There are the classics in life: the LBD, the nude pump, the white button up. Then there are the classics in my closet: the black and white striped tee shirt, the black and white striped dress, and the black and white striped… you get the picture.

I have a problem with black and white stripes, but I’m pretty OK with it since I feel the look is timeless and incredibly versatile. Black and white stripes pair perfectly with colorful solids, and even better with florals or other loud patterns for a fun twist. The one item I was always reaching for in my closet but never finding was a striped tee shirt dress. The silhouette and pattern go with everything, so I wanted a quality fabric that would stand the test of time. There were some options available at Target, Forever 21, J.Crew, and Gap, but getting the fabric quality, stripe pattern, and price all just right wasn’t coming together.

I found this incredible, structured, striped knit fabric at Joann and I knew it would be perfect for my project. Though it is technically navy and white, it is a navy that could sway to a black if need be, making it that much more versatile. The fabric is almost sporty feeling, so it’s incredibly comfortable too. I also decided after completing the dress that it would be even better with pockets! So I’ve got those in there as well.

Clothing Details: Dress – Made by Me (see purchasing options above) || Floral Pumps – Guess || Purse (similar teal crossbody purse, similar mint crossbody purse) – Steve Madden || Necklace (similar turquoise necklace, similar mint necklace) – Forever 21

This project in total came out to about $12 with a 40% off coupon that Joann always has for full priced items, and only took me four hours to make, with necessary tea and cookie breaks of course. For a quality closet staple, I’d say it’s a bargain! Scroll below to see the full tutorial.

Striped Tee Shirt Dress with Pockets Sewing Tutorial

Supplies:

1.5 yards Striped Knit Fabric (I used this one from Joann)
White thread
Sewing Machine
Pins
Pencil
Scissors
Measuring tape
Seam ripper

1. Start by folding your fabric from each long side into the center so there are two layers. Measure and mark with a pencil the pattern for your fabric as shown so that you have a FRONT, BACK, two SLEEVEs, and four POCKETs. Cut the fabric along the pencil lines.

2. Take the FRONT and add darts to it (use this darts tutorial if you need it). Line up the FRONT and BACK on top of one another with the right sides of the fabric touching. Pin and sew the shoulders together along the top.

3. Unfold the body so the right side of the fabric is facing up and pin the SLEEVEs along the FRONT and BACK as shown. Sew along the curved edges to attach them.

4. Fold the dress so that the wrong side of the fabric is facing out and pin the underside of the arms and the sides of the body together. Sew along these lines of pins.

5. Hem the ends of the sleeves, neck, and bottom of the dress by folding them over twice and sewing about 1/4″ from the edge of the fabric.

6. If you want to add pockets to your dress, start by turning your dress inside out and marking with a pencil the place where you want your pockets to start on either side of your hips. Take the dress off and seam rip the sides of the dress starting at the marks you made and moving downward so that you have about a 5-6″ hole on each side. Turn the dress back right side out.

Take your POCKETs and pin them to the front and back of the dress at the seam that you ripped as shown with the drooping part of the pocket hanging down. Sew along the straight sides of the pocket pieces to attach them to the front and back of the dress, leaving an opening in the middle.

7. Turn the dress inside out and pin the front and back pocket pieces together along the curved edges. Sew along the side of the dress where you seam ripped at the top, then turn the seam to follow the curved edges of the pockets. Continue along the edges of the pocket until you get back to the seam of the dress and connect it.

Turn your dress right side out and you’re done!