In this week’s How-Tuesday post, you’ll learn how to stitch your very own custom skirt and update your wardrobe in a flash! Brett Bara, author of Sewing in a Straight Line, will guide you through the process.
When you see how easy it is to sew your own quick and comfy skirt, you won’t ever want to purchase this wardrobe basic off the rack again. With just one yard of fabric and a mere sixty minutes, you can whip up a fantastic little number that looks like a million bucks. You can easily adapt this pattern to make a variety of different looks — try a narrower elastic waist, a longer length, or even less gathering to suit your own personal style.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Approximately 1 yard (91cm) medium-weight fabric*
- 1 3/4″ (4.5cm) wide elastic (the length of your waist circumference)
- One large safety pin
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Thread
- Iron
- Sewing Machine
*Note: This garment is sized to fit your measurements, so the exact amount of fabric needed will vary. Read the entire pattern and take your body measurements (in step 1) to determine the exact amount you’ll need. Buy extra when in doubt.
Finished Dimensions:
Width: Sized to fit your body
Length: 18″ (45.5cm)
Fabric Suggestions
I made this skirt in a cotton-linen blend, which is soft and has great drape. Almost any light or medium weight fabric will work for this project; just keep in mind that the texture of the fabric you choose will determine whether your skirt is flowy or more structured.
Let’s get started!
Directions:
1. Measure and Cut:
Fabric: Measure your hip circumference 7″–8″ (18cm–20.5cm) below your natural waist, or at your widest point) for measurement A. Cut 2 rectangles with a width equal to A and a length of 22 1/2″(57cm).
Elastic: Measure your waist circumference and cut a piece of elastic to that measurement minus 1″ (2.5cm).
2. Sew the Side Seams Pin
Then sew the 2 front/back pieces together along both 22 1/2″ (57cm) edges using either 1/2″ seam allowances or a 1/4″ (6mm) French seams. Press the seams flat before moving on.
3. Sew the Waistband Casing
Turn under the top edge 1/2″ (13mm); press. Turn under this folded top edge 2″ (5cm); press then pin. Topstitch the folded edge in place, leaving a 4″ (10cm) opening near one of the side seams.
4. Sew the Hem
Turn under the hem 1/2″ (13mm); press. Turn it under again 11/2″ (3.8cm); press then pin. Topstitch the hem in place.
5. Finish the Waistband
Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread that end through the entire waistband casing and gather away, being careful not to twist the elastic. When the safety pin gets back to the opening, overlap the 2 raw edges of the elastic 1/2″ (13mm) and sew them together with a straight stitch, backstitching to reinforce at the beginning and end of the seam. Insert the joined elastic ends back into the casing. Topstitch the opening of the casing closed.
Distribute the gathers evenly around the skirt. Once the gathers are arranged, stitch in the ditch along each side seam at the waistband to secure the elastic in place.
Go Custom
You can change this pattern up in lots of ways to make whatever kind of skirt your heart desires. Here are a few options:
— If you prefer the look of a skinny waistband, just use thinner elastic and adjust the waistband casing accordingly. Make the casing 1/4″ (6mm) wider than the elastic.
— This skirt measures 18″ (45.5cm) from waist to hem. To make it longer or shorter (if you dare!), just adjust the length of the rectangle you cut in Step 1. (You may need to buy more fabric for a longer skirt.)
— The fabric you choose has a huge impact on the look of this garment. A very light fabric with a lot of drape will give you a flowy skirt; choose something stiff like taffeta for a poofy ball-gown effect.
Score a copy of Sewing in a Straight Line from Amazon or an independent bookseller near you.
112 comments
Sign in to add your ownalexandranoel says:
What a great post, thank you! I have been hearing about your book and can't wait to pick up my copy, especially after reading this. The explanations seem really thorough and easy to follow. I bet you could make some really one-of-a-kind skirts with this pattern using dyeing techniques, embroidery, anything!
1 year ago
DessertWine says:
I'm running out the door to buy a sewing machine! Thanks for the inspiration!
1 year ago
shannondzikas says:
Skirts were the first thing I learned to sew. Nothing better than a skirt to twirl around in!
1 year ago
MyYellowBrickRoad says:
Thank you!!! I've been wanting to start making my own clothes, but have been such a chicken! I can't wait to try this! I have to do it all by hand, though (no sewing machine). WIll I be 80 by the time it's finished?? (((:
1 year ago
TeddyBearWorld says:
Wonderful post
1 year ago
TwinkleStarCrafts says:
The tutorial is great, but I love those three fabric styles you featured for sale!
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Love this post! I love to sew! Beautiful skirts!
1 year ago
VivaGailBeads says:
love this idea!
