Make the Pattern

• 1). Lay the T-shirt on a flat surface. Smooth it out so there are no wrinkles. Measure down 1 inch below each armhole on each side. Use the fabric marker to draw a straight line across the T-shirt from one point to the other. Cut the bottom of the T-shirt off along the line and discard.
  
  
• 2). Cut out the sleeves; cut one of them open along the underside seam. Cut the upper part of the T-shirt apart along the side and shoulder seams. Fold the back in half and cut the back in half along the fold. Measure the child around the chest just below the arms and from below the arms to where you want the hem to fall.
  
  
• 3). Lay the pattern paper out and put the following pieces on it: the sleeve that you cut open, the front and one half of the back. Using the ruler and marker, draw a 3 /4-inch allowance around each piece; 1/2-inch is for seam allowance and 1/4-inch is for ease. Measure and draw an extra 1 inch line from where you cut the back in half, for a placket. Use the ruler and marker to draw a rectangle three times as long as the chest measurement by the length measurement plus 2 inches for the hem; this will be the skirt. Cut out the pattern pieces.
  
  

Sew the Dress

• 1). Fold the fabric lengthwise and lay the pieces out; you will need two front pieces, four back pieces and two sleeve pieces and one skirt piece. Cut them out.
  
  
• 2). Sew one of the fronts and two of the backs together at the shoulders; repeat this step. Press the seams open on both bodices. Place them right sides together and sew along the back opening, around the neckline and down the other back opening. Clip the curves, turn the bodice right side out and press. Sew the side seams and press.
  
  
• 3). Sew the sleeve seams. Slightly gather each sleeve at the top and insert into the bodice right sides together. Sew the sleeves in place.
  
  
• 4). Gather the upper edge of the skirt, leaving 1/2-inch at each side ungathered. Starting 1/2-inch in from the skirt edge and 1 inch in from the back openings, right sides together, pin the skirt to the bodice. Overlap the bottom edge of the back opening by 1 inch and baste. Pin the skirt edges right sides together and sew with a 1/2-inch seam. Press the seams open and hem the skirt.
  
  
• 5). Make three evenly spaced buttonholes on the outer part of the back opening and sew on the buttons. Make 1-inch thread loops at each side seam if desired and use the satin ribbon to make a sash, if desired.