How to Design a Poodle Skirt

Making a poodle skirt can be a fun retro sewing project.

You do not need to be a master seamstress to make your own poodle skirt. The skirt itself is a simple circle skirt, which can be made without a pattern. Once the skirt is made, you need only attach the poodle or design you wish to put on the front. The process is simple, and the reward is a cute costume or retro look.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• String
• Fabric (approximately 2.5 yards)
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Pins
• Elastic
• Poodle stencil
• Washable fabric pencil or pen
• Hot glue gun and glue (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure your body from your waist to the floor--this is measurement A. Measure from your waist to hip--this is measurement B. Measurement C is A minus B. Using the string the length of A and fabric pen, make a compass by placing a pin at the top and wrap the end around the pen.

2. Fold your piece of fabric in half. Place the pin end of the string on the fold line (leaving a few inches from the top edge of the fabric). While holding the string tight, draw an arc with the pen. Adjust the string so it is the length of measurement B. Draw another arc with the pen. Repeat these steps with another piece of fabric folded in half.

3. Cut along the lines you drew. Sew the long open edges together. You may wish to pin the fabric, right sides together, before sewing. Try on the skirt; if it is too large around your waist, you may take a larger seam or add a waistband. Encase elastic in fabric at the top of your skirt if you do not add a waistband. Hem your skirt.

4. Using a purchased poodle stencil or one you design yourself, trace the poodle with the fabric pen onto the piece of fabric you wish to use, preferably a fabric that contrasts that of your skirt. Cut out your poodle or other design. Pin the design onto your skirt and try it on, making sure you have the design where you want it. You may sew on the design or glue it with a hot glue gun.

5. Add a leash for your poodle, if desired, using ribbon or extra contrast fabric. Embellish the design with rhinestones, bows or whatever you like.

Tips & Warnings

• Poodle skirts are typically made of felt; however, felt can be itchy, and any bottom-weight fabric will suffice.

References

• Madame X Costumes: Tips and Tricks
• Cut Out and Keep.net: Poodle Skirt