How to Reconstruct an A-Line Jean Skirt

An A-line skirt fits at the waist and hips, then flares to the bottom hem. This is an easy pattern for even novice sewers. A-line skirts are a simple design that fit nicely on almost any body type. When using denim to make your skit, choose a denim that has some stretch, because it will fit better over your hips. You can also take an old, outdated denim skirt, and reconstruct it into an A-line.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Large paper, such as newsprint
• Old denim skirt
• Seam ripper
• Pins
• Scissors
• Lining fabric
• Sewing machine
• Matching thread
• Invisible zipper

Instructions

1. Take your measurements or the measurements of the person for whom you are making the A-line skirt. Measure the waist, the hips and the length from waist to knee.

2. Add 2 inches to all measurements to account for hemming and seam allowances.

3. Transfer these measurements to your paper to make your pattern. Start by putting the length on the paper first, and then adding the waist and the hip measurement. You will need one front piece and two back pieces.

4. Flare out the bottom of the skirt so that it is about twice your waist measurement. Be careful when going from the waist to the bottom, that you include the measurement for the hips; otherwise, the hip part of the skirt will be too tight.

5. Use the seam ripper to remove all seams from your old denim skirt. Use these pieces to make your new A-line. Choose an old denim skirt that has some flare to it, or is a couple of sizes too large for you, to make sure that you have enough fabric.

6. Place your pattern pieces on the fabric, making sure all pieces go in the same direction. Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric. Cut out your patterns.

7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 with the lining fabric. Using lining fabric eliminates the need to wear a slip. Cut the lining 1-inch shorter than the skirt fabric.

8. Sew the two back pieces to the front pieces at the sides, with the right sides together. Do this for both the lining and the skirt fabric.

9. Place the lining and the skirt with the right sides together and sew together along the waist edge. Make sure to match up the seams. Flip the lining to the inside of the skirt.

10. Read the directions that come with the invisible zipper. Sew the zipper to the back of the skirt according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sew down the back seam.

11. Turn the fabric of both the lining and the skirt under 1/4-inch and another 1/4-inch to enclose the raw edges. Sew both hems to complete the skirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Check at your local newspaper office for newsprint. They often give away the ends of the rolls. If you cannot find newsprint, you can find pattern paper at your local fabric store. This is more expensive, but is great if you plan to use your pattern repeatedly.

• If this is the first time you are constructing an A-line skirt without a pattern, make a dummy skirt using inexpensive muslin. This will help you know where to make changes in the pattern. This also allows you to save your good fabric until you are ready for it.

References

• "Reader's Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing"; Pamela Johnson, Project Editor; 2002
• Burda Style: How to Make an A-line Skirt