Gathered Skirt Instructions

I was inspired to make these skirts when I saw my friend’s daughter’s skirt this morning. Looked easy and it was! It was a pumpkin patch skirt – I think?!? If you’re reading this Jodz, let me know.



To work out how much material you need you will need to measure your child’s hip’s. For example Briahna’s hip measurement was 26.5 inches so the band-width equals 13.75 inches with seam allowance (I halved her hip measurement and added a seam allowance of 0.5 inches).



My children’s fabric requirements were;



Cut 2 of everything....



Hope

Band: 8 inches x 18 inches

Gathered Ruffle: 11.5 inches x 34 inches



Aimee

Band: 7 inches x 16.5 inches

Gathered Ruffle: 9.25 inches x 31 inches



Briahna

Band: 7 inches x 13.75 inches

Gathered Ruffle: 8.25 inches x 25.5 inches



To give you an idea of what the above sizes represent - Briahna is a small size 7, Aimee is size 10 and Hope is a size 12/14.



To work out the length of the skirt; measure from the waist-to-the-knee and add a seam allowance.



To figure out the ruffle height measurement; subtract the band measurement from the waist-to-knee measurement.



Instructions:



1. Either overlock or zig-zag the edges of the fabric to prevent fraying. Unfortunately I have to zig-zag because I don’t have an overlocker.



2. Sew the right sides together at the right hand side seam (both band and ruffle).



3. Gather the ruffle by sewing two straight lines along the top of the longest piece. Pull the threads very gently to gather.



4. Line up the seams of this with the band adjusting it to fit the band. Pin and sew them making sure that right sides are together.



5. Sew up the un-sewn side seam, making sure the right sides are together.



6. Fold and iron the top of the skirt over twice to make a casing for the elastic. Using a safety pin or a bodkin thread the elastic through the casing,



7. Hem the skirt by folding, ironing and pinning the bottom of the skirt twice ( I do this with an approx. 1 cm fold both times)



8. Add ric-rac or lace to the hem and/or bottom of the band. This is optional, but looks great.



Let me know if there’s anything in these instructions that you’re unsure about. :)