MAXI SKIRT TUTORIAL

June 19, 2013
Thank you everyone for your comment love on my last couple of posts. I was so happy with how Lauren's dress and my re-designed beach dress turned out and it helps when I get positive feedback from lovelies like you!
As promised, I've finally got a tutorial for you! These maxi skirts are SUPER popular, so of course, I had to find out how to make them on my own.


You will need:
1.5+ yrds of 60" wide cotton jersey knit fabric
Sewing machine
Thread (all purpose polyester)
Scissors
Measuring tape
Pins
Double needle (opt. but recommended)

IMPORTANT! Do not cut your fabric to include seam allowance. Cut your fabric to your exact measurements and the fabric will stretch to fit you.

*Please consider washing and drying your fabric before starting! I made the mistake of sewing first and my skirt SHRUNK. A LOT.

Step 1: Measure
Measure around your hips and buttox where you are the widest. Make sure it is a true measurement, not too tight or too loose.
Next, measure from where you want the top of your skirt to be to the floor with one or two extra inches for a hem.

Step 2: Cut, math, and mark - Skirt and Waistband
Cut the 1.5+ yards of fabric in half and 10" off the top of each piece for the waistband.

Fold one large fabric piece in half with the stretch/pattern going horizontally.

You are now going to cut out a trapezoid for the front panel of your skirt.
Divide your hip/buttox measurement by four.
Use a pin to mark this spot (measure away from the fold).

Step 3: Cut - Skirt
Cut a straight line from top where you measured and pinned to the corner of the folded fabric to make a trapezoid.
Folded out, it should look like this:

Repeat this step to make the back panel of your skirt.

Step 4: Measure, mark, and cut - Waistband
Divide your hips/buttox measurement by two.
Cut your 10" waistband pieces to that measurement.
Fold one waistband piece in half, hot dog style, pattern running horizontally.
Measure 1 inch in from each end along the fold and make a mark.
Cut from that mark along the fold to the outer corner on each side.

Folded out, your waistband pieces will look like this:

Repeat for second waistband piece.

Step 5: Sew - Waistband
Pin the two waistband pieces with right-sides together along the ends.
Use a straight stitch to sew them together with a 1/2" seam allowance, turning at the corner.
Open and fold the waistband with right sides out.
Set waistband aside.

Step 6: Sew - Skirt
Pin the sides of your skirt pieces with right-sides together.
Sew using a double needle with a 1/2" seam allowance, or straight stitch with a 1/2" seam allowance and zig-zag stitch the outside edge.

Step 7: Skirt and Waistband - UNITE!
Fold waistband in half with wrong-sides together.
Drop the skirt inside the waistband, aligning the raw edges.
Pin.

Sew with a double needle or straight stitch, then zig zag stitch along outside edge.
Try the skirt on and cut and/or hem the bottom of your skirt to the correct length.
*Note: Some jersey-knit fabrics fray, and some do not. Mine does not so I did not bother hemming.

Lovely!




-Sue

5 comments

  1. Hey girl! Your outfit is cute. I wish I has your sewing abilities. Maybe you can train me? Also. Who is taking your fashion photos? Lastly. You are a no comment blogger so I can never respond to your comments.

    I use Illustrator for design.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mariasha, my upstairs neighbor and friend, normally takes them for me. Andrew will occasionally step behind the camera for me, but he's not quite as patient as Mari! She has a lot of great photos on her blog, too. You should check her out! http://downprettyrow.blogspot.com/
      Hmm... Thought I fixed that. Guess I'll be visiting your blog for the tutorial how to fix it again! Thanks.
      Illustrator hmm? I'll have to take a look at that, too! Thanks, Skinny!

      Delete
  2. Wow your blog is amazing! :) I found your blog through the Ink and the Anchor and I'm so glad I did! I followed you via bloglovin because GFC is leaving in July. Please come and check out my blog too! Thanks
    http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4247273

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jenna! Glad we found each other and look forward to getting to know you better. Thanks for commenting!

      Delete
  3. I just finished a skirt using your tutorial for part of my Integrity project! :D it turned out super awesome, but I added a pocket :) See my post here:
    http://hopealwaysandprayconstantly.blogspot.com/2014/03/how-to-make-maxi-skirt-with-pockets.html

    <3 Marie-Rose

    ReplyDelete

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