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If you need a simple skirt and you have access to your sewing machine, these are easy as pie.
Pick up your supplies, such as fabric, thread, elastic, and pattern- like the Rae Skirt. Then the pattern pieces will need to be cut out and stitched – seams sewn, edges finished.
Then it’s onto creating an elastic casing, threading the elastic through, and hemming the skirt. And then take your completed handmade skirt out for a spin.
Let’s get stitching!
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right fabric weight and type for the desired skirt style to ensure breathability and ease of sewing.
- Accurately measure your waist and hip for proper skirt fit, and select pattern size based on accurate hip measurements.
- Use proper construction techniques like sewing with a 5/8 seam allowance and backstitching for reinforcement.
- Add closures securely, adjust fit as needed, and consider embellishments like trims or lace for a polished finish.
Choosing the Right Fabric
When you want to create a basic skirt with your sewing machine, it’s important to choose the best fabric to get that desired look and action.
A comfy, breathable variety of the try on skirt is made from lightweight materials such as cotton, linen, and chambray. These fabrics allow air to circulate, which keeps you cooler and more comfortable all day.
Alternatively if you like your skirts a little more constructed and body, go with medium-weight fabric such as denim or twill. These have more of a medium/heavier skirt feel and are awesome for skirts that need to take normal wear.
Do not use stretchy or slippery fabric since they are more difficult to sew with, if you’re a beginner. Don’t forget to consider the drape and flow of the fabric when creating a selection, as this is how you experience what a skirt feels like on.
Fabric: Choose the fabric that matches both your personal style and the purpose of the skirt: casual or formal.
Taking Body Measurements
To get started on your skirt project, measure your waist accurately and consider your hip measurements for a proper fit. Make sure to note down your desired skirt length to ensure the final product meets your expectations.
Taking these body measurements will help you cut out and mark the pattern pieces accurately.
Measure Waist Accurately
Before you ever start to cut fabric for a simple skirt, measure your waist properly using measuring tape! Here are some tips to make sure you take accurate measurements:
- To get a precise waist measurement, stand with your feet together.
- Wrap the tape measure around your waist, which is approximately between your ribcage and belly button.
- Measure tightly and even around the fullest part of your chest.Keep the tape ruled straight in a horizontal line parallel to the floor, not twisting around the body for an accurate fit.
- Re-measure to ensure that the fit will be snug and comfortable for your skirt.
Consider Hip Measurements
To ensure the best fit, please measure your hips with a measuring tape (do not let the skirt hang, but rather walk away!) around 7-9 inches below your waist. Ensure that the tape is touching but not tight, as this will allow for movement and comfort.
Now that you have your hip measurement, you will determine what size pattern to make for your skirt. Don’t forget that accurate hip measurements will help you have a skirt that truly fits. Do not squeeze the measuring tape around your lower hip.
Spending the time to measure properly will ensure that you make a skirt that fits you and gives you the room you require.
Note Desired Skirt Length
The length you’ll need your skirt to be is simply adding on as much extra fabric at the hem of your pattern as needed, with 5/8″ seam allowance for how long you’d like the skirt. To get the ideal length for a skirt, take this into mind:
Fit to Size: Measure from your waist to where you want it to lie at the knee or ankle for a personalized fit.
Take into Account Fabric Details: Do the same for fabric drape and weight when selecting a skirt length for your best look.
Note Use: If you are using the skirt for casual wear, formal, or work, then decide its length suitably.
Custom Fit: Work up the hem so it fits you right and is comfortable and tailored to your requirements.
Cutting Out the Fabric Pieces
Start cutting your fabric pieces to create a simple skirt. Line the pattern pieces onto the fabric and put pins in place. Ensure fabric lies flat and does not bunch for accurate cutting. Use a fabric pen to draw around your pattern pieces (don’t forget notches and important points). Cut closely to the traced lines, trying to keep the fabric as true to the pattern shape as you can.
