. . . for Lauren and Lauren: Easiest DIY skirt

May 6, 2012

Easiest DIY skirt



I've been wanting a polka skirt and have not been able to find one so I decided to make one myself.  First I attempted a skirt with a zipper.  It looked pretty good but would not fit past my thighs.  Clearly I had some measuring issues.  

So I made this one and it is probably the easiest skirt you could make.  

All you need is fabric, elastic and a sewing machine. 


First measure your elastic.  I cut mine too close to my actual waist size and I wish it was tighter, so next time I'd make the elastic smaller than my waist size.    


Measure your material.  I didn't do any real measuring here.  I just held up the material and made sure that the width fit around my waist (with a little extra to sew).  And then the length was long enough with a little extra to hem.  


Fold your fabric in half and sew the one side of your skirt together.  This will be the back of the skirt. 

 

Then take the top of your skirt and do a very loose stitch.  I put my sewing machine on the highest stitch size.  I'm sure you could do this part by hand to, just sewing wide stitches.  


Take one end of the thread and pull so that your skirt ruffles.  
My thread broke part way, so I just sewed what was left and pulled again.  
This part doesn't have to be perfect because you are sewing over it and then pulling out any extra thread later.  


Sew your elastic band together.  I went back and forth a few times to make sure it was sturdy. 

Line the top of your elastic up to the top of your skirt.  
 The elastic will flip up when you're done. 

Now you have to move your gathers/ruffles around so that your skirt is even.  


Pin your elastic and then sew at the top.  


I had some places where my loose stitch was sticking out some so I had to cut it off in some places.  This stitch doesn't matter any more since you now have the elastic sewed on. 


Finally, iron and hem your skirt. 


And that's it!  



Hope you all had a great weekend!

24 comments:

Michelle said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Very cute!

Alana Christine said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Super cute!!

Kristin said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Okay, Martha Stewart.
Here I thought I was crafty, pulling an old dress out of the closet and re-mixing it with a new-ish cardigan.
Congrats on your super cute skirt!
(Now make me one :)

Kara Renee said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I've been trying to make a simple skirt like this for such a long time. I'm a new sewer so every time I go to start I just get so frustrated and give up! This looks super easy so I'll definitely have to give it a try!

Sarah said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Hey Katie, that is really cute! Great job!

I'm a new follower from The Sasse Life hop.
Great blog, nice to "meet" you! :)
Sarah

http://craftingandcreativity.blogspot.ca/

Kerrie Williams said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

now I just need to learn to use that darn sewing machine

bestie said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

umm, you may just have inspired me to dust off that sewing machine that is ...well, who knows where? do you think my liquid stitch would work on that hem?

stop by and enter my striped tee giveaway this week! who doesn't need an extra striped tee for the summer?

Anonymous said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

This is such a cute skirt!!
-barbie

Kell said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I love this skirt.. it's so adorable!

Annie said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Oh I SO wish I could sew - but I'm hopeless! The skirt is SO cute Katie - love it :)

Annie
The Other Side of Gray

Katie @ My Darling Days said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Looks darling on you! I got a sewing machine for Christmas but have yet to sew a stitch. I gotta get my buns in gear!

TheTinyHeart said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

That polka dot skirt turned out SO cute, Katie! I'm impressed!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart

Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Oh how I need to gain some sewing skills pronto! Cute, love the skirt.

Stephanie @ henry happened said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

That is super cute - love the polka dots! Love that it is so easy - I'm just learning to sew!

Jessica @ Here(and)Now said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

you are so talented! What a fab skirt!
xx

Because Shanna Said So said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

High five, Katie! It turned out so cute! I need someone to teach me to sew. I have my grandmother's machine, but have never learned how to work it...maybe one day...it's on my never ending to-do list! ;)
xo,
Shanna

Unknown said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I love your outfit! I have to admit,I was so happy when I read that you are Jesus follower :) Great!
I just found your blog and I think it is amazing.I am following you now,under name Lilie Marlen,but I don't use any photos so I will be last one on your follower list.I will be honored if you come visit my blog and follow it if you like it Have a nice day
FOLLOW ---> http://liliemarlen.blogspot.com/

LIKE---> https://www.facebook.com/lavieenrose.blog8

Fitness By Alicia said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Great skirt! I really need to learn to sew. I love it!

erica said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Love the outfit and I will definitely have to DIY that skirt as well! Way too cute! xo

Ashley said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

the way you whip things up amazes me! that is so cute! you are quite the diy-er friend!

Lisa @ Organized Chaos said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You did an amazing job on your new polka dot skirt! :)
~Lisa

Rachel said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I made a bunch of skirts like that last summer! You make me want a polka dot one, asap!

Stopping by from Mingle Monday.

Megan, TfDiaries.com said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Awesome Job Katie!

Carol Lee said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I envy you.. as much as a unearthing deep my domestic diva in me, still it has not bloom yet.

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