important to me to finish this pattern and share it with you. I wanted you to be able to sew and save money, sew and save time, sew and save memories, and sew to help prevent so many t-shirts from going to the landfill.
Get inspired with all the cool upcycled clothing you can make with this pattern!
What is a PDF sewing pattern?
A PDF pattern is a sewing pattern designed on the computer and organized so that it can be printed on several letter or A4 size pieces of paper.
I love using PDF sewing patterns because if the pattern gets ruined or if my children or I changed sizes, I can always print it again. It’ll never be destroyed since I have a digital version!
How do you use a PDF sewing pattern?
Open the PDF on a computer and click print. When printing make sure that the scaling is set to 100% or no scaling so that the pattern prints at the correct size.
Once the pattern is printed it can be taped together to get the full size. Then the pattern can be cut for each pattern piece size or individual sizes can be traced so that the pattern can be used again and again. Learn how to use PDF sewing patterns.
Upcycled T-Shirt Romper
The first view of the pattern is a romper with either short or long sleeves and short or long pants. The neckline overlaps for easy on and off, and the pattern reuses the original neckline and sleeve hem.
It’s perfect for boys and girls, and it has leg openings for easy diaper changes.
Upcycled T-Shirt A-Line Dress
The second view of the pattern is an A-line dress with either short or long sleeves. The neckline overlaps for easy on and off, and the pattern reuses the original neckline and possibly the t-shirt hem.
It’s perfect for little girls and is really fast to sew.
Upcycled T-Shirt Gathered Skirt Dress
The third view of the pattern is a dress with a gathered skirt and either short or long sleeves. The neckline overlaps for easy on and off, and the pattern reuses the original neckline and the t-shirt hem.
It’s perfect for little girls and is really fast to sew.
T-Shirt Romper Variations
I have the original adult t-shirt to baby romper with a free pattern from seven years ago, and I also have an updated t-shirt romper with a free pattern with better pictures.
You can also make a DIY colorblocked t-shirt romper, a DIY t-shirt romper with gathered hems, a DIY ruffle bum t-shirt romper, and a DIY t-shirt romper with a faux drawstring waist.
In the process of perfecting the pattern and making tons of rompers, I also made my daughter a romper and I added gathered pieces to the top of the sleeves. I just think it’s so cute and versatile!
Buy The Upcycled T-Shirt Romper and Dress pattern
Do you love to upcycle? Try some of these other great sewing patterns!
- Upcycled T-shirt Leggings and Shorts Pattern
- Upcycled Pants, Shorts, and Bloomers Pattern
- Upcycled Men’s Shirt Romper, Dress, and Shirt Pattern
- Upcycled Blazer Sewing Pattern
- Baby T-Shirt Pants Pattern
If you make something using this pattern, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #upcycledtshirtromper or#heatherhandmade and tag me!
I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather
I purchased the pattern but had not made an account… I wasn’t able to open the pattern with the app my phone suggested bc it required a purchase. I also attempted to email the zip folder to myself and have not received. Any help would be appreciated!
Download the zip folder and then you need a computer to open the zip folder to access the pattern.
I love this idea. After making a t-shirt quilt, I had lots of t-shirt pieces left. I have made tunics, dresses and doll clothes. However, I never thought to include the neckline in the pattern. I actually took the neckline ribbing off the t-shirt and put it on the new garment. It would have been so much easier to have incorporated it into the dress in the first place.
If you follow this link you can find the pattern to purchase: https://www.heatherhandmade.com/product/upcycled-t-shirt-romper-and-dress/
It goes up to 2T/24 mos size.
Hi my son is in size 24 months to 2t clothing. How can I make one for
His size? Thank you
What kind of T-shirts are you using? I bought this pattern and have tried Men’s medium, Men’s small, and all sizes of Ladies t-shirts. I every case when I line up the top seam with the neckline I cannot get the entire neckline on the neckline of the t-shirt. It misses probably by 1′-2″. I am using size 12-18mo. If I open up the side seams then the back piece isn’t on the neckline. Suggestions?
I would recommend using a medium or larger for the 12-18 mos size. Maybe even a large. Some ladies t-shirts have a scoop neck which is a larger opening that would work well for the 12-18 mos size.