Join or Sign In

2 Sewing Classes are on sale

Craftsy.com

Join or Sign In

Sewing
1. Popular
2. Cake Decorating
3. Knitting
4. Quilting
5. Sewing
6. More
7. Crocheting
8. Embroidery
9. Food & Cooking
10. Home & Garden
11. Jewelry
12. Paper Crafts
13. Spinning
14. Weaving
15. Everything
Online Classes
Patterns
Projects
Supplies
Blog

Join or Sign In

rollover image to zoom

Sewing: Rings of Ruffles Recyled T-shirts Skirt

1102

Rings of Ruffles Recyled T-shirts Skirt

Pattern Info

This project was designed by lilygiggle.
Info can be found at:
Rings of Ruffles Skirt »

Instructions

This is such a fun way to repurpose all of those no longer needed t-shirts into something useful and super cute!

This pattern is available in sizes 6 months-10 years

Difficulty:

Category: Sewing

Type of item: Clothing

For: Children

Style: Cute, Whimsical, Eco-Friendly, Funky

Materials

recycled t-shirts, 1 inch elastic & thread

What was your inspiration?

My daughter who loves anything ruffly and spinny and a whole pile of t-shirts that were on their way to the local thrift store.

What are you most proud of?

How unique each skirt turns out and how much fun they are to wear!

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

Take your time and just have some fun with it. This project requires very few straight lines and has lots of room for getting creative and just enjoying some time behind the sewing machine.

139 comments

Add your comment:

ynelkotze1553439

Jun 03, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

How do I get the pattern?

Shieron Phillips

May 30, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

What a marvelous idea, I look forward to trying something like this. Instead of sending the T-shirts away, use them up. Thanks.

jvdavirro1395567

Apr 14, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

finally something to do with all of those T shirts!

LucyJane

Mar 30, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

I have made the skirts and they are too cute. I have found that all tee shirts are not created equal and some gather better than others. I have a whole bin of tee shirts just waiting to be made into tutu's. I try to find unusual prints or graphics.

Dianeza5

Mar 22, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

What adorable skirts! I think I might it a try!

giggi.jo1090165

Mar 18, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

I like these nice T-shirt skirt.

NIKKI ZELIE

Mar 16, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

I have put this delightful skirt on by "must do list" great work....

karlacrow1277787

Mar 01, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

So cute

EchoLin161286296

Mar 01, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

beautiful dress.

Cindy Outland

Feb 27, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

So cute and girly.

jamiedean

Feb 23, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

nice job and love the skirt!

Rebecca Bronson Benesch

Feb 22, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

After growing an inch or 2 through my middle...ahem...I am going to try to add a couple ruffles to some of my favorite t-shirts...wish me luck!

Like 2 people like this

sharonmor1174743

Feb 13, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

lovely skirts you are so clever

Like 1 person likes this

Patricia Sullivan

Feb 13, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

Adorable skirt, so girly girl. I think my granddaughters would like this.

Like 2 people like this

Elizabeth Mejia

Feb 05, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

So cute I like!

Speech_chicky

Jan 21, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

I purchased this pattern on Black Friday but have not gotten it out yet. So glad you like it.

DonaH

Jan 16, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

Very nice! My 3 yo granddaughter loves clothing that she can twirl in

Crafts of Val

Jan 05, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

What a great idea, I may try this one

LisaC1026

Jan 01, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

So cute! :)

Marfisita

Dec 17, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Your girls are beautiful!

lilygiggle

Dec 09, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Thanks everyone!!!

tea4two781101333

Dec 09, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

These are so cute!!! I want to make some for my granddaughter!!

crafttopia

Nov 24, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Love the look! Like those high end Alabama ladies. Great idea and GREAT LOOK!

MsDanni

Nov 10, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

love it love it love it!!!

jimahouse993309

Oct 13, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Great inspiration !! I have boys , and lots of T-shirts , and Little grandchildren , 3 girls , who love ruffled skirts . Genius!!!

Sew Simple

Oct 05, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Very cute idea!

lilygiggle

Oct 05, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Thanks!

Like 1 person likes this

ycbaez819165

Sep 19, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

This as funky as it gets! I love the whole mismatching deal! Can't wait to make this thank u!

lilygiggle

Sep 20, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

SOo

lilygiggle

Sep 20, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

I meant to say...so glad you like it!11

sm0725946661

Sep 16, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Love it!

lilygiggle

Sep 16, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Thanks so much!

