How To Sew Skirts

How To Sew Skirts?

Are you looking to learn how to sew skirts? With the right materials, proper instructions, and a few tricks of the trade, sewing your own skirts can be both an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all the steps necessary for creating beautiful custom-made skirts with ease, from selecting fabrics to adding embellishments that make each piece unique.

Whether you’re just starting out or are ready to take your skills to the next level, let us help you get started on your handmade wardrobe journey!

What is a skirt?

A skirt is a garment typically worn by women or girls that extends from the waist to just above or below the knees.

Skirts are often thought of as being synonymous with femininity, and they come in a variety of styles, shapes, lengths and fabrics.

While traditionally skirts were considered more formal attire than pants, today they can range from casual to dressy depending on the occasion and fabric.

How to draft skirt patterns for suitable?

Before you learn how to sew skirts, it is essential to create a pattern that fits your body. 

The following measurements are the basics you need to consider when drafting a pattern. These are measurements that make up the general structure of a skirt.

Waist round:

The waist round indicates the measurement around your waist. It’s the point where you’ll join the waistband later. 

To get an accurate measurement, measure the narrowest part of your waist. This allows the skirt to drape elegantly and your waistband to sit in the correct position.

Hip round:

The hip round measurement is taken around the fullest part of your hip. It’s accurate to take measurements when wearing only undergarments to maintain accuracy. 

This is important for the width of your skirt and it determines how far your skirt can open up, so it’s crucial to take this measurement correctly.

Length of the skirt:

The length of the skirt indicates how long you want the skirt to be. Consider the occasion, preferences, and the style of the skirt, always take an accurate measurement from the waist to where you desire the skirt to end. 

Shorter skirts with a hemline above your knees require a different measurement than longer skirts that fall below your knees.

The flare of the skirt:

The width of the hem determines the look of your skirt; a slim-fitting one, an A-line, or a flared skirt. 

This depends on the look you want to achieve. For instance, a flared skirt requires a measurement that increases gradually from the waistline to the hem.

Distance from the waist to the hip:

The length of the waist to hip measurement determines where your waistband is located. When measuring the distance, take it from your waist to the farthest protrusion of your hip. 

The data helps to enhance the comfortability and style of the skirt.

Opening:

It helps to bring ease of movement; the skirt needs an opening. Skirts usually have zippers, buttons, or elastic bands around the waistband. 

How the opening is added depends on the style and personal preference.

Hems:

This measurement is the edge of the skirt, and it requires careful attention. If it’s not taken properly, it can lead to an uneven or a crooked hemline. 

The hem needs precise and accurate measurements, which you can accomplish by ensuring that the design sits on a flat surface and measuring from the waist to the desired hemline.

Pockets:

Knowing the measurement for pockets depends majorly on the placement and size. It’s all about positioning the pockets in the center of hip movement and determining how deep they should be.

Waistbands:

To make the skirt comfortable and snug, one needs to pay attention to waistbands. 

Getting the correct measurement will determine how it sits on the waist and how it complements the design. The waistband sits above your hip bones and is an inch higher than your navel.

Trims:

Adding trims to skirts beautifies and enhances the style. It all depends on preference, but correct measurement ensures that they sit well on the skirt curves. 

Add at least an extra inch of measurement to the original measurement to accommodate the addition of trim.

Once you have these basic measurements, use a pattern-making curve and tailor’s square to draw your skirt pattern onto paper.

From here, you can customize it by adding darts, pleats or cording for a more tailored look or cut out large flounces for a dramatic statement.

Straight Skirts

To create a pattern for a basic straight skirt block, you will require specific measurements. These are:

• Waist round: measure around the natural waistline.
• Hip round: measure round fullest part.
• Skirt length: Measure from the centre of the waistline, down to your desired skirt length.
• Measure distance from waist to hips: measure from waistline to hip point.
• Side length: Measure from the side of waist (hip point), downwards to desired skirt length.

