In fashion, the major struggle lately is the amount of textile waste produced each year. Here at Mood, we’re doing our best to try and tackle that problem, one zero-waste project at a time! Needing just two yards of your favorite fabric, this pinafore skirt is essential for everyone’s summer wardrobe. There are multiple fabric options to choose from for this look, like cotton twill, linen, batiste, and much more. Take a look at all of Mood’s MoodEarth Verified fabrics to stay eco-friendly and sustainable, and show us what you come up with!

Purchase Materials Used Below:

• 2 yards Stratton Sweet Potato Solid Organic Cotton Twill

Purchase Materials Used Below:

• 2 yards Mood Exclusive In Bocca al Lupo Rayon Batiste

A few things to consider:

• Before you choose and cut your fabric, keep in mind that solids and non-directional prints are best for this project.
• There are two diagrams above:
  • The left diagram is best for waist sizes below 34″, while the right diagram is best for waist sizes 34″-48″.
  • The right diagram unfortunately does not include pockets, but you can absolutely grab something from your stash to add some in-seam pockets!

How to Sew:

1. Follow the diagram provided above and start to measure it out on the fabric.  Make sure you measure everything twice before you cut into your fabric. 

2. Cut out your fabric pieces. 

3. Pin skirt back pieces to skirt front pieces at side seams and stitch. If using a lightweight fabric, use a french seam. 

4. Once the side seam is sewn, make a small mark by clipping at the angle toward the top of your skirt. This will mark the bottom of your waistband.

5. If adding patch pockets, pin them with right sides together, leaving a small opening at the bottom to flip right side out.

6. Pre-fold the waistband down ½’’ and another 2 ½’’. Once you have done that, pin in place, but don’t sew. Next place pockets on the front of the garment. Fold the pocket down 2’’ and edgestitch.  Note: The pockets can be placed anywhere that suits you.

7. With right sides together, pin the center back seam and stitch. (If sewing the second diagram version, there is no back seam and this can be skipped.)

8. Stitch around the waist, leaving an opening at the back for the elastic to be fed through.

9. With the right sides together, fold the ruffles in half and stitch the ends together. Once stitched, sew a stay stitch to secure the layers.

10. Pin the right side together of the back loops, stitch, turn the right sides out, and press.

11. Next, take your straps and measure a part where you want your ruffles to be. Pleat the ruffle, pin, and stay stitch in place. Note: The ruffle can be anywhere and your pleats/gathers can be pleated in any way you want.

12. With the right sides together, fold the strap in half and pin. Stitch bottom end closed, making sure not to accidentally catch any of the ruffles in the seam, leaving the front end open. If you want a wider or thinner strap, sew a smaller or larger seam allowance. Once sewn, flip right side out and press. 

13. Place back loops to the inside of the waistband about 6″-8″ from the center back and stitch directly on top of your previous stitching.

14. Take your front straps and measure the front waistband like you did the back.

15. Measure your waist and cut the elastic to your size. Once cut, thread the elastic through the waistband. Stitch the elastic together, then close the waistband. 

16. Lastly, fold the hem ½’’ and then fold 2 ½’’, then stitch. 

17. Give it a nice press and you are ready to werk your new zero-waste pattern!