Sew Simple Skirt
Level: Beginner Time: About 2 Hours
Needed:
Matching thread
1 or ¾ inch non roll elastic
Sewing Machine (*Machine Basics)
Fresh needle appropriate for material (* All About Needles)
Scissors (*Tools of the Trade)
Pinking shears or Serger (*Sergers- another machine?)
Yard Stick
Fabric Marker
Safety Pin
- *Waist (pin an elastic band or ribbon where you will be wearing your skirt)
*Hips (about 9 inches below the waist or at the fullest part)
*Finished skirt width ( Stand with feet apart at largest stride, measure around)
(This method of measuring usually allows for minimal use of fabric and modesty during everyday activities. For a fuller skirt see *Full Skirt Pattern)
*Finished skirt length (Measure from band to desired hem length) (For modesty I suggest at least mid calf)Quarter the hip measurement and add 1/2 inch seam allowance (which is the 15 mark on most machines.)
Quarter the skirt width and add 1/2 inch
Add 4 inches to the skirt length (1/½ will be used for the waist and 2 ½ for the hem)
Draw simple sketches of your skirt with reference to the measurements (* Sew Simple Skirt Worksheet) One for the pattern and one for the finished look.
Your pattern will have your hip measurement at the top.
If your skirt width exceeds your fabric width you may want to consider a more narrow skirt, or wider fabric. 43” wide fabric is usually more than enough for most figures.
*To make a reusable pattern, follow the instructions on pattern paper first.
Measure and mark your skirt length parallel with fold.
From there draw a line for the pattern skirt width perpendicular to the fold.
Lay your yard stick with one end on the waist line and the other on the skirt width line. Draw a line to connect the two.
Mark ½ and 1 inch down from top for seam and fold.
Mark ½ and then two inches from bottom hem.
Cut two of your fabric. (Only one of pattern paper) Use pinking shears if not using a serger.
Cut the elastic according to your measurement
Using a half inch seam allowance sew skirt front to skirt back, right sides together.
Optional: Serge along seam to reinforce
Fold and iron wrong sides together at ½ waist mark. Fold and iron again at 1 inch waist mark toward wrong side of skirt.
Pin and sew in place keeping toward folded edge of 1/2 inch fold. Leave one inch opening for elastic.
With wrong sides together, fold and iron hem at ½ inch mark. Fold in again at 2” mark. Pin and use a blind hem stitch to finish hem. (*Blind hem) Or a straight stitch may be used if look is desirable.
Using a safety pin at one end, thread your elastic through the waist band to lay smoothly. Connect with other end of elastic and overlap, adjust to desired fit.
Pin and carefully sew zigzag twice lengthwise on overlapping elastic
Sew along edge of open fold, matching seams, to close waist band.
For Sewing Tips, step by step instructions, videos and patterns
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