How to Make a T-Shirt Skirt (No-Sew & Sewing)

Turning an old t-shirt into a skirt is a quick, zero-waste DIY that gives new life to a worn or outgrown shirt. You can make a simple pull-on skirt with just scissors (no sewing), or add a waistband and hem for a more polished version. This guide covers both methods, so you can choose based on your skill level and the look you want. All you need is a t-shirt, scissors, and about 15 minutes.

What You’ll Need

1 adult-sized t-shirt (larger sizes give a longer skirt; kids’ shirts make doll skirts or very short skirts)
Sharp fabric scissors (regular scissors work but may snag knit fabric)
Optional: sewing machine or needle and thread, elastic (1–2 inches wide), safety pin
Optional: ruler or measuring tape, chalk or fabric marker

Step-by-Step

Lay the shirt flat. Smooth out wrinkles, with the front side up. Cut straight across the shirt just below the armpits, removing the sleeves and the top portion. You should now have a tube of fabric that goes from the underarm area down to the hem.
Decide on length. Try the tube on over your hips (or the intended wearer’s hips). The bottom hem of the shirt will be the hem of your skirt. If it’s too long, trim the bottom evenly. If it’s too short, you can add a fabric strip as a ruffle (see Tips).
For a no-sew skirt: Cut vertical slits about 1–2 inches apart from the top edge down about 2–3 inches. Then, cut small horizontal slits at the bottom of each vertical slit to create a fringe. Tie the top fringe pieces together in double knots, pairing each front strip with the corresponding back strip. This creates a stretchy, fringed waistband that sits on the hips.
For a sewn skirt with elastic waistband: Fold the raw top edge down about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and press with an iron. Sew a casing, leaving a 2-inch opening. Thread elastic through the casing using a safety pin. Cut the elastic to your waist measurement minus 1 inch (for snug fit). Overlap the elastic ends by 1 inch and sew them together securely. Close the casing opening.
Hem the bottom (optional). If you cut the bottom to adjust length, fold the raw edge up 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) and sew a straight stitch. For a no-sew hem, use fabric glue or hem tape, or simply leave the edge raw—knit fabric won’t fray.
Finish and wear. Turn the skirt right side out, give it a good tug to stretch the fabric, and it’s ready to wear. If you used the no-sew fringe method, the knots will sit on the outside or inside depending on your preference.

Common Mistakes

Cutting the shirt too short. Remember that the shirt’s hem is the skirt’s hem, so the length is determined by how far down you cut the top. Start longer—you can always trim more.
Not using a large enough shirt. A medium t-shirt will only make a very short skirt for an adult. Use an XL or XXL for a knee-length skirt.
Tying knots too loosely. If you don’t pull the fringe knots tight, the waistband will stretch out and slide down.
Skipping the casing allowance. When sewing an elastic waistband, you need enough fabric to fold over and create a casing. If the shirt is too short, you won’t have room.

Tips

Use a shirt with a hem that’s already straight. The bottom hem of a t-shirt is usually a clean finished edge—use that as your skirt’s hem to avoid any sewing.
Add a ruffle for more length. If the skirt is too short, cut off a strip of fabric from the sleeves or another shirt and sew it to the bottom for a ruffle.
Layer it over leggings or shorts. A t-shirt skirt can be quite short; wearing it over leggings or bike shorts makes it more modest and practical.
Try a side slit. For more movement, cut a small slit up one side of the skirt, but don’t go above the hip line.
Use a shirt with a fun graphic. Position the graphic so it sits on the front of the skirt for a unique look.

Troubleshooting

The skirt is too tight at the hips. If the shirt is too small to pull over your hips, you can cut open one side seam and insert a contrasting fabric panel, or simply use a larger shirt.
The waistband is too loose. For the no-sew version, re-tie the knots tighter. For the sewn version, remove the elastic and replace it with a shorter piece.
The fabric rolls at the cut edge. Knit fabric naturally curls. If you don’t like it, hem the edge or use fabric glue to hold it down.
The skirt is too long. Trim the bottom evenly, but remember to hem the new edge if you want a clean finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a t-shirt skirt without sewing? Yes, the no-sew method uses only scissors and knots. You’ll create a fringed waistband that ties together.
What size t-shirt do I need for a knee-length skirt? For an adult, you’ll need at least an XL or XXL. The longer the shirt, the longer the skirt. A men’s large might work for a shorter skirt.
Will the skirt fit if I have larger hips? The stretch of the fabric helps, but if the shirt is too snug, it won’t pull up. Choose a shirt with some stretch and that is wider than your hips.
How do I keep the skirt from riding up? The weight of the fabric and a snug waistband help. If it’s still riding up, consider adding a lining or wearing it over tights.
Can I use a kids’ t-shirt? Yes, for a doll or a very short skirt for a small child. For a human adult, you’d need to add fabric to make it long enough.
What if I cut the shirt crooked? Use a ruler and fabric chalk to mark a straight line before cutting. If you already cut crooked, trim the bottom to even it out.

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