Geneva Vanderzeil
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Geneva Vanderzeil

Instructor

In This Lesson

Let’s make a cute gathered skirt! This project is simple, quick and a great way to practise basic garment sewing skills. A perfect addition to your handmade wardrobe, and even better you can make it in so many different colours, fabrics and leagths.

Tools & Materials

  • Sewing machine
  • Fabric of your choosing
  • Thread that matches your fabric 
  • Elastic
  • Scissors
  • Fabric pen or chalk
  • Pins or clips
  • Safety pin
  • Measuring tape 
  • Ruler
  • Iron and ironing board

Instructions

Step 1:
Measure your waist and the desired skirt length.
Cut two rectangles of fabric:

  • Width: each rectangle is 1 - 1½ × your waist measurement (depending on how much gathered volume you would like)

  • Length: desired finished length + 5 cm/2in (for waistband casing and for hem).

Step 2:
Zig zig stitch down the sides of each rectangle. With right sides together, sew the two rectangles along the side seams using a 1 cm seam allowance to create a large tube.

Step 3:
At the top edge, fold down 1 cm (3/8th of an inch), then another 2.5cm (1 inch) cm to create a neat waistband casing (or make the casing wide if you are using thicker elastic. Press and stitch close to the lower folded edge, leaving an opening to insert the elastic.

Step 4:
Cut elastic to your waist measurement minus 2–5 cm (depending on stretch). You can test this by wrapping it around your waist. Attach a safety pin to one end and thread it through the casing.

Step 5:
Overlap the elastic ends by 2 cm, try the skirt on, and adjust until it feels snug but comfortable. Stitch the elastic ends securely together.

Step 6:
Distribute gathers evenly around the waistband, then stitch the casing opening closed.

Step 7:
Fold the bottom edge up 1 cm and press, then fold another 1 cm and stitch to hem.