How to Make a Patchwork Skirt

Have you ever admired the beautiful hippie patchwork skirts? Make one of your own without too much trouble.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• sewing machine
• skirt pattern
• enough material from the same type of fabric to make the skirt in the pattern
• thread
• pins
• scissors

1. 
   Note that the pieces are labeled for easy reassembly.

   Take your skirt pattern and cut out the pieces. Then cut each of those pieces into smaller ones. I was successful with about 5 by 5 inch pattern pieces. As you cut the pattern pieces smaller, label them somehow to make sure you know how they fit back together. For instance you may cut pattern piece "A" into four pieces. You could label them "A1" "A2" "A3" and "A4". Also note on each piece how many you will need to cut.

2. 
   Here the pieces begin to be put together.

   Cut out pieces of fabric until you have enough for the skirt. Piece the smaller pieces into one pattern piece (all of your A pieces back into one big A).

3. 
   This pattern was perfect for twirling.

   Follow the pattern for the rest of the sewing. Piece it together and sew.

Tips & Warnings

• Since there are more pieces it's important to keep track of which piece goes where.
• It's always helpful to pin the pattern to the fabric to keep everything aligned properly.
• Use only cottons or only knits or only rayon so that the skirt doesn't pull in funny directions.

[princessbride42]

on 12/2/2008 I think sewing patches on an existing skirt is a great idea.

[betterbody]

on 11/24/2008 Loved this idea. Could we cheat, and just sew pieces on existing skirt or shirt?

[amylaine]

on 10/16/2008 Very cool.