How to Stitch a Pleated Skirt for a Baby
Pleated skirts are cute on baby girls and they're a versatile garment to have--pair it with a shirt or a T-shirt to instantly dress up an outfit. You can use a zipper or an elastic waistband for the skirt closure. An elastic waistband is preferred since it is easier to take on and off for diapering. Use printed or plain fabric to make the skirt and embellish it with ribbon and bows to dress it up. The instructions below will fitting a newborn up to three months old.
Things You'll Need
- 1 yard fabric
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Measuring tape
- Elastic
- Iron
Instructions
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1
Measure the fabric, cutting 19 inches for the length and 24 inches for the width. These dimensions include the allowance for the pleats on the skirt.
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2
Fold the fabric in half, right sides together. Stitch the side seam of the fabric.
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3
Sew the skirt hem, folding down 1/8-inch then 1/4-inch and sewing along the edge.
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4
Start assembling the pleats on the skirt. Using a measuring tape, mark 1/2-inch sections and fold the fabric to resemble pleats using pins to keep the pleats in place. Iron over the pleats so that the folds stay in place. Baste the upper end of the pleats to keep them in place.
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5
Fold 1-1/2 inch from the top of the skirt to create the waistband. Insert the elastic along the folded edge, sewing the ends together. Pin the folded waistband to keep the elastic inside.
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6
Sew along the bottom edge of the folded waistband. This will stitch the waistband and the pleats together. Fold the skirt right-side out and iron over the pleats once more, if desired, to set them in place.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Add a sash or belt to the top of the skirt to match the fabric.
Keep sharp objects away from kids while working.
