While I was doing my fall sewing this year, I made some careless mistakes on the bodice of a dress and wanted to salvage as much of it as I could and from that project was born my favorite skirt that my girlies have worn. It's simple & quick to sew which is very appealing to me since sewing is definitely not my forte. It's modest & feminine, with a covering length as well as a fullness that allows the girls to play freely without too much care about whether or not they're going to expose anything. It's versatile & classic and could easily accompany any style of top that you could find.



I finally sat down to sew a tutorial a couple weeks ago and keeping in style with the claim that sewing isn't my strong suit, I miscalculated the measurements when I failed to pay attention that the cut was to be made on a fold, I made the skirt far too small for an addition to Lydia's closet, but happily, I was able to salvage it by converting it to a little skirt for the baby, Rebekah. Ultimately, I was so glad for the error as the little skirt is so darling on her!

 So this tutorial is for a skirt that can span an endless range of sizes. I'm going to simply give the sizes that were used on the pattern from the dress I messed up, 3-8. The pattern of increases is easily seen with an inch being added for each size increment. (1/2 an inch on each piece of the two pieces for each size increment.)

Choose or purchase your fabric based upon your measurements:

Cut 2 Widths at:

Size 3- 33"

Size 4- 33 1/2"

Size 5- 34"

Size 6- 34 1/2"

Size 7- 35"

Size 8- 35 1/2"

For the length, measure from the waist to the desired length and add 2", which is an inch for the elastic casing for the waist and an inch for the hem.

You will also need enough fabric for 2 tie-ends, if desired. Each of the two tie-ends are 2 3/4" wide and the length begins at 23 3/4" for size 3 increasing in 1/4" increments for each additional size.

 

To sew a skirt for a size 4 with a 22" length, begin by cutting 2 pieces at 33 1/2",

Cut both pieces to the length (waist to ankle + 2")

Cut the 2 tie-end sections.

Prepare to sew the tie-ends by folding each in half lengthwise, pinning.

Sew one edge with a 3/8" seam allowance, turn at the corner by dropping the needle 3/8" from the end, lifting the foot and turning.

Sew down the length of the tie-end, leaving the opposite end open.

Trim the corners, being careful not to get too close to the stitches.

Press the seam close to the stitches so that when the tie-end is turned it's neat and will be flat.

Turn the tie-end inside out. I think there are gadgets out there to help with this, but I just use a pencil. The eraser end to turn and then the tip to gently push out the corners that will otherwise look rounded.

Now that they're turned, press them again. Nice & flat.

Next, measure down 2" from the top of the waistline of the skirt. Pin the open end side of one tie-end with the top of the tie-end at the 2" mark on the right side of the skirt. The seam of the tie-end should be facing down. Repeat on the opposite side.

Match the sides of each skirt section. Pin both sections of the skirt together. Sew a 5/8" seam allowance down each side. Press the seams open.

*Sew the elastic casing by folding up and pressing the top inch of the skirt.

Open out the pressed section and fold the raw edge into the pressed line.

Fold up and press again.

Sew closely and evenly to the inside edge.*  When you get to within an inch of the beginning of first stitch, secure it and leave the small opening to thread the elastic through.

(This image of my dry, old lady skin is especially jarring six weeks prior to my birthday!! Maybe I'll get a bottle of hand lotion for a gift. )

Measure your waistline and cut a length of elastic adding an inch for sewing. I used a 1/4" elastic. I imagine that you may need a larger size for a larger skirt. If you use a larger size  of elastic, make certain that you allow for the difference when preparing your casing. Thread the elastic with a safety pin attached to the end, through the opening in the casing, pinning the opposite end to the outside of the opening so that you don't lose it inside the casing. When you get it through, pin both ends together, overlapping a 1/2" on each end. Sew them securely together and neatly tuck it into the casing.

Carefully sew the opening in the casing closed, pulling the excess fabric created by the pull of the elastic straight.

For the hem, repeat the steps involved in preparing the casing, beginning and ending with the *.  Just do not leave the opening in the last inch when sewing closely and evenly along the edge.




Et voila! That was super simple wasn't it? This could easily be a great beginner skirt for a new seamstress.

If you chose to use this tutorial, I'd love to see the fruits of your labor! Please your lovely images :)