Materials Needed:
- Fabric of your choice
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Pins
- Thread
- Elastic or zipper
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fabric
Start by measuring your waist and hips using the measuring tape. Depending on the desired fit of your skirt, add the desired amount of ease to these measurements. Once you have your measurements, lay the fabric flat and mark the dimensions for the waist, hips, and desired skirt length. Cut along the marks, ensuring you have two identical pieces for the front and back of the skirt.
Step 2: Sew the Skirt Sides
Take the front and back pieces of the skirt and pin them together, right sides facing each other. Sew the side seams using a straight stitch, ensuring you leave room at the top for the waistband or zipper. Finish the seam edges with a zigzag stitch or an overlock stitch to prevent fraying.
Step 3: Add the Waistband or Zipper
If you prefer a waistband, fold the top edge of the skirt down and sew along the folded edge, leaving an opening for the elastic. Thread the elastic through the waistband opening, ensuring a comfortable fit, and sew the ends of the elastic together. Finally, sew the opening closed. For a zipper, follow the instructions that come with the zipper to attach it to the top opening of the skirt neatly.
Step 4: Hem the Skirt
To finish the bottom edge of the skirt, fold it up about half an inch and then fold it up again to hide the raw edge. Pin the folds in place and sew along the folded edge using a straight stitch or a blind hem stitch for a clean finish. Remove any visible pins as you sew.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Inspect the skirt for any loose threads or uneven stitching, and trim them off if necessary. Iron the skirt to smooth out any wrinkles and give it a professional finish. Finally, try on your new basic skirt and embrace your accomplishment!
Now that you have the knowledge to make a basic skirt, you can experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and lengths to create skirts that perfectly match your style and personality. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touches. Happy sewing!