Once you have the pattern ready, it’s time to start construction. Here are a few simple steps guide on how to sew skirts with straight skirts:

• Cut out your fabric according to the pattern.
• Use an iron and tailor’s chalk to mark the darts onto the wrong side of the fabric. If your pattern doesn’t include darts, use the same process to mark out the pleats.
• Sew the darts or pleats as per your marked lines.
• Join the side seams of the skirt and press them open using an iron.
• Sew a casing for the waistband, with a seam allowance that corresponds to your pattern.
• Insert elastic thread into the casing and sew it in place, then sew the two ends of the elastic together.
• Sew a hem to finish the skirt and press it with an iron.

Now your simple, straight skirt is ready for you to rock! It can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and makes great everyday wear.

How to Sew Skirts with A-lines?

An A-line skirt is a timeless classic, and one of the easiest shapes to sew. If you’re new to sewing garments, this is a great place to start!

This tutorial will show you how to create your own custom A-line skirt from scratch.

How to make an Aline skirt pattern?

Cut a Front Pattern for Aline skirt: Using a ruler, draw the desired length and width of the skirt onto a piece of paper. For an A-line skirt, make sure you draw the pattern wider at the top than the bottom.

Cut a Back Pattern for Aline skirt: Measure from your waist down to your desired skirt length on both sides and then cut 2 long rectangles.

Darts in the back pattern: To create darts in the back of the skirt, fold your 2 rectangles along their center line and mark a dart at the waistline.

How to sew skirts with A-line skirts?

Here’s a simple guide to help you sew an A-line skirt:

1. Cut fabric pieces for the skirt: Use the patterns you have created to cut out 2 front and 2 back panels from your fabric.
2. Sew darts in the back panel: Pin the darts together and sew along the marked line, using a straight stitch.
3. Join the side seams of the skirt: Place one front and one back panel with right sides together and sew along the outer edge.
4. Sew hem of the skirt: Turn up the edge of the fabric on one side of your skirt and sew a straight stitch, making sure to backstitch at either end for extra strength. Repeat this process on the other side of the skirt as well.

These steps will result in a beautiful and timeless A-line skirt. You can add a zipper closure, decorative buttons or embellishments to further personalize your garment. With a bit of experience, you’ll be able to customize the fit, length and fabric of your A-line skirt for any occasion.

Gathered Skirt

Gathered skirts are an easy way to add some fun flare to your wardrobe. With a few basic steps and the right fabric, you can easily create a custom skirt that fits your style.

To sew a gathered skirt, you will need:

• Fabric of your choice
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine
• Measuring tape or ruler.

After measuring your waist and desired length, you can start constructing the skirt. Here’s how to sew skirts:

Step 1: Measure your desired length and double the measurement for the width of the skirt. Cut two pieces of fabric with these measurements.

Step 2: Turn one piece inside out, then fold a 1/4 inch hem along the top edge. Stitch in place with a straight stitch. Do this same to both pieces of fabric.

Step 3: Place the two pieces of fabric together with the wrong sides facing in. Sew around the edges with a straight stitch, leaving a small opening near the waistband for inserting an elastic band.

Step 4: Cut an elastic band that’s 1-2 inches smaller than your waist measurement. Insert it into the waistband and sew it in place securely.

Step 5: Turn the skirt right side out and press it with an iron. If desired, add embellishments like buttons, lace, or ribbon to give your skirt a personalized touch.

That’s it! You’ve now created a custom gathered skirt that you can wear proudly. With so many fabric options available, you can create unique skirts to suit any style.

Circle Skirts

Circle skirts are a great way to add some volume and drama to any outfit. With the right fabric choices, they can quickly become one of your most beloved wardrobe staples. Here’s how to sew skirts.

