FREE T-Shirt Dress SEWing Tutorial! 

My mother taught me to sew. My Home Economics taught me to draft a simple pattern to fit. I am 69 but learned to sew at age 14. My first project was pants. My first project that I was most pleased was my wedding dress. The biggest challenge to me is choosing the best fabric for the sewing pattern. I began with cotton wovens and am now loving the new fibers with knits as well. For a year, 1987-88, I sewed for a blue jeans garment house--Lee Manufacturing--and certified as an Adler Machine Operator. I was paid both by the hour and by the piece. My job: sewing on hip pockets to the tune of 1,600 pairs per shift while simultaneously surging the inner seam of the pant panels. Yeah. Flying! $$$$. I earned the label: seamstress. ...and I still learning more everyday. ~ L

I will say it 1000x I'm an forever grateful for Ellie and Mac I won a serger in 2019 by commenting on one of your videos, began sewing using your patterns and never looked back. Will for ever be a part of the E&M family ❤️❤️❤️

I'm 61 and just got my first machine last Christmas. I'd sewn a little in HomeEc class in junior high and enjoyed it; but about that time, my mom got a new machine and gave her old one to my older sister. I wasn't allowed to touch the new one. :o) Mama was an avid, skilled sewer all the time I was growing up, but stopped sewing in the 80s or 90s. I got married, had 5 kids, and as an army chaplain's wife, moved all over the world, never having money or space to start the hobby. Now that I've taken it up, Mama says I've inspired her to resume sewing. That makes me really happy. Your videos are so helpful and encouraging, though I often need Mama's help and advice.

Teaching myself. Fed up of clothes not fitting right as Im tall, want to make whats in my head with funky fabrics. Love your channel, so easy to follow. Thank you.

You taught me to sew with knits!! I saw your video for the Everyday Tee, and figured I could follow along with my sewing machine. I did it, and went and got a serger! I now have a ton of E&M patterns, and love every one of them. I will be doing this one next, I think. You are so easy and fun to follow along, and I have learned so much from you.

I started to sew when the pandemic started last 2019 and at first I just want to make a face masks and when I got my sewing machine I started to learned how to sewed a blouse which I ripped the front and back and the shoulder to make as a patterned and that started my hobbies sewing different blouses. Also by the help of watching RU-vid I learned so much. Still sewing once in a while.

I am 74 so I have been sewing for at least 64 years. I learned from my mother and grandmother and home ec classes in junior and senior high school. However I only started sewing with stretch and knit fabrics about two years ago. I have learned so much from watching yours and other videos on You Tube and from Craftsy classes. My granddaughter loves that I sew her leggings, dresses and tops all the time now.

I learned to sew from my mother when I was six (so 48 years ago now). She even bought me a little plastic sewing machine that I would sew doll and barbie clothes on. I started sewing more after having 4 children. Now I have 10 grandchildren and I sew almost non-stop. I own every single pattern that E&M has on their site. I love the ease and design of your patterns. I also love watching tutorials as sometimes i find I am stuck in my ways of doing things and seeing new ways and tips makes sewing even more fun. So thank you for your tutorials.

In 1970 I was in High School and bought my own sewing machine. I bought it to sew down the pleats on my uniform skirts. (like you did on the skirt the other day). Then in 1972 a girl in school showed me how to lay out a pattern and I made a jump suit. It was navy blue with white dotted swiss. Sleeveless and a zipper up the front. It turned out well except I should have shorten the bodice some, but still looked good. I tried making a few things but too interested in boys at that time...LOL... Got married in Dec. of 1973 had kids in 75,76,77. My oldest daughter born in 75, I made all her pants. She'd only wear elastic waist and at that time you couldn't hardly find those kinds of pants. In 1979 I made my sister's wedding dress, nothing fancy just a long dress with a train. In 1989 started making quilts and never made another garment until 2021. Just making PJ's and tops for grandsons and daughter.

Love the different hacks. Gorgeous dress.

I’ve been sewing for 52 years, since I was 10. My mom taught me but I had never sewn with knits until last year. I learned to do this with your, and other, videos on RU-vid. You even influenced me to get a coverstitch machine!

I have been sewing since I was about eight years old, so about 50 years. My mom taught me, and I increase and improve my skills with videos and from other sewists.