Just remember to cut 6 pattern pieces in total, as per the Rae Skirt pattern. Make sure everything you need is present before proceeding to the next steps. Be sure to take your time cutting as mistakes in this step may alter the appearance of your skirt.
When all pieces are cut, remove the pins and reserve the pattern pieces for future use. Now you can begin sewing your skirt together according to the pattern instructions.
Sewing the Skirt Panels Together
Sew the skirt panels together by matching up the edges and sewing with 5/8″ seam allowance. The right sides of the fabric should be facing each other to finish your edges nicely.
To ensure successful assembly, there are four important steps to follow:
Pin If Very Carefully: Pin the panels in place before sewing to keep them from moving out of position, being sure to line all edges up neatly.
Backstitch: Always remember to start and finish each seam with a few backstitches, so it can be strong enough and not easily unravel after times of wearing.
Press them Open: After you have finished sewing your seams, open the up and press with an iron to flatten out the fabric and make your skirt look professional.
Check Seam Allowance: You will need to regularly check the seam allowance whilst sewing through all layers and adjust to keep it consistent, ensuring that the skirt fits evenly.
Adding a Waistband and Closure
Now, let’s move on to adding a waistband and closure to your skirt.
Choose a suitable fabric for the waistband, and decide whether you’ll attach buttons or a zipper for closure.
Remember to adjust the closure to ensure a perfect fit for your skirt.
Choosing Waistband Fabric
For the waistband of your simple skirt, choose a fabric that coordinates with your main skirt fabric. Here are a couple of crucial things to consider when selecting the waistband fabric:
Strength: Choose a strong fabric to hold the waistband in place.
Stretch: Look for a fabric with some stretch or give so that the waist feels comfortable and moves easily.
Closure Compatibility: Remember the closure you would like to use, and select accordingly.
Design Coordination: Make sure the waistband fabric matches the design and style of your Skirt for a uniform look.
Attaching Buttons or Zipper
If you are adding buttons or a zipper to your simple skirt with a waistband, match the closure type options to the fabric selected for long-lasting wear and ease of use.
If you choose to use buttons, point carefully and sew the buttonholes as directed in the pattern instructions. For a zip closure, depending on the wrap style of the skirt, follow the instructions from your pattern of skirt provided to secure the Zip neatly in place.
Be sure to complete the closure neatly, sewing buttons on securely or making sure zippers are properly attached.
How you choose to close your skirt may affect the aesthetic and use of the finished garment, so take care to do this stage well.
With subtle details, you’ll look hot but stay comfortable in your skirt.
Adjusting Closure for Fit
Or a simple skirt that fits you like a glove, make sure you add a waistband and close it using the best method for your taste. Try it on-Here’s how:
Mark the Waistband Placement Mark with a fabric pen where you want to attach the waistband to your skirt.
Make Waistband: Make a waistband by folding and pressing material to form a casing for elastic.
Thread Elastic through bead: Thread elastic through bead and fold over twice, then pin, tucking into place. Don’t forget to trim the surplus elastic for a comfortable fit.
Neat Finish: Sometimes the waistband and hem will be topstitched for a neat finish.
Hemming the Skirt
Fold the raw edge of the skirt over once, then up again to form a clean hem. Make sure the fold is even all the way around, and you maintain an even hem width.
Iron the folded edge to make it flat and conforms easily while sewing. next topstitch on the edge you folded over (1/2″) all along your hem with a straight stitch. Be sure to backstitch at the start and finish in order not to loose your stitches.
To make it extra sturdy, sew a second row of stitching alongside the first seam. This additional line of stitching can help secure the hem a bit more, particularly if it’s on skirts that will be worn and washed lots.
After the hemline is stitched in place, you will want to give it another press to get rid of any wrinkling and make your skirt look perfectly finished! With them so neatly done, wear your skirt and love it!
Conclusion
Now that you’ve finished sewing your simple skirt, imagine twirling around in it with pride.
Doesn’t it feel satisfying to create something beautiful with your own hands?
Keep practicing and soon you’ll be able to customize your wardrobe with unique pieces that showcase your personal style.
Happy sewing!
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