1. First, measure your waist: To make a circle skirt that fits perfectly, you’ll need to accurately measure your waistline. Measure the circumference of your waist with a fabric measuring tape and record it in centimeters or inches.
2. Choose the length of your skirt: Measure down from your waistline to decide how long you want your skirt to be.
3. Calculate the circle skirt’s waistline circumference: Once you know the length of your desired skirt, take this measurement and multiply it by eight. This will give you the right amount of fabric for a full circle skirt.
4. Cut out your pieces: Make sure that you have enough fabric of equal width. You’ll need two pieces of fabric cut to the exact same length and width (or a pre-made circle skirt!). Cut these pieces into circles, make sure they are even.
5. Gather the waistline: Once you have your two circle skirts cut out, you will need to gather one of them around the waistline until it matches the circumference of your waist.
6. Sew the two pieces together: Once you have both pieces gathered and adjusted, pin them together at the waistline and sew a seam to keep them in place.
7. Hem the bottom edge: To finish your circle skirt, fold and press up the bottom edge of the skirt about 1/4 inch and then another 1/4 inch. Stitch the hem in place to keep it secure and you’re done!

Now you have a beautiful circle skirt that is perfect for any occasion – from casual days at the park to fancy dinners out. With these simple steps, you can quickly add this classic piece to your wardrobe!

Tips for stitching circle skirts:

• Use a light fabric for an airy feel.
• Choose contrasting fabrics for interest and depth.
• Don’t forget to clip the curves of your skirt before hemming. This will ensure that it stays in shape after wearing.
• For a more polished look, use a French seam at the waistline instead of a straight stitch.

Handkerchief Skirts

Handkerchief skirts are a delightful and fun project to sew. If you’re looking to make your own handkerchief skirt, here’s how you can sew one yourself:

1. Measure the length of the skirt you want to make. This will help you determine how much fabric you need.
2. Lay out your fabric on a flat surface and cut it according to the measurements you took in step one. Be sure to leave room for seam allowances when cutting so that the pieces will fit together properly once sewn.
3. Pin the two pieces of fabric together, right sides facing each other. Sew along the edges, leaving a small gap for the elastic.
4. Insert the elastic into the waistband of the skirt and sew it in place. Make sure to keep it taut so that your skirt will fit properly when worn.
5. Turn right side out and press with an iron to flatten out any wrinkles in the fabric.
6. Hem the bottom edge of the skirt to finish.

To add a unique touch to your handkerchief skirt, consider adding a ruffle or lace trim along the edges. This can be sewn into the seams of the skirt for an added pop of style! You could also use fabric paint or other embellishments to customize the look further.

6-Panel Gored Skirts

A 6 panel gored skirt is a great style choice if you’re looking to add some flair to your wardrobe. The skirt features six panels of fabric that come together in the center, creating an A-line shape. Here’s how to sew skirts:

• Begin by cutting out the pattern pieces for your 6 panel gored skirt. Make sure to use the right measurements for your body.
• Place the pattern pieces on your fabric and cut out the pieces using scissors or a rotary cutter. Remember to add an extra 0.5 inch (1 cm) for seam allowance.
• Sew the side seams together, right sides together. Then sew the waistband facing to the top of the skirt and press it in place.
• To create the gores, take two adjacent panels and sew them together at the sides. Repeat with the remaining four panels.
• Sew the bottom hem of your skirt, making sure to leave a small gap for adding elastic later.
• Insert a wide elastic band into the waistband casing and stitch it in place. This will add an extra touch of comfort as well as holding the skirt in place.
• Finally, press the seams and check for any loose threads or imperfections.

The steps above will help you create a 6 panel gored skirt that’s perfect for any occasion!