I wore my first outfit (blouse and skirt) at the leaving ceremony of my primary school in 1959 and have been sewing on and off ever since. My most productive period was when my boys were small and I particularly loved sewing their PJ's! I am now 76 and enjoy it even more, sewing for myself and my grandchildren, having bought a digital machine last year and an overlocker this year. And I love the versatility of this PJ pattern😊

I have wanted to sew, since I was a child. My grandmother was an amazing seamstress and made a lot of her own clothes. Unfortunately, I never really had the time, energy, or inclination to sit down and properly learn to sew. I could mend a hem, but that was about it. When Covid hit, I got laid off from my job - but I was expected to be called back - so I didn't have to look for work. At the tender age of 50, I decided that with all the free time on my hands, I would properly learn to sew. I decided to make masks. Blood, sweat, and tears (literally) went into learning to make those masks. But, I didn't give up and eventually got it. I've since made a few simple skirts and tops. I've recently started sewing with knits - so much different than sewing with quilting cotton! I just bought a serger (the model in this video) and am looking forward to not having to sew seam tape into everything!

i got this serger as valentines/11 year anniversary gift from husband. even though it`s second hand, it`s super easy to use. i have never used one before, but very happy with it. have this pattern too, really want to try make something like this too for my daughter that loves dresses and needs some pyjamas 😊😊😊

Great idea!

I have been a RU-vid learner. I have made the Dreamy and the sunny day with you. I still struggle with bands. I did the every day tee with success. You really have good examples in this video on the sewing of the bands! I think I will make this as a nightgown / cover up for the pool! Thanks!

Love this

Beautiful and excellent instructions ❤️❤️❤️

Love this one!! Great pattern

Great video! I didn't know about finding the center on the shoulder neckline.

My homemake teacher is who I learn from but it's been years since I sewn.

Looking forward to giving this one a try. Thanks for sharing your lovely project.

Self taught and learned so much from you! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Lol well, I learned some sewing with my grandma and my aunt whom I have adopted as my mom...sew by hand and such but never really learned to sew with knits. You have taught me to sew with knits, have helped me with my confidence level which is a part of learning to sew and have introduced me to pdf pattern which before that I could not for the life of me tackle the idea of sewing a pattern, it was all too much and complicated. I love the clarity and simplicity of Ellie and Mac patterns, that too is a part of learning to sew. I have learned all this which was my greatest love and desire but could never get it right. It all started last year in 2021 not because of covid I should say (different story for that) and since I have purchased a serger and coverstitch which by the way, you taught me how to use. The only regrets is not having purchased both of them sooner, but I didn't know I "need" 🤔 them, and you have introduced me to Olga's closet which is a great source to learn your fabric types especially with her live shows and great prices for practicing knits your not familiar with. That too is learning sewing. So you see, you have taught me a TON in just one year, not even a full year. Anyway, short story long lol thanks for helping me through my journey and you didn't even know it. I love your personality and your puppy partner, reminds me of me and mine only mine is an old puppy face ❤️

I love it

Hey girl!!! This dress is soo cute. I’ve been sewing on and off for 5 years for my kids. I’m finally starting to make stuff for me!! I’m also self taught. I had a sudden urge to learn one day and dove right in.

I use your tutorials for putting a garment together along with the instructions as I can see the way you are doing it a great help. Thank you for the great tutorials.

New to sewing going on two years now and your videos taught me 🥰

Learn to sew with you! Thank you for great tutorials. I have not experience sewing. My projects turn out great with you helping me.

I absolutely love your videos! I have learned so much from you. You always make it look so easy. I can't wait to make this t-shirt dress and use it as a bath suit cover up. My mother taught me to sew but I never really appreciated what a skill set it was. She bought me my first sewing machine after I got married and only used it off and on. I recently purchased an embroidery machine and now I'm doing all kinds of sewing. I make bags, wallets, clothes anything and everything I can think of. I can't wait to make this dress and add some embroidery on it. Maybe some palm trees or pink flamingos! Keep those videos coming!

J'adore Merci!!

I found your channel when I was looking for Serger machine content and never left. Thanks for the real time tutorial. Would love more serger tips.

