I didn't really explain in the last tutorial how to add the elastic waistband if that's the kind you prefer, so yesterday I whipped up this little skirt to demonstrate! It actually only took me 15 minutes (and that's with taking photos as I went!) so needless to say, it's an easy one! Any level of sewer can do this!
1. You'll need to measure your hips and cut a length of fabric that is 1.5x that measurement. The length of your skirt is entirely up to you, but mine was about 20" long before hemming.
2. Fold one end of your fabric over twice and hem.
2.(Not pictured) Put the two sides together, right sides facing, and sew them together to make a rube.3. Stitch around the top with a straight stitch on the longest length.
4. Wrap some 2" elastic around your waist, and mark it with a pin, add half an inch to that length, and cut.
4. Wrap some 2" elastic around your waist, and mark it with a pin, add half an inch to that length, and cut.5. Sew one end of the elastic on top of the other with a zig-zag stitch, overlapping about 1/4".
6. Pull your gathering stitches until your skirt is the same length as your waistband.
7. Pin the gathers to the inside of the elastic, if desired.
8. And sew them on with a zig-zag!
6. Pull your gathering stitches until your skirt is the same length as your waistband.
7. Pin the gathers to the inside of the elastic, if desired.
8. And sew them on with a zig-zag!
And done!
I live in skirts like this in the spring and summer, so I think I need one in every bright, springy fabric out there!
(And they're even faster when you make them for little girls!)
The best part is, you can wear them high-waisted, or regularly!
(I really need a new model.....)
On a totally different note, I met one of my readers the other day!
My family was shopping in our local thrift store, and she came up and said "hi". She recognized us from the blog! I certainly didn't expect that someone else in my little town would be into craft blogs, how fun!
It was so nice to meet you, Eve!
78 comments:
I love it! Thanks for sharing. I might have to unpack the machine again and make some of these!
beautiful skirt! thanks for the quick tutorial! will have to try this out someday!!
This is soo cute - but I don't think you know MY level of sewing! It's BELOW beginner level! LOL! :)
I might just have to make one of these today!
I love this quick and easy stuff.
Be sure and put this and the ruffled skirt in your book when you write one, actually all of your stuff! I would love to have your whole blog in one handy book.
ooo thats A good Idea a Ruffes and stuff book:) I love this skirt and I am definately making one today!
that skirt looks so great on you!
what a cute skirt!
wish i could find wide elastic near here...
thanks Disney!
Love the tut, I had to buy a skirt like this for my 13 year old, they are getting 29.00 for this at Kohls, I paid 16.99 on sale, but still! I plan to make more with the wide elastic I just bought on etsy. Ladies, sew these up and save!
I love this. It looks so classy.
This skirt is adorable! It would take me much longer than 20min to complete though. You've never seen me sew. ;-)
-FringeGirl
What a lovely skirt and in only 20mins!!!! Very cool. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome! Looks like even a noob like me could do this. Thanks for the tutorial <3
I love living in skirts too when the warm weather comes, i hate shorts! So thanks for the idea :)
This I might actually be able to sew without making a dog's dinner of! It looks gorgeous and simple... perfect!
~Libby
Very cute! Question: when using a zigzap stitch so that it has some stretch, do you want to use a small or large zigzag, and what length stitch will give you the most stretch?
I love this tutorial! I got a great printed fabric to make one of these!
Awesome! I live in skirts in the summer too! This is perfect!
Cute!!
Thank you for this! I tried one of these skirts from another blog and it didn't turn out quite right. (elastic is HARD to use)... but the way you made yours seems much much easier!
I am a new sewing machine user and I get frustrated easily:)
Thanks a bunch!
sophie
So cute! I love it. :) And no...I don't think you need a new model. :)
Wow, Trudy is right! You should have a book! And I was wondering why you don't have sponsors? I'm sure you are probably approached all the time on that, but maybe it's just so you don't feel tied down and can do your own thing. I feel that way about BlogHer sometimes. :). This skirt is so super cute and so easy! Thanks for sharing, as I'm sure many people will feel brave to try it. 15 minutes!? Awesome.