DeeAnna

Sep 14, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

so cute! love the design and the pics! very professional and artsy!

lilygiggle

Sep 16, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Thanks, DeeAnna!

furqan

Jul 26, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Our website is absolutely devoted to carry top-quality device embroidering digitizing styles. Each of the styles that we make is examined and even repaired in several types with different devices placed in the collection. Embroidery Digitizing

Tap Plain

Jul 18, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

How do I buy the pattern??

lilygiggle

Jul 18, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Just click on the link below the photo where it says Pattern Info. The link is in orange and will direct you to my Craftsy pattern shop. :)

yumyumfun768802

Jun 16, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

this is so cute and an easy way to recyle and repurpose clothing items. thanks

Like 1 person likes this

lilygiggle

Jun 17, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

So glad you like it! Thanks!

lilygiggle

Jun 17, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

So glad you like it! Thanks!

lilygiggle

Jun 17, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

So glad you like it! Thanks!

lilygiggle

Jun 17, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

So glad you like it! Thanks!

lilygiggle

Jun 17, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

So glad you like it! Thanks!

lilygiggle

Jun 17, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

So glad you like it! Thanks!

lilygiggle

Jun 17, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

So glad you like it! Thanks!

LalalandMamma

May 22, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

I made one for my son's friend as a birthday present. Everyone loves it. Everyone wants one. Kids and adults. Maybe I will have to set up shop. Up-cycling clothing is one of my favorite methods of re-use.

lilygiggle

May 22, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

That's awesome! I think you should set up shop and have some fun with it. :)

Luna Beach Girl

May 21, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

I am in love with this pattern! My daughter, Piper who is almost 5..calls all her skirts "tu-tu's" and loves anything ruffley! I am going to have to try this for sure! Thanks!

lilygiggle

May 22, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

My 2 year old calls all her skirts "tu-tus" as well!

nanagirly

May 20, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

This is such a great way to go green! I was just about to get rid of qujite a few of my granddaughters clothes that I keep at my house. I've already got visions in my head of all the ways I can refabricate them. Cheers to you for the inspiration!!!

lilygiggle

May 22, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Thank you!

uninspiredrev

May 09, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

adorable! tysm for the inspiration!! i was in a rut and had crafters block till i saw this <3

lilygiggle

May 22, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Crafters block is no fun...so happy to inspire. :)

mreneeneely

Apr 29, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

I love,love,love these!! Can't wait to give it a try! Your modls are waaaay too cute!!!

Like 1 person likes this

SSSews

Apr 24, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Do all these layers of ruffles weigh the skirt down? Especially for little girls without any hips to hold them up. ?

lilygiggle

Apr 25, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

The ruffles do add some weight to the skirt but not enough to be uncomfortable or weigh it down to wear it doesn't stay up on hips. I personally know many little girls who have worn these skirts without any problems...my own 2 daughters, especially! :)

Like 1 person likes this

lilygiggle

Apr 25, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

I meant "where" not "wear"...it's early. :)

chachanan51754

Apr 22, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Adorable,, have to make some for my granddaughter!!

Villalobos

Apr 20, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

That is clever and cute

tova dian dean

Apr 12, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

So adorable!

Cokica

Apr 09, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Slatko bas za male curice. Sooo cutteee

pcelicao7

Mar 26, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Preslatko!So cute!

Carole R

Mar 05, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

What a great way to reuse good fabric - and best of all - it covers the wearer . Hope you are sending one to a young female performer!!!!

OmaTrisha

May 16, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

I agree - it's great to see somting trendy that isn't revealing. Many young stars these days could learn from this!

BienAimeBeloved

Mar 03, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

so adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pinkpeppercorns

Feb 21, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

I'd love to see this in an adult size!

Like 1 person likes this

Kim Foley

Jan 28, 2013

Flag as inappropriate

she has it in her shop! Tweens to ladies XL

SpringChaos

Feb 20, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

These are so cute! The multi colors are fantastic! I'm going to have to hit up a thrift store for colorful tshirts. I'm doing one for myself, but most likely out of muslin!

katie easton

Feb 16, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

very chic!

JulieAnne

Jan 31, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Update, I figured it out. The purcase went through :o)

lilygiggle

Jan 31, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Oh good...so glad it worked for you! Hope you have fun with it!!! :)

JulieAnne

Jan 31, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Good Morning! I really love your concept of recycling t-shirts for this prject. I tried purchasing the pattern, however it says it doesn't exsist. I really want to make the purchase :o)

GirlyGirl

Jan 29, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

You are ruffler extraordinaire!

