How to make an elasticated waist skirt (5776 Views)

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• Step 1 of 13

  Buy your fabric, you will need enough width to be at least double your waist size and the length you desire. You need enough elastic to go around your waist. I use 2inch elastic, as it gives a nice belt effect. Plus two buttons that set off your fabric of choice.

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  Step 2 of 13

  Measure around your waist where you want the skirt to sit. Write this measurement down somewhere.

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  Step 3 of 13

  The measurement you just took you now need to use on the elastic. Measure out the width of your waist, with enough extra for overlap. About an inch.

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  Step 4 of 13

  When you have cut out your elastic it is time to cut out your fabric. Fold over the fabric and measure out the width of your waist, so effectively you will have double this amount. Mark this with pins, or tailors chalk or other means of your choice.

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  Step 5 of 13

  You now want to measure out the length of the skirt you want it to be. Again mark this out. Then cut.

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  Step 6 of 13

  When you have cut out your fabric you want to attach the edges together. This will be your only seam. I also (just for neatness) create a hem at the top edge of the fabric where it will be attached to the elastic. (in this photo I have a lining within the fabric, due to the sheerness)

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  Step 7 of 13

  Now you want to sew the elastic edges together, do this by overlapping. I sew two lines using a zig zag stitch.

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  Step 8 of 13

  Now you want to mark up your elastic and fabric. First of all your elastic. Fold in half. Preferably with the seam on one of the edges and mark on both edges (on the wrong side). You want to mark at the bottom edge of the elastic/belt. This is where you will attach the fabric. Also you want to mark a halfway point between each edge, and on the opposite side. (photo should clear up this bit of gibberish)

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  Step 9 of 13

  Again you want to do the same on the top edge of the wrong side of the skirt fabric. In four again. (personally I divide into 8 if I have tricky fabric, like the voile I am using in this) Both the elastic and fabric have to be into at least 4 equal parts, marked clearly.

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  Step 10 of 13

  Now you want to attach each mark of the fabric to it's corresponding mark on the elastic. Right side fabric attached onto wrong side elastic. I do this by running under the machine and reversing over about 4 stitches. Do this to each of the points. Make sure you attach the skirt seam to the elastic seam. This will be at the back.

• Step 11 of 13

  Now for the tricky part.You want to stitch between each marked point. To do this you need to stretch the elastic to the fabric length (while stitching). Make sure you don't start stretching until your presser foot is down. Else you'll just pull the fabric out. With 8 attached points rather than 4 there is less prolonged stretching between points. This can be achey on the thumbs I find. Make sure you stretch the elastic by pulling in front and behind the presser foot. So you don't snap your needle or pull the fabric out. This is the only really tricky part. Almost done!!

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  Step 12 of 13

  Now you have a skirt with an elasticated waist which doubles as a belt. But thats not enough! No we need more detail.

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  Step 13 of 13

  This is my favourite part. Pick out two buttons that best compliment your fabric of choice and see how they bring your skirt to life. Attach to the front of the belt by hand! And voila. You have yourself a skirt. A bit amateur perhaps. If anyone can give me advice on a better way to attach the elastic then please don't hesitate to tell me :) Enjoy