Also, I forgot to add, Thank you for your sweet comment on the bow ties. You make my day more often than you know Disney! Does that sound weird? Hopefully not. You are just a sweet person. Thanks:)
You're so talented Disney...thanks for the detailed post!
wow. i have always wondered how to do that! does the waistband of the skirt stretch with the zigzag stitch? i will certainly try this very soon! it should work with a smaller elastic too right?
sorry, i have another question. do you have suggestions on how to attach bloomers to the inside of the skirt (for a baby, so the skirt doesn't ride up)?
That´s wonderful simplicity
I have a bunch of skirts waiting for some kind of a waist. I've been afraid to do elastic. You made it look easy. I'm going to try it out!!
Very cute. I love skirts too. THis tute is perfect for me! Thank you!
I love how in the first pic it looks like a really cute dress!! I'm going to have to try this!
Jen
Very cute! I practically live in skirts and sundresses in the spring/summer, I will definitely have to try this. Thanks for sharing!
Wow! It really is easy! I want to make one...or two... or three.... :)
Perfect timing! I just bought some denim fabric today that I want to use to make a skirt like this! I wasn't sure how to attach the elastic! What a help! Thanks so much!
Just ordered a ton of bulk elastic today- can't wait for summer skirts!
You inspired me, so I combined this skirt with the t-shirt waistband and made one already :) So cute and comfortable for spring & summer!
http://paisley-princess.blogspot.com/2010/04/skirt-for-mommy.html
this is so awesome! thank you for sharing! i love these skirts in the stores! now i can make my own.
Awesome tutorial!! I linked to it on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-make-a-simple-gathered-skirt-in-20-minutes/2010/04/08/
--Anne
I love your blog and your great ideas!
I'm actually doing a giveaway over on my blog and would love some help getting the word out. I don't have any followers, but I'm itching to give something away. If you could help that'd be great.
http://tweetnovember.blogspot.com/
Thanks
So cute and pretty! You are amazingly talented. I want to come over for some sewing lessons - lol!
Love it!
XOXO
Jen
Cute!!! I can't wait to try one.
I just got a sewing machine for my birthday (March 17) and this was my first creation!
Thanks for the tutorial! It really was easy. I can't wait to make more :)
http://s15.photobucket.com/albums/a369/zoeyzoeyzoeyzo/Sewing/?action=view¤t=Photo189.jpg
Hi! Been following your blog for a almost a month now..and I like all your projects.
I really love this skirt and it's perfect because it's summer here in my country. Thanks for sharing! ^_^
hello dear
what a beautiful skirt!
congratulations!
I think you make on your blog a very original and beautiful things !
I have a gift for you on my blog! move to withdraw if you like
kiss Mery
Beautiful skirt. Thanks for sharing.
cute and easy! thanks for sharing !
your blog is so so awesome!! :)
would make a cute maternity skirt too! gonna try it, thanks :)
I love it!
Thank you!
Ohmygosh!!
I can't tell you how much I love your amazing crafts!
I LOVE your blog and it inspires me to do some crafting of my own.
Thanks for the how-tos!
Love it!! Now I know I can make my own skirts. I have been buying fabric like crazy and now I will have a bunch of fun skirts for summer.
Thank you!
I LOVE the way the skirt looks on you! You could wear a paper bag and it would look wonderful though ;-)
I have a little tip for anyone who, like me, has a narrow waist and larger hips. I measured out 1.5Xmy hip measurement and when I put the skirt together it was WAY poofy on my because my waist is so much smaller than my hips. I then took it apart and cut off about 10 inches and it looks MUCH better. I can now proudly wear my Disney-inspired creation :-)
I feel so inspired! Can't wait to make this for myself, after a long list of other things I'm hoping to make! Thanks!!!
I love it :)
Oh, I love this and the ruffly skirt. I definitely have to make them. Thanks so much for sharing all your great ideas!
What a perfect summer skirt! Once I get my new sewing room organized I'm going to make something fun like this for myself. Maybe I'll add pockets!
Just finished making one. :) Thanks for the tutorial!
