How to Sew a Multi-tiered Broomstick Skirt

Broomstick skirts are long, flowing skirts featuring multiple tiers of gathered fabric. The style is distinguished by a uniquely wrinkled appearance, though number of tiers may vary widely. Consider using a variety of fabric colors and prints to achieve a colorful final effect. Broomstick skirts are a suitable casual style for the warmer months and can be modified to fit comfortably during pregnancy.

Things You'll Need

• 6 yards cotton or calico fabric
• Measuring tape
• 2 yards, 1/2 inch wide elastic
• Note paper
• Pencil
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Safety pin

Instructions

1. Measure your waist just below the belly button or at the desired height of the skirt's waistband (ask a friend to help with measuring). Record this measurement. Multiply this measurement by a factor of 1.5 for the top tier, 2 for the middle tier and 3 for the bottom tier. Add one inch to each resulting figure to provide a 1/2 inch seam allowance on both sides.

2. Measure the distance between the desired height of the waistband and the desired length of the skirt. Divide this number into thirds. Add 2 1/2 inches to the top third in order to allow for the waistband. The middle tier should be allowed an extra inch for seams, and the bottom tier an extra 1 1/2 inches for the hem.

3. Combine these width and length measurements respectively to develop dimensions for each of the three fabric panels. Use the measuring tape and chalk to mark the desired dimensions on the fabric and cut out the pieces with sewing scissors.

4. Turn the fabric inside out. Pin each of the tiers lengthwise to form a circle. Sew each tier securely shut. Remove the pins.

5. Mark an even line 1/2 inch from the edge of the bottom widest tier of fabric, using the measuring tape and chalk. Fold along that line and secure it to the inside of the tier with pins. Sew around the entire circumference of the tier to create the hem and remove the pins.

6. Adjust the sewing machine settings to the loosest setting or designated gathering stitch. Take the bottom tier and sew a gathering stitch around the top of the tier, the side opposite the hem.

7. Pull the thread to loosely gather the fabric of the bottom tier until it has reached a width equal to the circumference of the middle tier. Ensuring both tiers are turned inside out, pin the tiers together.

8. Readjust the sewing machine settings to a normal, secure sewing stitch. Sew the bottom and the middle tiers together. Remove the pins and the gathering thread. Repeat to attach the middle tier to the top tier of fabric.

9. Mark an even line around the tier, 1 inch from the top of the skirt, using the measuring tape and chalk. Fold over at the line and pin to the inside of the skirt. Sew an even seam around all but 1 inch of the circumference of the waistband to form a pocket for the elastic.

10. Cut the elastic to a length equal to that of the waist measurement. Place the safety pin through the elastic and place inside the opening in the waistband. Using the safety pin as a guide, thread the elastic through the entire waistband.

11. Ensure the elastic is not twisted inside the waistband. Pin the ends of the elastic together and sew securely shut. Close the small opening in the waistband with a final seam.

12. Wash the skirt before wearing to remove any chalk residue. Enjoy the comfort and style of your homemade multi-tiered broomstick skirt.

Tips & Warnings

• A woman with a 30 inch waist and a desired final skirt length of 24 inches would have a top tier that measures 45 inches wide and 10 1/2 inches long. The middle tier would be 60 inches by 9 inches, and the bottom tier would measure 75 inches by 9 1/2 inches.

• Using different fabric patterns for each of the three tiers can create a colorful, bohemian final product and serve as an excellent utilization for scraps.

References

• Erica's: Broomstick Skirt
• Zianet: Southwest Style Broomstick Skirt