DIY Plunging Dress Out of $8 Curtains (Easy Sewing!)

Miaira Jennings
Jun 3, 2020
2 min read

The beauty about upcycling projects is seeing a random item and envisioning what it could be! When I came across these $8 curtains that were originally going to be a part of my bedroom decor, I thought they'd be perfect for a fashionable and budget-friendly refashion project. Here's how I transformed some basic, cheap curtains into this gorgeous dress with some simple sewing!

Gather Materials

What you'll need:

Curtains (I used $8 curtains from Ross)
Fabric scissors
Sewing clips
Sewing pins
Elastic
Sewing machine

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Step 1: Create Skirt

Fold the first skirt in half with the fold at the top so the dress will be double-layered. The elastic will be inserted where the fold is later on to create the waistband. Position the skirt so the ends meet at the front near one side to create a leg slit.

Step 2: Create Cup Panels

Next, take the other curtain and fold it in half. Cut straight across about 16 inches down from the top.

Then cut that piece in half through both layers to create two panels.

Bunch the top of each panel to create triangular shapes with the fabric.

Step 3: Create Straps

Cut long strips from the excess curtain fabric. Then fold them in half lengthwise so they're about an inch wide and clip them in place.

Step 4: Sew & Insert Waistband

Sew along the folded edge of the skirt, about two inches from the edge so there's room for the elastic. Then attach a safety pin or bobby pin to the end of an elastic piece that will wrap comfortably around your waist, and slip it through the opening of the fabric. Sew the ends of the elastic together and scrunch the fabric around it evenly.

Step 5: Attach Straps to Cup Panels

Sew the straps onto the scrunched tops of the cup panels. Then wrap pieces of excess curtain fabric around those sewn portions for a neater look.

Step 6: Attach Top to Bottom

You can attach the top of the dress to the skirt portion by sewing the bottom of the cup panels to the waistband. You can also create a bodysuit effect by attaching the cup panels to some spandex shorts. This way, you can wear the two pieces together or separately.

Step 7: Create Waist Belt

Cut a thick strip of the excess curtain fabric to create a waistband belt that will tie in the back.

All done!

With just a few steps and simple sewing, you've now transformed basic curtains into a beautiful dress that's sure to turn heads. Thanks for following along with this tutorial!

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