How to Sew a Skirt

Pattern : Short and Sassy Skirt (Handkerchief Skirt) from Sew What! Skirts Book

Materials Used:

Fabric : 1.8 Yards or 1.8 Metres - For 60" Width Fabric, 1.5 Yards or 1.5 Metres for 45'' Width of  - I used Cotton Twill Fabric 60" Wide 

Elastic (3/4" or 1") : 1Yard or 1 Metre 

Measurements: Waist Size and Hip Size

Short and Sassy Skirt From Sew What! Skirts Book

Short and Sassy Skirt From Sew What! Skirts Book

Steps:

1. Draft and Cut the Pattern on fabric
2. Attach Waistband or Bias tape Casing
3. Insert the Elastic and Finish the Opening kept to insert elastic
4. Finish the Hem

Drafting:

1. Take a 60" x 60 " Fabric, Length and Width of fabric should be same.
2. Fold the Fabric Width wise Half. (Selvage to Selvage) 
3. Again Fold the Fabric Length Wise Half and make a square. Four Layers will be there.
4. Calculate Radius : (Hip size / 6) less 0.5 " SA (Mine 42/6 = 7, 7 - 0.5 SA = 6.5 Radius)
5. Mark the radius on the fabric and Cut it. Circle Shape will be there.

Sewing:

1. Cut a Waist Band to the Length + 2" of the Circle and Height of 3.25 (For 1" Elastic : 2" + 1.25'' SA) and Sew it to the Circle or Sew a ready Bias Binding to the Circle. Sew it Leaving a gap to insert Elastic.
2. Elastic Length should be Waist Size Less 3".
3. Insert the Elastic into the Waist Band or Bias Tape Casing.
4. Join the Elastic Edges by Overlapping it first and then Sew it.
5. Finish the Opening Kept to insert the Elastic.
6. Finish the Hem with Double Folded Hem.

Notes:

• The Fabric Should be Light in Weight.
• The Width of the Should be at least 55" or the Skirt will be very short.

Eg. This Skirt I made with 44" Wide Fabric - Rayon Fabric Used

The Skirt became Short especially on the backside it was very uncomfortable but the fall of the handkerchief design came nicely because of the light weight.

Made from 44" Wide Fabric

This Skirt I made with 60" Wide Fabric - Cotton Twill Fabric Used

The Length of the fabric is good.

Made from 60" Wide Fabric

You can use 45" Wide fabric if you are making a skirt for a child.

Check the length first : The Shortest part of the skirt length calculation : Fabric Width / 2 Less the Radius (Hip Size/6 Less 0.5 SA) 

Mine Shortest part of the Skirt length  is -

14.5" Length on 44" Wide Fabric : 44"/2 = 22  Less (42/6 - 0.5) = 15.5  (1" for Hem Fold)

22.5" Length on 60" Wide Fabric : 60"/2 = 30 Less (42/6 - 0.5) = 23.5 (1" for Hem Fold)

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