How to Make a Tiered Skirt Without Gathers

Search secondhand stores for suitable t-shirts for the project.

Tiered cotton skirts present a comfortable option for traveling and warm weather. Due to sewing machine restrictions or personal preference, creating a tiered skirt using the common technique of gathering the fabric might not be an option. Using a jersey cotton material to fashion the skirt creates sufficient stretch for comfortable and active wear. Recycling old t-shirts provides for a thrifty and environmentally-conscious garment. For a more polished garment, allow the seams between the tiers to remain on the inside of the skirt.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 3 cotton t-shirts
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• ½ inch elastic

Instructions

1. Determine the intended length of the skirt in inches. Divide this figure by three. To account for seam allowances and hemming, add 1/2 inch to the length of the bottom tier, 1 inch to the middle tiers and 2 inches to the top tier.

2. Select basic cotton t-shirts for use in the project, ensuring their width is at least several inches larger than the widest part of the hips of the intended wearer. Cut the bottom hems off two of the t-shirts. Cut the bodies off the t-shirts to the previously determined lengths, with the hemmed t-shirt being reserved for the bottom tier.

3. Pin the top edge of the bottom tier to the bottom of the middle tier, aligning the side seams. For the seam to be on the outside of the skirt, keep both pieces facing right side out and pin an even 1/2 inch around the skirt. Sew with a 1/4 inch seam allowance and repeat to attach the top and middle tiers.

4. Fold over 3/4 inches around the top of the skirt. Pin into place and sew with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving a 1 inch opening for the elastic. Measure the waist of the intended wearer and cut the elastic to this length.

5. Thread the elastic through the waistband of the skirt and sew the ends together. Close the opening left in the waistband. Equally distribute the fabric around the elastic waist.

Tips & Warnings

• The t-shirts used for the skirt should be the same size to ensure no gathering will be required.

References

• J Caroline Creative: Instructions for Peasant Skirt
• Kuky Ideas: Tiered Skirt Tutorial