How to Make a Denim Skirt With a Ribbon Around It

Denim has been used in casual wear for many years. It's a durable, easily laundered fabric. The most common color of denim is blue, in various shades. However, it can be purchased in almost any color. Adding a ribbon around the bottom of a denim skirt takes it a step above casual. In fact, why add just one ribbon when you can add three?

Things You'll Need

• Denim fabric
• Thread
• Elastic
• Ribbon
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Iron
• Straight pins
• Large safety pin
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Measure from your waist to the length you desire. Add 2½-inches to that measurement. This is the length of denim you will purchase. You will also need matching thread and 2/3-inch elastic that equals your waist measurement plus 2 inches. Choose 1 yard of a contrasting color ribbon.

2. Cut the denim fabric. The length should be your previous measurement, plus 2 inches. The width should be your hip measurement, plus 4 inches. Denim fabric usually comes 60 inches wide.

3. Turn the cut denim piece of fabric right-sides-together. Pin the two raw edges together with straight pins.

4. Sew a ½-inch seam over the pins. Remove the straight pins. Press the seam open with an iron. Turn the skirt right side out.

5. Fold under ¼-inch and then another 1-inch. Pin the folds in place. Sew all the way around, close to the inside edge. This is the hem. Repeat on the opposite side for the waist.

6. Remove the seam stitches on the inside at the top of the skirt. This is the back of the skirt.

7. Cut the elastic the size of your waist, plus 2 inches. Attach a large safety pin to one end of the elastic. Guide it into the waist opening and all the way around to the opposite side. Remove the safety pin and sew the two ends of the elastic by overlapping them by 1 inch. Sew back and forth several times for strength. Push the elastic back into the opening and close it by hand sewing.

8. Pin the ribbon around the bottom of the skirt. Place the bottom of the ribbon along the hem stitching, as a guide. Sew close to the top of the ribbon and then at the bottom of the ribbon.

Tips & Warnings

• For several rows of ribbon, measure 1 inch between the rounds. Pin the ribbon and sew as directed in the instructions for the first ribbon.