Like 1 person likes this

lilygiggle

Jan 29, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

kimmiearthur

Jan 27, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

these r to cute . wish i knew how to make them. love them

FrugalGracee

Jan 22, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Beautiful and functional!

hansyd2

Jan 19, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

These are TOO cute...can't wait to make some for my girls!!! Thanks!

lilygiggle

Jan 19, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

You're welcome...so glad you like them!

mamalee

Jan 13, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Darling skirt! How do I get to your Etsy store? It no longer shows on LilyGiggle.com.

lilygiggle

Jan 19, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

www.lilygiggle.etsy.com but you can buy directly from lilygiggle.com, too. :)

judidivin355114

Jan 11, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Don't know how to sew on knit fabrics. My husband is still wearing too small holey t-shirts. When I show him this, and tell him it's for his grand-daughter, he will gladly relinquish them. Unfortunately, that still leaves me - the one who does not know how to with knots. The skirts, by the way, are awesome.y

mamalee

Jan 13, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Use a needle for knits. The point is made to go between the knit stitches. Buy a package of them and change them often for best results.

Like 2 people like this

Carole R

Mar 05, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

You are a very tackful and wise woman!!!!! LOL

dee6262789498

Jun 25, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

To sew knits, use ball point needles on your sewing machine. You can get them where ever sewing machine needles are sold.

dee6262789498

Jun 25, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

To sew knits, use ball point needles on your sewing machine. You can get them where ever sewing machine needles are sold.

dee6262789498

Jun 25, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

To sew knits, use ball point needles on your sewing machine. You can get them where ever sewing machine needles are sold.

dee6262789498

Jun 25, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

To sew knits, use ball point needles on your sewing machine. Sold where ever needles are sold.

dee6262789498

Jun 25, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

To sew knits, use ball point needles on your sewing machine. Sold where ever needles are sold.

prisjo1

Jan 08, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Love these skirts. Canh't wait to finish other projects so I can make some for my girls.

FancyGrancy

Jan 07, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

VERY.COOL!

Strwbryblnde9

Dec 22, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

Just "picked up" sewing. I have alot of different feet for my machine but, don't know which one is the ruffle foot. CAN YA help this girl out? lol

Like 1 person likes this

lilygiggle

Dec 22, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

The kind of ruffle foot that I use is a big ol' contraption that doesn't normally come with a sewing machine. It, truthfully, scared me the first time I used it but now I LOVE it! This is a similar one...http://www.amazon.com/Distinctive-Ruffler-Sewing-Machine-Presser/dp/B003265EX2 Hope this helps! :)

Like 2 people like this

OmaTrisha

May 16, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

You can just use a regular foot, put the stitch length on the longest available, and turn the tension all the way up. The machine will ruffle for you.

Peggy Sue

Nov 30, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

WOWIE....I have 4 BEAUTIFUL granddaughter....ALL will have at least ONE of these....so excited....thanks for sharing your creative ideas....

Like 2 people like this

Karmi55

Aug 11, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Humm...I have FIVE, LOL, great idea!

Becky Jo

Nov 29, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

This is sooo sew cute. After I finish learning to knit this darn sock...I just might be back.

Like 1 person likes this

lilygiggle

Dec 22, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

wish I could knit a darn sock...stink at knitting. :)

Like 1 person likes this

mamalee

Jan 13, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Try watching a video on knitting socks. I was working on socks the first time and got messed up. I asked a knitting friend for help. When she gave it back she had completed the sock and knitted the othe one too. I still couldn't.

Like 1 person likes this

Aliska

Nov 22, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

i love love these skirt very cute

Like 1 person likes this

lynn seamstress

Nov 02, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

love this. and my daughter will start the project i told her it easy.. she only 13

Like 1 person likes this

Ranellp

Oct 29, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

These are adorable.

Like 1 person likes this

Lucy Daniel

Oct 27, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!!

Like 1 person likes this

Sarah_S

Oct 21, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

I love the look of this

Like 1 person likes this

sewhappy2

Oct 17, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

I love this idea and i have a grandaughter who is 9 that will love it as well!!

