DIY Easy Gathered-Waist Skirt
| March 21, 2012 | Posted by Jessie under Sewing Projects |
Since it has been so abnormally hot around here lately, I’ve been digging out all my summer clothes and was in the mood to make something to add to my wardrobe. I love skirts and dresses when it’s warm-they’re comfy, cute, and easy to wear. I made a couple of maxi styles last year {seen here and here} and this year I was ready to switch it up to something short. I found an awesome tutorial from Katy over at Sweet Verbena {by the way, if you’ve never been to her site, she has some beautiful sewing tutorials and lots of pretty inspiration!} for a simple skirt so I took her tutorial and ran with it.
Supplies:
- 1 yard of fabric
- coordinating thread
- 1 yard of 3/4″ elastic
- sewing machine
- pins
- scissors
Total cost for all supplies: $9.
Katy said this was a great beginner project and I agree. Anyone with a machine can do this-I promise! Her tutorial is much more detailed, but I did want to cover a couple things I did differently.
I started by laying out my fabric long-ways and hemming both sides {the 2 sides that were 60″ long}.
Then I folded my skirt in half length-wise {or hot dog style as Katy described it} and played around with the two layers until it was the length I was looking for. Katy’s skirt has a double layered effect, but with the fabric I chose, you would be able to see the wrong side on the longer layer so I ended up putting the shorter layer on the inside. I hope that all makes sense:) Anyway, when it was the length I was looking for, I pinned the top the width of my elastic.
This is the side that is folded over so when you pin here, you will create a tube for your elastic.
Then attach a safety pin to one side of your elastic and start feeding it through the tube you’ve created. This will take a few minutes:)
Pull the fabric and spread it down your elastic as you feed it through.
Finally your elastic will pop out the opposite end!
I then wrapped it around me to see how much I wanted to spread the fabric out or bunch it up {basically, finding the right size and fit for your body}. I had some excess elastic so I cut that off next.
The last step is to sew the two sides together. Simply pin the two sides and sew a seam.
I actually ended up sewing this side seam twice. I felt like it had a little too much extra material and fluff for me {no need to add the illusion of extra poundage}, so I turned it wrong side out, pinned it while looking in the mirror, and re-sewed the side seam so it would fit a little better. Then I just cut off the excess fabric from my seam.
Isn’t it cute? I used a silky knit so it’s soft, flowy, and very comfortable. I’m wearing it to school today I love it so much:) Thanks, Katy, for the inspiration!
These are the fabulous blog parties I link up to each week:
DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade
Skip to My Lou: Made By You Mondays
Today’s Creative Blog: Get Your Craft On
Home Stories A to Z: Tutorials and Tips Tuesdays
Not Just a Housewife: Shoe Me What Ya Got
Blue Cricket Design: Show and Tell
Shabby Chic Cottage: Transformation Thursday
Miss Mustard Seed: Furniture Feature Friday
Tatertots and Jello: Weekend Wrap-Up
{Monthly}
Um…ADORABLE! I’ve been thinking about getting a sewing machine as of late, and with all of your awesome projects, it’s really making me want to get one now!
You definitely should, Kristen! You’ll get addicted:)
That is too cute! Luv the print!!!
Really cute material! You make it sound so easy and especially affordable! I love it!!
I love this idea! I’m pinning this right now.
Megan
Very cute. I need to pull out my machine and do things like this.
Great skirt! Perfect for spring!
This looks so comfy!! Great fabric. Stopping by from Remodelaholic linky party.
Here is what I shared this week: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.ca/2012/03/vinyl-amp-cover.html
I have been in a skirt making mood lately for both my daughter and myself! This is too cute!! I love your fabric!! I would love for you to link this up at Fantabulous Friday going on now.
http://littlebeckyhomecky.blogspot.com/2012/03/fantabulous-friday5.html
Hope to see you there!
I can’t wait to try this pattern! Thank you so much for the inspiration!!
Great project- just my style! Visiting from Home Stories A to Z.
Hope you’ll share it at my party. It is a linked linky party, so post once and your project appears on 4 great blogs! Stop by- the party goes live on Monday at 9pm each week.
I know your skirt will be a hit!
Samantha
I love the fabric you chose. I really want to try more sewing this year…this looks like something I might be able to manage.
If you’d like another place to share it I’m hosting a link party today with a few fellow bloggers. It’s all about the easy peasy, super simple tips and projects. I’d be great to see you linked up. 
http://thespacebetweenblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/diy-spring-wreath-painted-with-seaglass-and-driftwood/
Karah
It’s fabulous! Love it!
Thanks, ladies! I’m thinking I need to make some more…just need more fabric:)
This is so darn cute! You make it look so easy too! I am not great at sewing but I might try this!
[...] love the versatility. I would say this version is a mix between my simple jersey maxi skirt and simple elastic waste skirt, This is one of my favorite outfits I’ve made [...]