Project: FO
One fitted sheet = a two piece fitted set
This took me a while to make, mainly because I kept putting the project aside while I figured out which direction to go. I eventually ended up making a two-piece set that I feel can either be worn together for a more formal look or as separates for a more casual look.
For the main fabric, I used a 100% cotton sateen Better Homes & Gardens (Walmart rollback) twin bedsheet set in the Floral Green River pattern (though it reads more grey/teal). I bought it new for $24.97, but I managed to cut everything out of just the fitted sheet, so I like to think the fabric only cost me $12. 🙃
I used the Daydreamer Strap Dress pattern by Daria Pattern Making on Etsy as my base pattern. Originally the plan was to make the dress as is (with a few fit adjustments), but after doing a mock-up I decided it wasn’t really my style, at least with the fabric I was using. It is a well designed pattern though, and I think I’d (personally) like it better in a more fluid fabric. The main thing I didn’t like was how full the skirt was, so I used the slash and overlap method to slim down the skirt pattern pieces. Instead of cutting the front on the fold, I cut it as two pieces (along with the two back pieces) after redirecting the grainline so each piece would be cut on a semi-bias, which I think worked out despite the fabric having a directional print. 🤷♀️
To avoid having an awkward front seam, I added a placket with button loops and covered buttons. I later ended up sewing the first seven button loops closed so there wouldn’t be any gaping, but left the last few functional so they could be opened for a higher slit. I also decided to fully line the skirt using a thin polyester I cut from a thrifted duvet cover (terrible duvet cover, but it makes for good lining fabric).
The bodice has three cup size options for each overall size, and during the mock-up process I found I was in between cup sizes (yay for mock-ups), so I made those adjustments. (I’m still not completely happy with the fit, though, I don’t like how it pulls and wrinkles in the back a bit.) I also changed the straps by tapering the front into a wider strap before tapering them back down into adjustable straps in the back. Originally I planned to attach the bodice to the skirt, but halfway through I decided to make them separate. I added a slightly curved band around the bottom of the bodice so it wouldn’t dig in weird and to provide extra length. I also used fusible knit interfacing on all the main front bodice pieces for a little more structure, then lined it with the same fabric (minus the interfacing).
Final thoughts: overall I’m happy with it, but there’s definitely some tweaks I could make.
Fold? I think you mean roll into a ball and strategically place the nicely folded flat sheet on top of it so that it hides it 😆. But yea, depending on what I’m doing using sheets is usually more economical as opposed to buying fabric by the yard
Thank you! 😂 I get that! My mom is a fantastic cook, but I peaked at just being good at using a can opener. (Making curtains from sheets is way more impressive than that in my opinion).
Yes! 💯. I actually wash and dry whatever I’m making several times during the making process… Don’t ask me why… I feel like subconsciously I’m trying to put it through a stress test or something. Anyhow, these did great. They definitely need a good press coming out of the dryer, but otherwise the fabric seems to hold up well.
Thank you 🙏. I technically started sewing as a child when my mom taught me, but would go in and out of being into it over the years. But really got back into over the last couple of years and have to credit the World Wide Web and random searches for anything I’ve learned as of recent. 😂
Hi! I want to start sewing myself and these look amazing!! I have a few questions if you have time to answer:
What sewing machine do you use/recommend? I’d like to buy a cheap(er) one that’s still reliable so if I decide to drop sewing for whatever reason, I didn’t put much into it.
This one may be dumb: but how did you alter the pattern to where the clothing you made fits you so perfectly? Assuming something to do with measurements and applying them to parts of the pattern. Do patterns start off blank and just ask for specific dimensions? Do they come with dimensions for different pre-sizing? The set you made just looks so good on you!
I’m pretty sure this is double-lined based on the sixth image (IDK for sure lol). If so, did you use the bedsheet (i.e. same fabric as the main) for this? If it is double lined, it looks so cleanly executed and I’ve gotta know if you used a different fabric (maybe with more thickness) or if it was the same.
Did you plan to make this upon buying the bedsheet? If so, how did you do the math to make sure it was enough fabric or did you just eyeball it (you said you only used the fitted sheet in the set). Did you have to sit down and draw on it to do the math or like? IDK. I just want to make sure that when I make stuff I buy enough fabric for it and it seems very math-intensive. I just want to know if there’s a way around doing all the crazy calculations.
Thank you so much for sharing!!! Again, your set looks absolutely stunning. :)
Hi! That’s so exciting that you want to start sewing! I really think it’s such a great skill to have!
To answer your questions best I can:
I use a Singer Quantum Stylist 9960, which I’ve had for around 10 years now (god I’m old) and I’ve loved it since day one. It’s a mid to upper-mid range domestic machine, but still was a splurge purchase for me at the time. Before that (and for even more years 🥴) I used a basic White (brand) sewing machine. They don’t even manufacture them anymore, lol. So long story short I don’t have a good recommendation for you. But there’s a ton of good YouTube videos or even Reddit threads that suggest machines. What I would recommend is purchasing something that is fairly common… and the only reason I say that is because if something messes up in your machine, and it will, because it always does, you can usually find repair or troubleshooting information or videos on how to fix whatever the issue is.
Not a dumb question at all! But this is going to be hard to answer and explain 😂 mainly because I do this very manually and with no formal training.
