Tiered T-shirt Skirt

When making these skirts all you need is some XL t-shirts of different colors or designs and your creativity. This tutorial will teach you how to sew a skirt with these t shirts.
Included on this page are directions on how to sew a skirt for the following projects:

Tiered Skirt
Simple T-shirt Skirt
3 tier Skirt
T shirt skirt with ruffle
Recycle your T-shirts into a skirt and video

Sewing Materials Available

How to Sew a Skirt with Tiers for an Adult or Teen

In this tshirt skirt we won't be gathering the layers making a ruffled look (see the project down below for a ruffled skirt). This will make the skirt easier to create for older teens and adults.

You will use 2-3 t-shirts of different colors that are all the same size preferably large or XL t-shirts.

Cut 3 or 4 strips. Depending on the length you'd like, add more strips if you'd like a longer skirt. Make your strips 7 or 8 inches wide. You can vary the widths if you would like. Leave the side edges in tact and just cut straight across the width of the tshirts.

Leave one strip with the bottom hem intact to be the bottom hem of your skirt.
Pin the bottom strip to the next strip, making sure to pin the side stitching together. Sew two strips together.
Continue with remaining strips.
On top edge of skirt turn edge 1/2 inch down and then 1 inch down. Pin along edge. Sew along edge leaving a 1 inch gap for inserting elastic. Insert elastic and sew securely. Sew 1 inch gap closed. Need a reminder on how to insert elastic?

More T-shirt Skirt Projects

Simple T-shirt Skirt

This skirt project works better for smaller sizes. Using an XL t-shirt, cut t-shirt into two long rectangles by cutting from bottom up and across from below the collar. Make sure you cut through front and back of shirt.

Measure around your hips and add 4-5 inches to the measurement. Cut your t-shirt rectangles to fit your measurement.

Sew along side edges. Turn bottom edge of skirt up 1/4-1/2 inch and pin. Sew hem.

Sew a casing for inserting elastic. Measure elastic around waist and add 1-2 inches. Cut length of elastic needed. Insert elastic into casing. Try on to make sure it fits properly. Sew elastic together backstitching several times to make secure. Sew 1 inch gap.

3 Tier T-shirt Skirt

From 3 separate t-shirts, Cut the following rectangles depending on your size. If you need to, sew two pieces together to equal the length needed. If you cut #3 along the bottom hem of your t-shirt the hem is already done for you.

6-8 years	1.) 6x 36 2.) 7x40 3.) 8x46
8-10 years	1.) 6x38 2.) 7x42 3.) 8x48
10 years and up	Continue to add 2 inches on each length for each year beyond. For example size 10 would be 6x40 7x44, 8x50

See our tiered t-shirt skirt for how to sew this project in a teen or adult size.

3 tiers cut for skirt

Once you've cut your rectangles from your t-shirts, sew a gather stitch on top of #2 and the top of #3.

3 tiers gathered

Gather skirt ruffle #2 and pin to match bottom of #1. Sew together.

sewing gathered layers

Gather skirt ruffle #3 and pin to match bottom of #2. Sew together.

On top edge of skirt turn edge 1/2 inch down and then 1 inch down. Pin along edge. Sew along edge leaving a 1 inch gap for inserting elastic. Insert elastic and sew securely. Sew 1 inch gap closed. Need a reminder on how to insert elastic?

Need a fun hand sewing project?
Felt Sewing Patterns!

T-shirt Skirt with Ruffle

Use one or two XL t-shirts, whatever style or colors you like. Cut t-shirt into long rectangle panels by cutting from bottom up along armpits and across the top below the collar.

With a different t-shirt, cut a ruffle piece by cutting bottom of t-shirt about 4-5 inches wide or as wide as you would like. Include the hem of the t-shirt so you won't have to sew a hem later.

ruffled tshirt pieces

Sew the two side edges of your top. Set aside.

Gather stitch the top of the ruffle piece. Gather. With right sides together match gathered edges with bottom of top piece. Pin in place. Sew together.

skirt with ruffle

If you didn't cut ruffle piece on hem turn edge up and sew a hem.

Sew a casing and insert elastic.

t-shirt skirt with ruffle

Recycle Your T-shirts into a Skirt

If you have a closet of t-shirts you don't like anymore, try cutting rectangle panels out of your shirts. Starting along the sides, cut up the side and across the top. This pattern works great for t-shirts with designs or logos.

You will sew your rectangle panels together, sewing as many together as needed to go around your hips and waist plus a few inches for stretch. Sew a casing on the top of your panels and insert elastic.