I love this skirt! I have made 2 and they are my first 'official' clothing projects for myself. Thank you for making me a seamstress!
Do you have any suggestions about where to get elastic? My joann's doesn't have a nice soft wide elastic and I'm not sure where to order online that would be the right kind. Thanks:)
Thank you thank you! I just made two of these during naptime. So awesome. :D
My sister and I have just picked out fabric to make some of these! Can't wait! Thanks!
Just wrote a blog about your tute. Thanks!
http://carmenbeeblog.blogspot.com/
This is a super cute skirt! I'm totally going to have to make this!
I finally got around to making this and am thrilled with the results. I made it for my daughter and used knit. What could be easier!? Thank you for always sharing your talent with us out here in blogland. You have amazing taste, style and talent!
Rebecca
http://coldoatmealandpurplecows.blogspot.com/2010/06/so-darn-easy.html
Made one for my 2.5 year old today!!!! Love it! Can't wait to make one for ME! I will blog it soon and link here.
Just made myself a black one for work! So excited to make more, because heaven knows I hate shopping. Good golly!
YAY! I actually may be able to make this!
<3 leigh
veryloveleigh.blogspot.com
Ok, I don't know what I did wrong. This was my first EVER attempt at a skirt. Didn't quite come out right. First, it was huge and then when I gathered it, it was really hard to gather and when I sewed it to the elastic it seemed "lumpy" in areas. I guess I'll blame it on not having a clue what I am doing. I am thinking that since I'm a "curvier" figure than you appear to be, perhaps sewn down pleats instead of gathers would be more flattering too? I'm going to wear this one tomorrow & see what others think
I'm a very beginning sewer, and one of the main reasons I wanted to learn is so that I could make my own skirts. I love this one, and can't wait to try it since it actually looks easy enough that I could do it.
Thanks! I made a skirt and couldn't figure out what stitch to use to sew the skirt to the elastic. I remembered reading your tutorial a long time ago and re-read it today. The skirt is finally finished!
This is lovely! Thanks for the tutorial. What kind of fabric would be best for this kind of skirt? I'm planning a fabric run soon :)
Thanks!
Te
http://malaidea.squarespace.com
If you are allergic to latex like I am, you have to cover the elastic with fabric before sewing it to the skirt.... Otherwise you wind up with hives or worse if you wear your skirt under your shirts.
Hi there, i love your patterns and cant wait to try them. I am really a beginner so hope i can manage. What material is best for this skirt? I am in cape town, south african and there isnt the best choice in fabrics here! Thanks
I *finally* got around to making this skirt today - it's not the most flattering for me (I am VERY large), but it was quick and easy and perfect for the fabric I had.
As a beginner sewer, I had SO many flaws in this (yes, that's how bad I am), so I decided to put in three rows of lace with about 1.5" of fabric in between each row. The lowest level had the lace edge hanging past the hem of the skirt. It really helped hide and distract from all the flaws while making it a little more feminine and was so easy since t's just three straight lines! =)
Thanks, Disney!
Nice!!!
I linked you today in my blog, I hope you don't mind.
http://licenciaparacoser.blogspot.com
Love the skirt & instructions, you make it look so easy! I need a lesson & a sewing machine. You make me want to do all this, to cute for me and my girls to wear!
Beautiful!! I just made one of these...it took me about two hours...only because I have a machine that requires a bit more tlc. :o) My skirt turned out a bit shorter than I thought it would, so I added a band of solid color on the bottom. Thanks for the tutorial!
Cant wait to try this once the machine is out of the shop. My daughter is going to Africa this summer and needs lots of simple, light-weight skirts. Looks like this is going to be to one!
Thanks so much for sharing. Your beginning sewing tutorials have been so helpful. I've been following your blog for a while and it's one of my favorites!
thanks Disney :D i'm working on my machine right now..grandkids playing with the knobs,tension is wacky now,lol! i'd just seen where to make skirts from bottoms of extra large tee-shirts with the elastic shirring on the waist. but i dont want to do them all like that. i found you at the perfect time. thanks for sharing your talent freely :D
kudzu
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