1 year ago
lauraprentice says:
Skirts are so cute and easy! I have made many kinds, my favorite and most recent skirt was made from a vintage pillowcase.
1 year ago
kathywelshart says:
So cute!! I can't wait for the weekend so I can score some fabric and make my own...
1 year ago
domesticdebbie says:
Great tutorial, A++!!
1 year ago
mroses says:
Great post! Thanks for the pattern!
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Yay, so easy! I can sew in the mending sense, but ask me to construct an item from scratch and I will stumble through it. Great directions, thanks!
1 year ago
thewildplum says:
Hello, my name is Christina and I am sewing challenged; unable to sew a straight line. Somehow, though, I have managed to collect 8 vintage sewing machines and a lifetime supply of vintage material. My inner voice keeps telling me to try again. However, my Homer Simpson fingers keep making me go, "d'oh!" Maybe this book is the answer. Thank you!!!
1 year ago
melodine says:
I love this "How-Tuesday"...you're so right...endless possibilities here. Thanks for both the video and written. I'm gonna look for your book!
1 year ago
sparrowgrey says:
Love this! Looking forward to it.
1 year ago
gothicreations says:
I love sewing simple skirts.
1 year ago
rozzie says:
Just forwarded this to one of my friends via Facebook. :)
1 year ago
RedHarp says:
I've been making full skirts for years, using patterns. This is a great, simple design, easy to execute and requires no pattern. I'm going to give it a try.
1 year ago
jenjenpb says:
When I'm shopping for skirts, I can never find the perfect one...this way I can create my own :) Cool!
1 year ago
LivingVintage says:
Awesome! I bought my first sewing machine several months ago.
1 year ago
1dream says:
I love it..Thank you...
1 year ago
scandivintage says:
Thank you! I sew a lot, but never managed to get hold of a great party-pattern like this! Good for last minute changes of heart for a night out or when I have picked up the perfect piece of fabric form a charity shop.
1 year ago
AzuriteCreations says:
fun and easy thanks :)
1 year ago
hoganfe says:
Well done tutorial - thanks Brett!
1 year ago
AuroraVk says:
thank you!!!! really cool tutorial!
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
so cute. i just made a bunch of skirts for my store. very similar to these cute ones. keep an eye out, i'll be listing them all next week!
1 year ago
ThreadRare says:
I'm gonna need a tutorial on how to get that skirt model's hair...
1 year ago
RetroStock says:
Great idea! I will have to try this!
1 year ago
26Sorts says:
Love this! I am definitely feeling inspired to do some fabric shopping!
1 year ago
wahlrus says:
So much inspiration! Thanks for sharing! EtsyLove from, Jamie & John
1 year ago
gussygreen says:
love!
1 year ago
TNShopthailand says:
Wonderful.Likethis idea!
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
SweetiePieCollars says:
Awesome post! Great idea! Thanks!
1 year ago
BlissfulBloomsBtique says:
This is exactly what I've been looking for. I even made a challenge list for myself, and one of the things was, "Learn how to make a cute skirt." Check!
1 year ago
alexcismelendez says:
absolutely fabulous!
1 year ago
ashleyeaston says:
oh, skirts! thank you! I've been itching to make one for quite awhile, with limited time and very limited sewing machine skills! ;) This is perfect!
1 year ago
designbyluecella says:
FLASHBACK 1965 HOME ECONOMICS Sewing class. 1st Project: SKIRT. Bought corduroy. No one told me about nap when laying out to cut. Walked around wearing a skirt half shiny and half dull. I wondered why it looked funky! :) Keep up the fab work Etsy..Great showcase for awesome talent!
1 year ago
thevelvetheart says:
This looks easy enough that I could probably even make it. Unfortunately, I don't think I could pull off wearing it :)
1 year ago
KKSimpleRegalJewelry says:
Sewing is so much fun! Thanks, ~Krista
1 year ago
rinnyc says:
I love skirts. I wear them everyday! This looks so simple and i am going to try it right now!
1 year ago
asileoriginals says:
Cute!
1 year ago
MaryFosterCreative says:
I can't even remember the last time I wore a skirt :) This pattern is so simple and versatile, I just might try it.
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
easy peasy
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Inspiring color!
1 year ago
MyWisteriaCottage says:
For the one who said she would rush out and buy a sewing machine a few thaughts. Your first machine can last you for your life. Buy a simple one that is very sturdy like a Singer old school. My Kenmore is English made in 1967 simple and sturdy and I have used it for at least 100,000 miles.It has been my friend and business partner. I have others but I still love that basic machine best. An old restored machine is worth the money.
1 year ago
littlemissbluebird says:
Soooooo excited to get a sewing machine soon and make this! :) Thanks!
