How To Make an Easy Tiered Skirt

Tiered skirts can be made fitted if you want a more professional look or simply want to show off your lower abdomen. You also can wear them loose if you want a more casual or costume look, or simply want something that will flatter multiple shapes. This style is easy to make and has a very attractive end product.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape
• Sewing machine
• Hand sewing needle
• Paper clip or safety pin
• Drawstring material, preferably ribbon or thin cord

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference of where you want the waist to hang, then divide by six. If you want the skirt to be fitted, add 1/2 inch to each. If you want the skirt to be loose, add 2 inches to each. This measurement will be the top of your tiers. The bottom of the tiers will measure 30 inches.

2. Lay the fabric out, and measure thirty inches on one side, then the measurement for the top of your skirt. Do this three times so there are three measurements for the top marked and three for the bottom. On the other side measure to 15 inches, and make this the center of the top of one of your panels. Count half the distance to each side, and mark both. Then measure thirty and then the top of your tier, and do this until you have three of each on that side as well again measuring 30. This side should end with the 30 mark.

3. Fold the fabric on the first markers, and slice along the fold. Then fold the fabric at the next marker, and slice. Do this until you are done with all markers. You should end with six tiers measuring your predetermined waist panel length on one side and 30 on the other. You will have extra fabric, the remaining half-straight and half-angled piece is scrap fabric.

4. Next you will place the tiers face together, sewing seams together one by one with all panels facing the same direction. You should end with a rough skirt shape.

5. Make the hems. Fold the bottom in to make a 1/2-inch hem, then fold the top to make a 1 1/2-inch waistband. Iron both folds, as you make them to ensure they are defined. Next sew the hems, keeping the stitches the same length from the edge all the way around.

6. Cut the eyelets one on an inch from either side of the center of the skirt. Take your threaded hand sewing needle, and pierce the insight of the eyelet from the inside. Bring the needle back to the inside, and pierce again so that there is a loop of thread creating a border around the eyelet. This will decrease fraying and give it a more professional look.

7. Thread the ribbon, cord or other drawstring material through the skirt via the eyelets. Then cut about 6 inches longer than the top of the skirt, and you are done.

Tips & Warnings

• When picking your fabric, it is a good idea to hold it up to yourself to see how it drapes. Stiff fabric can make a skirt less comfortable and less attractive.

• Wrinkle testing the fabric is also a good idea. Crumple the fabric tightly in your hand for 20 seconds. If the wrinkles are acceptable for you wear, then the fabric should be good for you. Wrinkled fabric is less comfortable and falls in a less attractive way.

• Fabric length is based on the three times the top panel length and 90 for the three bottom panel lengths plus about 10 inches. This will likely be around 3 yards.

• The more you iron the pieces before sewing, the more professional the skirt you will make.

• Thread the drawstring piece with one end with a safety pin or paper clip, and slowly work through the skirt.