How to Make a Long Skirt

Making a long skirt is a nice way to be creative with your choice of fabric and design. You could choose a Spring cotton print for the summer. Brocade or satin would be a nice selection for a dance or party. This is a way to make a long gathered skirt with an elastic waist.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• cloth
• straight pins
• thread
• sewing needle
• sewing machine
• 3/4 wide elastic

1. Measure your waist and write this down. Measure your length from waist to ankle and add 5 inches to it and write this measurement down.

2. Measure a piece of 3/4 inch wide waistband elastic and cut elastic 2 inches less than waist measure.

3. 
    
   Spring Flower Fabric

   Using 60 inch wide fabric cut the fabric straight across from fold to selvage. Then using the length measurement cut straight across at the bottom.

4. After doing the cutting fold the top edge under 2 1/2 inches forming a waistband.Then fold again 1/8 inch fabric under. Pin 1/8 inch all around leaving a 1/2 inch opening to put the elastic in to pull thru. Sew around the waistband on the 1/8 inch fold.

5. Thread elastic thru the waistband gathering the fabric as you go of your long skirt. Put the ends of elastic together and pin. Sew a small seam forward and back securely to hold the elastic together. Close up the opening and Sew the opening up now by machine..

6. Turn under 1/8 inch and sew around bottom of your long skirt with sewing machine. Turn under again 1 inch to make a hem. Hand or machine sew the hem.

7. 
    
   floral skirt

   If your pretty long skirt has any wrinkles iron them out. Enjoy your beautiful new long skirt!

Tips & Warnings

• Wash the fabric before cutting in case it shrinks any
• Add lace or ribbon around the hem for a dressier look
• Make a solid or floral but keep it colorful long skirt
• Wear it with a belt or scarf around the waist to compliment the look
• Wear your long skirt with a nice t-shirt or pretty romantic blouse
• Make sure all stitches are secure
• Make sure thread matches for a professional look

[ilivetoteach]

on 4/27/2009 Great article. I remember doing this in Jr. high school. *5