I bought these beautiful Kaffe Fassett fabrics a long time ago with the intention of making a skirt. I get easily distracted with so many other projects I want to make. I finally decided to make my vision a reality. I will share a simple tutorial on how I made the skirt without a commercial pattern. Let's jump right in!
* You Will Need
Three different kinds of fabrics --- I used Kaffe Fassett quilter's Cotton fabrics. They are 44" wide and I bought 1 yard each. I am 5'3" and 110 lbs. If you are taller and a bit heavier than me, you will need more fabrics.
3/4" wide elastic --- You will need the measurement of your waist + a couple inches
Other sewing necessities such as thread, marking tool and pins.
You could totally make this skirt with a sewing machine alone, but having a serger definitely speeds up the process. There are so many long seams on this skirt, my
Baby Lock Victory took care of them effortlessly!
* How To
1. Create a simple pattern. Don't be intimidated, it is a very simple one single panel. Measure the widest part of your bottom body. Mine is my hip. I added 6" to that measurement. I wanted to use 9 panels; 3 panels from each fabric. I divided the number by 9 and added 1" to that measurement for seam allowance (1/2" for both sides). Now you have the measurement for the top. For my skirt, the bottom seam is 13". Draw a line from top to bottom on both sides, and draw a slight curve on each side along the bottom of the skirt.
2. Cut casing for the elastic. I cut one 3"x 44" (width of the fabric) strip. If you are making a larger skirt, you need to cut more. One of the great things about this skirt is that you don't have to have the exact same fabric to create the casing. You can add different fabric and it will not look odd at all.
3. I folded the fabric in three, laid the pattern on top and used a rotary cutter to cut. Repeat the process with the other fabrics and in no time you will have all the panels done.
4. Lay out the fabrics to make sure you have them in the order you want them. Sew them together.
5. Take care of the seam to prevent fraying. This is where I really love having
reliable serger! I used to not have a serger and I had to use zig zag stitches. I felt like the process took forever! I was able to take care of the seam in no time. For this I set the machine setting to 3 thread overlock - wide. This allows the seam to be securely finished without adding extra bulk. Press the seam with an iron.
6. Put together the ends of the casing right sides together and sew. Make sure to leave a 3/4" (or less) opening to put elastic through.
7. Pin the casing to the top of the skirt and sew all around it. Fold the other seam 1/2" and press. Fold it again and bring the folded edge to the sewn line and top stitch to create the casing for the elastic.
8. Put elastic through the casing and sew the ends of the elastic to secure it. Now you have a fun skirt to wear!
When I showed this skirt to my family, the response was,"Wow!", "So bright!". Yes, you are darn right! It is pretty bright and busy, but surprisingly, there are so many tops I could wear it with. I did a little fashion show in my living room. Allow me to share them with you...
Throw a green cardigan on basic tank
Washed blue cotton sweater is nice option as well
Light denim short sleeve shirt
I think this is my favorite combo! I thrifted this cardigan recently. They go so well together!
You can never go wrong with a simple cream colored cotton cardigan. Easy, cozy and happy.
The skirt is going to be a great transition piece from summer to fall. You could always choose more tame fabrics and create a skirt that you love. It is such an easy piece to sew and wear. I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and a little fashion show!