Like 1 person likes this

Annette Hashaw

Oct 17, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

Just wondering how it looks after washing? does it roll and if so do you like that look?

lilygiggle

Oct 17, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

It washes well and looks the same. When I first came up with the idea and made my first sample I serged all of the edges of the ruffles. It curled up a lot after I washed it the first time but it didn't look bad...just different. My daughter still wears that one a lot and we love it. However, it was time consuming to serge all of the edges and by leaving them raw I found that they wash up better.

Like 3 people like this

BelleEve

Sep 18, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

I ordered this pattern from Lilygiggle and made a skirt. So easy!! The ruffles are a little time consuming, but I sewed them on my machine then sat in front of the TV one evening and pulled all of the create the ruffle. My daughter loves it because the skirt is really cozy. I am excited to try my Lilygiggle legging pattern next!!

Like 2 people like this

lilygiggle

Sep 18, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

Aw...thanks for sharing your experience! Yes, the ruffles can be a bit time-consuming but if you enjoy the ruffles I HIGHLY recommend looking into a ruffler foot for your sewing machine. It makes many of my patterns (or anything with ruffles) faster and more fun. I don't know how I lived without one for so long! :)

Like 1 person likes this

mamalee

Jan 13, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

You can also make ruffles using a serger. It is especially easy if you have one where you can set the differencial to a negative to get a ruffle.

Like 1 person likes this

OmaTrisha

May 16, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

You can also do this on a regular machine. Turn the tension all the way up, make the stitch as long as it will go, and then tug just a bit on the fabric as you guide it under the needle. It gathers for you.

frogmama

Sep 12, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

there is no "spinny" picture! I bet they are cute! My first sewing adventure will be making a circle skirt for each of my girls, but this is next!! With today's styles, too, I bet you could use some of the screen printed sections of the shirts (heavy screen-printing would not softly curl, of course, though)

lilygiggle

Sep 12, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

Absolutely...I've made this with screenprinted shirts, too. I love mixing prints and solids for this one.

Craftsy

Sep 08, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

We've added this project to our Featured Projects on our home page. Congrats!

Like 1 person likes this

lilygiggle

Sep 08, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

Awesome!!! Thanks so much! :)

Carsmystic

Sep 04, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

so cute,I so want to make these skirts for my two grandaughters, will be great christmas presents, as it will be summer here then....

jacichamb31065

Sep 04, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

Love it! Gonna make one for both my girls!

lilygiggle

Sep 04, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

Yay! :)

lrpost

Sep 04, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

How can I get the instructions????? I see the list of supplies needed, but no instructions. Have 5 little grandaughters that really need this skirt! Thanks

lilygiggle

Sep 04, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

Click on the name of the skirt next to the flower icon that says "By Designer" and it will take you to my Etsy shop where this pattern is for sale...thanks! :)

Like 1 person likes this

Karmi55

Aug 11, 2012

Flag as inappropriate

Awww! me too, lol

KatrinaRachel

Sep 03, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

How cute is that. Can't wait to make a couple for my neices. I have been saving old t shirts for about six months now, without any real idea of what I would do with them, now I know. Thanks!

knitnutbetts

Sep 03, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

I am anxious to start one of these for new great-granddaughter. I made my daughter's wedding dress and she had to have 13 ruffles cascading down the train--1980's and it was my own design since there was no pattern. It won Best of Show in the State and County fairs. Think this skirt is really cute too. Thanks!

Like 2 people like this

lilygiggle

Sep 03, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

You should have no problems with this skirt after making all of those ruffles on a wedding dress! Sounds beautiful.

flapperjules

Sep 03, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

How can I get the instructions??? Thanks!

mreneeneely

Sep 03, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

Ditto! Where are they? How am I missing it? lol

lilygiggle

Sep 03, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

They are for sale in my Etsy shop...just click on the name of the skirt above and it will take you there...thanks! :)

traceyuhe129961

Sep 03, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

This is so adorable! It really makes me wish I could sew!

Like 1 person likes this

nannikins

Sep 03, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

me too!

brownie mom

Sep 03, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

i got a sewing machine for christmas last year and still have not used it as i do not know how.

brownie mom

Sep 03, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

i got a sewing machine for christmas last year and have not used it as i do not know how to.

Like 1 person likes this

Stefanie Japel
Craftsy Instructor

Aug 30, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

This is a gorgeous design! I love that it's made of recycled t-shirts!

Like 3 people like this

AnneaKay

Oct 29, 2011

Flag as inappropriate

Too cute!