1 year ago
glusk says:
Ooooh I want that skirt! Good thing I can easily make my own one now :)
1 year ago
paperbugg says:
looks so simple i love it! and the blue white pattern. where is it i want it!
1 year ago
Alaroycreature says:
That was seriously awesome! I've been wondering how to do the elastic thing since forever!!
1 year ago
MadebyLinLin says:
Sewing is so awesome! Great pattern!
1 year ago
elishalong says:
I can't wait to try this!! :)
1 year ago
thecyclingartist says:
So cute! I'm going to do each fabric side just over half my hip measurement - to get a more fitted look. I can only do straight lines to excited to use some of my collection of fabric for this!
1 year ago
effiSER says:
Wonderful post!!! I will have to try this!
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
I like this post, a skirt was the first thing I ever sewed in home ec in the 7th grade. The second was a vest...lol. Aloha!
1 year ago
beliz82 says:
Great idea Thank you for sharing :O)
1 year ago
JillianReneDecor says:
Great post! The tutorial is so clear and seems very easy to follow. Thanks so much for sharing... off to check out more of Brett's tutorials!
1 year ago
KittyStoykovich says:
OOO I'm excited to do this now!! Thanks for the tutorial!
1 year ago
jcwWoodcrafts says:
Very cool article and great instructions. I only makes me appreciate more those people who can sew!
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Love your sewing articles! I encourage anyone who is even thinking about learning to sew just do it! Its such a stress reliever AND you can make a living sewing!
1 year ago
candlemoods says:
Love this!
1 year ago
PinesVintageClothing says:
omg I want to make a skirt
1 year ago
PosiesbyCait says:
This is wonderful! I've been asking for a sewing machine for my birthday...I'm adding this book to the list, and I can't wait to get started!
1 year ago
Shoplift says:
I'm definitely going to try this!
1 year ago
MarshaNealStudio says:
Great Post!!!
1 year ago
hawthornehill says:
Thank you so much!! My 11 year old daughter wants to sew. This will be very helpful.
1 year ago
morgantatedesigns says:
i love making my own skirts! This is a great tutorial! For more ideas, check out this book: http://www.amazon.com/Design-Yourself-Clothes-Patternmaking-Simplified/dp/0307451399/ref=pd_sim_b_5 It's written by a former anthropologie designer.. such cute designs! :)
1 year ago
good4you says:
beautiful!!
1 year ago
greenlikegrandma says:
So cute. My daughter wants to sew something and this is perfect. Thanks.
1 year ago
missbatch says:
I can't wait for this event! The book is great and so is Brett!
1 year ago
miniwonderfulthings says:
I've been trying to get together with my 15 year old granddaughter for MONTHS to do something like this. Just can't convince her that we don't need a pattern.
1 year ago
smilingmama says:
Love this skirt. Hadn't used a sewing machine for years until I went to a bag making workshop last week. Loved the bag and now want to sew anything and everything. Have been given a practically brand new sewing machine by the husband of a dear friend who died. So everything I make will have extra meaning. Have been gathering material for years, just a shame the book isn't released here till 7th Sept. But will definitely be making skirts this weekend. Thank you.
1 year ago
elemegibere says:
Wonderful Skirts!
1 year ago
Likls says:
this is great! it's so hard to find a pattern for a good, basic skirt. and i think it's nice that you don't have to buy much fabric, so you could make it with a fabric a little more luxe than what you would use for, say, a full dress.
1 year ago
allybstudio says:
I am feeling the inspiration for a new wardrobe! :)
1 year ago
freshpikd4u says:
Great tutorial, thanks so much!
1 year ago
AllUNeedNMore says:
That was great and simple THANKS!
1 year ago
darkmuse says:
Yay thank you for this!
1 year ago
alexcismelendez says:
i just finished my "one hour skirt" which ended up taking about 2 1/2 hours! very proud of it though. wearing it to work tomorrow.
1 year ago
TheWhimsicalMuse says:
How fun! I've recently started looking for a sewing machine & am still in a haze about what to buy. This is a totally fun idea. I could see not only making one of these skirts for me, but for my 5 year old, as well. Love it!
1 year ago
UrbanEcoBeauty says:
This was so helpful thank you!!!
1 year ago
jenniferwhitmer says:
I just love this skirt and have an old Singer featherweight that can whip it up in no time! Thank you for this patternless pattern. How liberating to sew this way. Commercial patterns are so costly these days, even the simplest ones. I'll look for Sewing In A Straight Line when it comes out. If this skirt is an example of what's in the book, how lucky are we!
