How to Make an Umbrella Skirt

Umbrellas aren't just for rainy days anymore. Recycle a broken umbrella into good use, a stylish A-line or full style skirt. Be a complete original with this creative design. No need to worry about about getting wet either. This skirt is waterproof.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric from a broken umbrella
• Scissors
• Seamstress tape measure
• Straight pins
• Needle
• Thread
• Iron
• Drawstring

Instructions

1. Separate the triangular panels of each umbrella while keeping the seamed, outer edge intact. Discard panels with tears or holes.

2. Write out measurements for the waist and hips. Use a seamstress tape measure. Lay the panels out on a flat working surface alternating the triangles up and down.

3. Face the seamed outer edge of every panel either side by side or top to bottom. Align the panels without any overlap for a straight, A-line style skirt or with a slight upward curvature and overlapping panels for a full style skirt.

4. Continue to add panels until the length measures the widest part of the body at the waist or hips. Allow extra for a gathering drawstring waist band. Trim excess panel material and set aside.

5. Pin the edges of the panels together. Sew with a needle and thread. Make two, 4-inch slits in a straight style skirt for walking room.

6. Cut a 2-inch strip of material from the trimmed excess to cover the waistline of the skirt. Fold in half length-wise and iron to crease.

7. Pin the 2-inch strip on top of the skirt waist and stitch it. Thread a drawstring through the waist band.

Tips & Warnings

• Obtain a collection of broken umbrellas either from a personal source or a secondhand sale. Collect umbrellas with complimentary colors or patterns desirable to wear as a skirt.

• For alternate waist band options, use an elastic band and stitch the elastic to the exact measurement and close up the seam.

• Put a zipper in the skirt by pinning and sewing it in at the top where the two panels meet. Material under the zipper should be sewn together.