Stylish clothes don't have to be expensive and made by someone else; in fact, fashion can be very intimate and personal. Give a touch of your own style to the clothes you wear by making them yourself! Try any of these three simple ways to make a ruffled skirt, a looped skirt, or a maxi skirt and everyone else will admire your creations!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Creating a Ruffled Skirt
Step 1. Choose the skirt material
You can use any fabric to make this skirt, and you will need 2.5 cm of elastic. For a more structured skirt, use a stiffer fabric. To make the skirt looser and give a softer feel, use light fabrics.
Step 2. Measure your body
Use a tape measure to determine the distance between the widest part of your hips, the smallest part of your waist, and the total length of the skirt. To find the length, you can use a tape measure from your hips to the level you set on your feet and add about 6.75 cm extra for the rubber holder.
Step 3. Cut your fabric and rubber
Use your measurements to adjust the 2 large squares of fabric based on your chosen length of your hip circumference. Cut the rubber along your hip circumference minus 2.5 cm (if your hip circumference is 75 cm, then cut the rubber 72.5 cm long).
Step 4. Sew the side stripes
Place the two square pieces, with one square on top of the other in an even position. Prepare a seam space of 1.25 cm wide, and sew the two together until they are joined. Use an iron to even out the seam marks after you're done (or earlier if you're having trouble aligning your fabric).
Step 5. Make the rubber holder
The skirt will be hidden in the fabric, so you'll need to prepare the fabric covering. Fold the top of the fabric 1.25 cm wide and use an iron to flatten it out. Then, fold again 5.1 cm long; Use the stitches on the top to join this section with the area you've ironed into the skirt. Leave an opening of 10.2 cm near one of the skirt's side lines for inserting the rubber.
Step 6. Sew the bottom crease
Fold the bottom of the skirt 1.25 cm wide. Use an iron to flatten it out and a needle to keep the folds in position if needed. Sew on the top.
Step 7. Insert the rubber
Slide the rubber you cut into place. Pull the rubber around the skirt, and when you reach the other side, sew the two sheets together with a straight stitch. If needed, use the needle to hold the rubber in position as you insert it. Use the top stitch to close the opening, and the back stitch to strengthen the skirt hem.
Step 8. Finish the waist line
Adjust the ruffles around the waistline so that they are evenly spaced. Once you've done this, sew on the bottom areas to combine the creases with the rubber. Do not sew through the ruffles as this will flatten them out, but sew into the spaces between each ruffle.
Method 2 of 3: Making a Circular Skirt
Step 1. Choose your material
Circular skirts are known for giving off a flowing appearance, so go for materials that aren't too heavy or stiff. The waistline is made of a striking rubber, so use an elastic in the size and color you want. A 7.6 cm wide rubber band will beautify the top look of your skirt.
Step 2. Take body measurements
Use a tape measure around your hips to attach your skirt, usually at the widest part of your hips. Since this skirt will be circular, you will need to understand a bit of geometry to determine the correct measurement. To find out the skirt radius, use your hip measurement and add five cm. Then, divide the result by 6.28; the answer you get is the radius of your circle.
- For example, if your hip circumference is 76.2 cm, add five cm and divide by 6.28 (81.2 / 6.28). The result is a radius of about 13 cm.
- Measure the length of the rubber by adding 2.5 cm to your total waist measurement. If your waist circumference is 76.2 cm, then your rubber band should be measured and cut to a length of 78.7 cm.
- Measure the length of the skirt using a measuring tape to determine the distance from your hips to the end of the skirt you want. Add 2.5 cm for sewing purposes.
Step 3. Create your paper pattern for the radius of the hips
You'll only need strips of paper for of the skirt, so choose paper that is large enough. Use a measuring tape and place a pencil through the hole in the paper. Find your radius measurement (or as close to it as possible) and hold this point on the tape measure with your hand, then bring it toward the bottom-left corner of your paper. While you are holding the tape measure with your left hand, use the pencil to rotate the sides of the paper with your hand. You will create a circle.
Step 4. Add the long radius of your skirt to the pattern
Choose the length you want for your skirt. Use a tape measure to mark this distance from the line you just made for your hip radius in the other circle. Draw side to side on the paper, with the starting point being the circumference of your hips. You will create circles on the sides of your paper.
Step 5. Cut your pattern and fabric
Cut the paper around the lines you've made, so you're creating a curve. Fold the fabric in half, and fold it in half again, so you have 4 folded sections. Place the paper pattern at the corner where you will combine all the fabrics, and cut it along the outline of the paper. When you unfold the fabric, you will get a doughnut-shaped material or a giant ring.