1 year ago
ayeware says:
I made it tonight! I used some beautiful turquoise cotton fabric that's been burning a hole in my psyche for months to whip up this skirt in...well, more than an hour because bobbins hate me. But this is easily the most userfriendly sewing tutorial I've ever seen/read, so the book is a must purchase. (And I'm third in line to check it out of the Free Library.) Love. it!
1 year ago
bazketmakr says:
sounds terribly fun and easy! Thanks so much for sharing!
1 year ago
pearliemae says:
I make these all the time because I LIVE in skirts in the summertime! I buy old dresses at the thrift shop, cut them and add an elastic waist - new skirt in 30 minutes or less! Already hemmed! What's with the last line, though? A tutorial about skirts and a line that says "If you make your own sandals, share a photo with us in the Etsy Labs Flickr group." wth?
1 year ago
WestEndave says:
Very good idea!!!
1 year ago
WestEndave says:
Very good idea!!! I think I will write my own book too.
1 year ago
hawaiibeads says:
Love this skirt! I am inspired to go for a sewing machine again. I used to sew all the time (my favorite machine was a 1930's (?) White Rotary with all the fancy parts). But moves over the years and such, I find myself without a nice little sewing machine. I do have two wonderful heavy duty upholstery machines that I used in business for years. But now I am ready to sew for myself again. I have all my old patterns, including my collection of vintage muumuu patterns! But I need to find an nice little portable that will sew knits so I can shorten all my tshirts! Any suggestions on what is your favorite machine for all around sewing?
1 year ago
HennyPennysJumble says:
Makes it look so easy to make darling clothes!
1 year ago
MILKYBABY50 says:
Wonderful info thanks for posting it
1 year ago
komoriuta says:
Oh my god, this is so cute. I'm going to make one right now!!!
1 year ago
Knit1Give2 says:
This looks so pretty! I'm making one out of old t-shirts I never wear and doing it all by hand, but I might have to give myself a little break. I think I'll have to look at the book, too!
1 year ago
krista60 says:
I made this -- my second skirt ever -- and wore it all day today. Love love love it! Thank you!
1 year ago
nutcasefashion says:
This post is great for beginners at sewing and the silhouette is so easy to wear! Thank you Etsy :) Will try this for sure~~~
1 year ago
ColtVintage says:
this is a great idea for an easy to make skirt, but if you don't add seam allowance to your hip measurement ('A' in the directions), then the skirt might fit too tight...just sayn'
1 year ago
wiredroxz says:
I've been sewing all my life and love the simplicity of this.....will definately give this one a try :)
1 year ago
BunniesandAvacado says:
SUPER cute! Cannot wait to make one just for me. Or maybe seven just for me.
1 year ago
squaredup says:
I think it would make me look like an oil tanker, but it looks really cute on the model!
1 year ago
roseandlotus says:
very nice! can't wait to try that tutorial soon.
1 year ago
TheDapperDeer says:
It's a really nice tutorial, but you need to add seem allowance to the width. Also, if you are looking for a really flowy skirt like the model is wearing you need to add more to the width (especially if you have a large buttocks or hips). But if your looking for something more tailored, just leave it.
1 year ago
PittiVintage says:
can't wait to make one!
1 year ago
TheBeachyHouse says:
awesome!!! going out to buy cute fabric soon to make one!!! great post!!!
1 year ago
RagsToRebecca says:
I made this today, one each for my mom and I! Mom chose a thin pinstriped fabric, and it's loosely bunched. I got a Japanese-inspired print with a gray background and waves and gold lines abstractly representing waves.... You might want to actually subtract about 4" from the elastic length.
1 year ago
alyssain1derland says:
Now I don't have an excuse NOT to make one for my little girls. This is going to be fun, or interesting at least!
1 year ago
EclecticSublime says:
These skirts are so awesome. Thanks, also I can totally where them to work and my days off. *P.S.
1 year ago
tuinuiioi says:
wow , nice and easy, i've to try it
1 year ago
ArgentTonic says:
Lovely skirts!!!! I will definitively get one of those!!! Congrat! nice work!
1 year ago
cheonghyangDESIGNs says:
Easy ~^^ Thanks.
1 year ago
RosieT27 says:
Thank you so much! I modified this a tad to make a skirt for my sons costume (he's Bam Bam) I can't wait to buy your book!
1 year ago
Blueridgefabrics says:
T am so glad to see that someone is making sewing simple. I love to sew and have since I have been small. This fuels my love of fabrics which is why I am starting a fabric site on Etsy. I love the feel and art of fabrics. I get a rush when I see a beautiful piece and there are some that I get an emotional attachment to many. I am probably strange but oh well. Dot Bradham Blueridge Fabrics
1 year ago
Princess Marmalade says:
I've just finished my fourth one. They look great. This has given me the confidence to try something else. Many thanks. : )
343 days ago