How to Make a Retro Skirt

A retro skirt can be modernized by using a crisp cottom poplin in white with contrasting bright elastic.

Retro is a word referring to a fashionable or fashionably outdated style of the past. In fashion, retro style generally relates to the 1950s; the 1960s are mod, the 1970s hippie and so on. The classic '50's style skirt is a knee length full skirt beginning at the natural waist. Some skirts were flared, such as the poodle skirt and others were gathered into the waistband. Skirts of the '50s were made of woven fabric, wools for winter and cotton for summer. The length and amount of fullness of the skirt makes it retro and slightly atypical of a contemporary style. The key to a retro look is a stylish update on an old-fashioned style. For this skirt, an old-fashioned waistband is replaced with easy elastic. Choose a crisp woven fabric, such as cotton poplin, for the retro look.

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3 yards 60-inch wide fabric (cotton poplin for example)
Scissors
1-1/2 yards 1- to 2-inch elastic
Pins
Sewing machine
Thread

Instructions

- 1
  
  Cut the fabric in half lengthwise, leaving two pieces 60-inches wide by 45-inches long.
- 2
  
  Sew the two pieces of fabric together along the length using a straight machine stitch, creating one long piece 120-inches wide and 45-inches long.
- 3
  
  Measure your waist. Cut the elastic to be 1-inch shorter than the circumference of your waist.
- 4
  
  Pin the elastic to the top corner of the right side of the fabric along the width, matching the elastic top edge up with the edge of the fabric.
- 5
  
  Sew the elastic to the fabric 1/2-inch from the bottom of the elastic edge using a 3-step zigzag stitch. Pull the elastic as far as it will stretch while feeding it through the machine with the fabric. This will create gathers or shirring in the fabric. Sew to the end of the elastic.
- 6
  
  Remove the pin. Cut off any leftover width of fabric extending beyond your elastic.
- 7
  
  Sew the two lengths of fabric together, creating a circle. Sew the elastic together also, making sure to line up the elastic.
- 8
  
  Turn the hem of the skirt under 1/4 inch, towards the wrong side of the skirt. Turn it up again, another 1/4-inch towards the inside of the skirt.
- 9
  
  Sew the folded fabric down, 1/8-inch from the folded edge.
- 10
  
  If desired, use fabric paint to create a poodle on the skirt for an added retro feeling.