I love the way you teach and enthuse about everything. I started sewing during the first lockdown in the UK and made masks then in January 2021 I had lessons from a fabulous teacher, all done online. I bought a new sewing machine and have followed lots of your work to help me so thank you 😊 x

I have been sewing for 3 weeks! Learning from you and all the E&M tutorials. Making a ton of mistakes and may be donating some of my fails but I learn on every attempt and having fun. Knowing I'm not good yet, I'm buying fabric on deep sale! LOL I sew with you constantly in the background and foreground! I pause, attempt, play, pause, pull out the ripper and watch again! Love the E&M patterns but I'm a mega beginner!

This was great. I don't sew for myself but I think I will give this a try. This would make a cute nightshirt. Thank you for this tutorial.

Currently in ER with hubby; will get back to you ASAP!! Love your videos!

I'm so brand new to sewing, and having to teach myself from RU-vid videos! I've come to find that yours are so helpful and inspiring!! Coming from someone who is passionate about designing things and trying to start up a handmade boutique, your channel is so refreshing, and I appreciate your tips, tricks, and explanations so much! thank you.

You are an awesome teacher. thank you. I have sewn for years with wovens, but am totally new to (and terrified) of knits! My mother and my grandmother were my teachers. No I am a grandmother and would love to use knits to make things for my grandchildren.

Hi Diana. I taught to sew on RU-vid and your video's are so good to learn from. You make it look very easy. I have been sewing for two years now. It is going better and better each time

I am brand spanking new to sewing! I am trying to learn how to sew by watching RU-vid. I have this pattern and am going to make a knit dress. I really like your fabric

Stunning, tx so much for your easy to follow videos. I want to add the flutter sleeve, is this possible and do you have a pattern for the sleeve?

I am a new sexist, and watch you a lot. Thank you. Love it always

Here is a wonderful tutorial @Kathy Blazer...

Self-taught and you. I learn a lot from you. I thank you very much. E&M patterns are so gorgeous and unique I love them all. The fits are amazing with sew-along, how is it to be easy than sew along with you? When I heard someone has struggled to put together especially a neckband always tell them to check E &M patterns. That is the only answer I have 🤭. Thanks again

I absolutely love your videos. I did basic sewing at school, but other than that I am self-taught. I am learning so much watching the videos and using the Ellie & Mac Patterns.

Started sewing almost 20 years ago now. I had gone to purchase a swimsuit and was disgusted with the cost. Bought a serger and a sewing machine and constructed my own for about 1/2 the cost (hadn't found discount fabric shops online yet.) In any case, my first serger was a Brother 1034. I have to admit, I hated it. Could never get the stitches balanced, plus it was a refurb, so came with limited documentation. I thought perhaps it was the serger not being properly adjusted, so brought it to a sewing center. They showed me that it was in fact me, but sold me a used Elna 945 computerized serger. Yes, it was a pain to thread, but the stitches were always balanced and strong. From that point forward have always made my own bathing suits, and other apparel. I much prefer sewing with knits because I find them to be much more forgiving, so very rarely sew with wovens unless making a quilt. The Elna was relegated to coverstitch and purchased a new Husqvarna 936 for serging. Currently still use the 936 for serging and have a Janome 2000CPX for coverstitch. Like you, I was self taught. Cute T-shirt dress, will have to get the pattern !

Great video. Now I need to print off the knit tee shirt and make a night shirt

cute

Love it! What is the dress pattern that you are wearing? (the green floral)

I was adopted at 2 yrs old. My Mother taught me to sew. Dont remember not using her Singer sewing machine!

It would be super cute with a little elastic inside to define the waist too!

I love the style of the dress, I would love to wear that to work. How do get the free pattern that your using?

Beautiful where is that fabric from

Do you have to put the sleeve in that way or can you put the sleeve together and then insert the sleeve.

What are your serger settings

I’m thinking I might trade in my current serger for a cover stitch!

Is there a way to make this into a nursing dress?

Not sure where to find this pattern?

Can you let me know where you got your little pattern weights from. Thank you :)

One other comment, When you turn the garment inside out to sew on the neck band, don't get turned around and put the seam on the front center - not saying I did that ...well, more than 2 or 3 times, but it is annoying to have to remove all those serger stitches.

If you had to choose between a coverstitch or a serger which one would you take first?

I am self taught,started out making masks than making other little things..been too nervous to make clothes yet,I so want to!!

There’s no link for the tee shirt..

How do I get the pattern?

What t-shirt size did you sew on this video?

When I go to the free pattern, it isn't there!

There's no audio 🥺

am I the only one who though this fabric looked like bacon?👀🥓🤣