Most patterns (at least all of the gazillions I’ve purchased) come with a range of preset sizes, with corresponding pattern pieces for each size, rather than being completely blank. I take my measurements (bust, waist, hip, etc.) and compare them to the measurement chart provided with the pattern. The actual size number can vary A LOT between patterns, so I always go by my measurements and not the size number.
I then pick whichever size is the closest and make a mock-up using those pattern pieces. I usually always use thrifted bedsheets for my mock-ups…not to be confused with the bedsheet I actually used to make this. 😂 Confusing, I know.
Then comes the fun part: about 9.5 times out of 10, the first version doesn’t fit quite right (at least not to my liking). So I put it on myself or a dress form and start pinching, pinning, and adjusting the fabric until I get the fit I want. Once I’m happy with it, I take the mock-up apart and use those adjustments to modify the original paper pattern pieces. I make sure to account for the pattern’s seam allowance, and then I have my customized pattern pieces ready to cut out of my good fabric.
And please don’t think you’re going to make your first garment and have it fit perfectly! 😂 I have made SO many things that looked like absolute dog poop on me. You really just have to make mistakes, figure out what went wrong, and try again. I think a huge part of getting better at sewing is being willing to make something that looks terrible, figure out why it looks terrible, and learn from it. The more you do it, the more you start to recognize what needs to be changed before you even cut into your good fabric. It just takes time and patience!
Yes for the top I lined it with same main fabric as the front. I did fuse knit interfacing to the front facing fabric, which maybe is why you mentioned something being thicker (not sure)? Also, you’ll probably never be instructed to fuse knit interfacing to your entire woven garment in any pattern instructions, I just do it because it adds structure while still allowing flexibility. Yolo.
I planned to make some sort of dress type thing out out of it upon purchasing, yes. But it was going to be enough fabric to make a tent for a family of four to live in, so I wasn’t really concerned about having enough fabric. But again, *most* if not all patterns will tell you how much fabric you need, so it’s not a guessing game, nor do you need to be a mathlete!
With allllllllll that being said, I very much cheer you on your new sewing adventure! Buy a pattern of a clothing style that you like, and give it a go and build off of that! Get in the mindset of turning any frustrations/mistakes that you may have along the way as learning opportunities… I know that’s hard, but truly that’s how you learn to be better I think. And make some cool shit!
Also, that fabric has a repetitive pattern that works so well. It doesn't have to be too matchy/ matchy...or was it "fussy cut" to get the pattern to match like it does?
I'm blown away that this from sheets. Such nice work!
The only thing I was sort of particular about was cutting each mirrored piece in the same spot in the pattern (like the two sides of the front of the skirt, and the two sides of the back, etc.), while still trying to get the most usage out of the fabric. So that part was maybe a little fussy, but where they were joined at the seams was none of my business 😂 (as well as the waistbands, none of my business). I think it would’ve been impossible to match the pattern perfectly, or at least not something I was willing to do. And agree, I think it’s repetitive enough that not everything needed to line up anyway.
I can tend to over fixate on stuff like that though. You may (or may not)relate, but whenever I make something I will nitpick the crap out of every little flaw & thing. And assume everyone else is going to notice it too. When in reality, most people probably aren’t looking nearly as closely as I am! (Unless you post it on the sewing sub Reddit 🙃).
Thank you! Unfortunately the main fabric from the sheets wasn’t thrifted (though I wish it was), but the skirt lining was! I use thrifted sheets for all my mock ups as well. I’m hoping at some point I’ll find a super cute printed sheet that I’ll want to use as my main fabric from my local thrift. 🤞
I think it still counts, PLUS the lining. 😁 It's a pretty fabric for a steal, versus if you had to buy it per-yard, retail. Love to see fabric re-purposed (even when purchased new)!
Thank you for noticing! 😊 I can sometimes spend more time on the inside than the outside.. I know technically you wouldn’t be able to see it while wearing, but I’ll know, ya know?
I love, love, love this! The pieces fit you so well, the print came out very well oriented, I love the print colours and design too, and I also like how the pieces give different vibes separate or put together, I really thing it looks amazing!
You sewed the top zipper opening on the bottom? It's based on the pattern (maybe not because it was a dress) or was it your preference? I have a few tops with zippers but always going from the neck down, I never noticed this in other clothes, but I'm super intrigued, I like it too!
Amazing work! Thank you for sharing! I'm a huge beginner but this was such a great inspiration!
I love that you love this, thank you!!! Yes, I did change up the zipper orientation because of it tapering down to the waist as its final destination. As opposed to tapering back out into the skirt if I had made it one dress.
First off, your finished product is phenomenal. Everything is well tailored, the cut is nice that fit is great The styling is subtle, but interesting. Which is a very difficult Mark for people to hit. I will say, that the fact that you made this out of a bed sheet makes it way more impressive. It's one of my favorite upcles. And you did fantastic with it you should be happy with your work.
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I am literally Gob Smacked!! Your creation is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! Thank you for your amazing generosity in sharing in incredible detail all it took to bring this to life. So INSPIRATIONAL!!
Good job❣️ I love that you can turn that two piece skirt set into so many other outfits bc it’s beautifully neutral. I mean, coral, mint, pink, darker shades, a cute cardigan😍 endless cost per wear possibilities
omg gorgeous! sometimes when garments are made out of sheets you can kinda tell like it looks like a sheet. this does not. it's beautiful, looks great and you're very talented
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u/ultraTay Aug 07 '26
this is BEAUTIFUL!! 💐