Tiered skirts (Novelty Gathered)

Novelty gathered skirts are decorative and flirty. They typically have multiple tiers, each slightly longer than the one beneath it, and they can be sewn by hand or machine. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sew skirts:

1. Measure your waistline; use a flexible tape measure for accuracy.
2. Cut out a waistband from fabric that is twice the length of your waist measurement and six inches wide.
3. Fold the waistband in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and stitch down the long side to create a tube-like shape with one open end.
4. Cut out tiers from various fabrics that are two times your waist measurement by the desired length of each tier.
5. Gather the top of each tier according to the instructions on your sewing machine and pin them around the circumference of the waistband opening.
6. Sew each tier onto the waistband, using a straight stitch along with a zigzag or overlock stitch for extra strength and stability.
7. Press the waistband and tiers with an iron to give them a professional finish.
8. Hem each tier by folding the lower edge up one inch, pressing again, then stitching along the folded edge.
9. Attach a zipper or hook-and-eye closure at the back of the waistband for ease of wear.

You can also customize your novelty gathered skirt by adding ribbon, lace, or other decorative elements. Embellishing the tiers with delicate hand-stitching adds a unique touch that you’ll be proud to show off.

Tulip Hemmed Skirts

If you’re looking for a unique hemline, then a tulip hemmed skirt is the perfect choice! Here’s how to sew skirts:

1. Measure your waist and hips and cut the fabric accordingly.
2. Hem the bottom of the skirt before attaching it to the waistband.
3. With right sides facing each other, pin the waistband and skirt together at side seams and at center back. Stitch in place using a zig-zag or straight stitch on your sewing machine.
4. To create the tulip shape, make a pleat at the center back of the skirt and pin it in place. Sew this pleat securely, making sure to backstitch at the start and end.
5. Once your tulip hem is complete, press with an iron on low heat setting or steam.
6. Finally, finish off the waistband by sewing on an invisible zipper, adding a hook and eye closure, or using one of the many other closures available.

After you complete your lovely tulip hemmed skirt, make sure to add some fun accessories to show off your style!

Pleated Skirts

Pleats are a great way to add texture and dimension to any skirt. Sewing pleats requires several precise folds, so it’s important to take your time and ensure you’re being accurate with each fold. Here’s how to sew a pleated skirt step by step:

1. Get the fabric ready for pleating – Press the fabric, cut it to size and mark out where you want the pleats to be located.
2. Sew your darts – Make sure you press each dart into place and then baste them in place before stitching them up with a zigzag stitch.
3. Fold and pin the pleats – Start folding and pressing the fabric, deciding if your pleats will be knife pleats or box pleats. Then, use straight pins to keep the fabric in place while you sew it up.
4. Sew each of the pleats into place – Starting at one end of your fabric and working your way down, use a straight stitch along the edge of the fabric to sew each pleat into place.
5. Finish up – Once you’ve finished sewing all of your pleats, press them into place with an iron and then finish off your skirt with a hem.

Now that you know how to sew a pleated skirt, it’s time to get creative! Try mixing different types of fabrics and colors to create a unique look.

Layered Skirts

Layered skirts can be a great addition to any wardrobe, adding texture and movement to an outfit. Let’s take a look at how to sew skirts.

1. Measuring your waist and hips (or where you want the skirt to sit).
2. Using a pattern or creating your own, cut the fabric for the skirt with two layers; one main layer and one overlay layer.
3. Sewing the two pieces together using a straight stitch on the sides and hemming the bottom edge of both layers to your desired length.
4. For extra texture and detail, add embellishments like lace ruffles, buttons, and other trimmings.
5. Once everything is attached, try on the skirt and adjust as necessary for a perfect fit.
6. Finally, don your layered skirt with pride knowing that you made it yourself!

Layered skirts are a great way to add texture and movement to any wardrobe.

Conclusion

Skirts come in a variety of shapes and styles, from classic to trendy. No matter what type of skirt you choose, learning how to sew skirts is a great way to express your style and creativity! 

With the right tools and materials, you can create a look that’s unique to you.

Whether it’s a 6 panel gored skirt, tiered novelty gathered skirt, tulip hemmed skirt, pleated skirt or layered skirt, there’s something for everyone.

So go ahead and start sewing and show off your style! Have fun creating your perfect look! Happy Sewing!

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skirt

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Skirt

https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/1950-1959/

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/school-environment/dress-code-guidelines