Step 6. Iron the waist
To finish the waistline, you need to press and flatten the edges. This is necessary to prevent the rough edges from opening when the skirt is worn and washed. Fold a part of the fabric at a distance of 0.625 cm from the top of the skirt and use an iron to flatten it. Then use a sewing machine (if you have one) or a seam stitch to finish.
Step 7. Sew the rubber
This rubber is slightly smaller than the fabric that goes around the waist for ease of use. Therefore, both ends must be sewn together before inserting into the skirt. Fold the rubber in half, and use a straight stitch to hold it together, leaving a 1-inch (2.25 cm) space. Then, keep the ends apart and sew them against the rubber, so there won't be any lumps when you put on the skirt.
Step 8. Glue the rubber to the waistline of the fabric
Your skirt should cover the rubber slightly because it's a bit larger. Place the waistline around the top edge of the rubber, and thread the rubber around it evenly. Use as much or as little as you need to spread the fabric around your rubber.
Step 9. Sew the waist line
Begin sewing, with the rubber still stuck to the fabric, around the hem of the rubber on the outside of the skirt. As you do this, stretch the rubber so that there are no loose spots where the fabric and rubber don't come together. You can use a crooked or straight stitch to do this.
Step 10. Hem the skirt
Fold the bottom 0.625 cm wide and use an iron to flatten it out. Then fold this section over again, and use a straight or fringe stitch to hem around the hem of the skirt.
Method 3 of 3: Making a Maxi Skirt
Step 1. Choose your ingredients
The maxi skirt is very long and it is necessary to use a heavier fabric so that it does not lift easily. Use a thicker fabric so it won't see through and has enough weight to prevent the fabric from being blown off easily. Use a wide band of rubber to create a waist line at the top; This rubber will show, so choose a color that matches the fabric you choose.
Choose a fabric that is large enough to cut. This maxi skirt tutorial uses a long piece of fabric instead of two (or more) small pieces of fabric held together by stitching
Step 2. Take measurements
The two measurements required are hip circumference and skirt length. Use a tape measure to circle the widest part of your hips. Then, measure from that point to your ankle (or whatever length you want). This measurement will probably vary between 101.6 and 177.8 cm; depending on your height.
- Measure the waistband by subtracting 2.5 cm from your hip circumference. This will ensure the rubber is tight enough so the skirt doesn't sag or the rubber looks loose.
- Additional 2.5 cm of extra fabric to the length and width for sewing purposes.
Step 3. Cut your fabric
You should measure a large square, where the width is your hip circumference, and the length is the length of your desired skirt. Cut this shape and fold it in half with the ends of the pieces touching each other.
Step 4. Sew along the length
Fold over 1.25 cm of fabric on each long edge and use an iron to even out. Then sew with a zip to attach both sides of the fabric and create a tuba.
Step 5. Start creating the waist line
Turn the tube over so you will be working the top of the material. If you're having a close season, grind the edges of the fabric to prevent it from coming off. If not, use a slit stitch to stabilize the edges.
Step 6. Sew the rubber
Take the rubber and fold it in half, with the ends overlapping each other. Use straight stitches at a distance of 0.625 cm from the edge of the rubber strip. Then, turn the rubber over and take the two halves you've left aside and use a crooked stitch to re-attach them to the rubber. This will ensure that the seams are even and that you will feel comfortable and still look attractive while wearing this skirt.
Step 7. Attach the elastic to the waistline
Place the top of the skirt into the rubber and pierce it. Maybe the fabric will be wider, so use a needle to flatten it out.
Step 8. Sew the rubber
Use straight stitches around the width of the rubber at a distance of 0.625 cm from the bottom of the rubber. Remove the needle as you sew, making sure the line stays straight so your waistline stays even.
Step 9. Finish the hem
Fold 1.25 cm below the skirt and use an iron. Sew in a loop or use an overlock machine to keep the bottom from falling off. Then, use straight stitches to attach it to the skirt.
Tips
- If your waist is quite small, you can try using a pillowcase instead of buying fabric from the store. Cut the short sewn part. With this, you have the back seam and hem on the bottom.
- If you want the lace that hangs under your skirt like a petticoat or slip, sew the top edge of the lace under the hem close to the folded edge.
- You can also make American Girl skirts (skirts for dolls)! Make sure you measure your doll's waist correctly.
Warning
- Read all instructions before starting, especially if you've never sewn before.
- Be careful when you work with scissors, needles, and sewing machines.
