Items needed
2 yds. Fabric
Thread to match fabric
1 yd. of 1” elastic
Dress Pins
1-2 large safety pins
Seam ripper – for mistakes
White erasable pencil
What to measure:
Waist width
Height of waist to ankle (plus 2-3 inches)
Step 1: Pick out 2 yards of fabric and matching thread
Step 2: Wind the bobbin of the thread you chose to be used on your garment (use sewing machine hand book for directions on bobbin threading if needed).
Step 3: Thread machine properly with the same thread used for bobbin. (Use sewing machine manual for directions if needed).
Now you’re ready to sew!
Step 4: Fold fabric in half selvedge-to-selvedge, right sides together and iron.
Step 5: Measure waist; mark a line with the white pen throughout the width of the garment to ensure an even line. Cut fabric to fit the width of your waist (Add 1-2 inches for seam allowance). Example: My waist 27”, I cut my fabric to be 28”. **It is better to have more than less, it will be gathered at the end**
Step 6: Measure waist to feet; mark a line with the white pen throughout the length of the garment to ensure an even straight line. Cut the fabric to the desired height (Add 1-2 inches for seam allowance). You can always hem the bottom to create a shorter length skirt.
Step 7: While fabric is still folded after cut to desired size, pin the cut edge together, with ½ “ seam allowance.
Step 8: Sew the two-pinned sides together at the ½ “ mark, make sure to back tack at the beginning of the seam and at the end to ensure the seam does not come apart.
Back Tacking – Used at the beginning and end of a machine-sewn seam to anchor the seam in place; it involves a couple of extra stitches back and forth.
Step 9: Press the seam open with an iron to insure both sides of the seams are flat.
Step 10: Next decide which end you want to be the top of your skirt and create a seam of ½ “. To do this measure the top of the skirt with the measuring tape to a half inch marking it with the white pen seamlessly throughout the top of the skirt to ensure a even seam. Double check your work to make sure each part of the seam is a ½ “. Pin, iron and sew. Make sure when sewing anything back tack every time.
Step 11: Working with the seam you just sewed, place the elastic right next to it and fold the fabric over the elastic and pin. Do this throughout the waist span of the garment; this added seam for the elastic will be about an inch width. One all of your pins are in take out the elastic. Iron this tube down and sew. Make sure to back tack and leave an opening for the elastic.
Step 12: Take the measurement of your waist you used to cut the fabric width and subtract 2-3 inches. Subtract for high wasted skirts only. Cut the elastic to your desired length.
Step 13: Attach the large safety pin to the front of your elastic and to the back just to be safe. Carefully insert the pin attached to the elastic through this hole and work it around the waist span of your skirt, gathering the fabric as you go.
Step 14: Once you have all of the elastic throughout the span of the waist detach the pins from the elastic but do not let go of the elastic. Pull enough elastic out from both sides to be able to over lap one side onto the other, about an inch of overlapping. Sew this overlap backstitching it the whole width of the inch of elastic to ensure durability. Now you can let go of the elastic and move the gathers around the skirt to look even.
Step 15: Sew the opening you used to insert the elastic closed, back tacking of course.
Step 16: Sew 4 vertical lines on the elastic span one in the back, front, and two at both hips. This will ensure the elastic will not twist as you wear it or wash it. Make sure the gathers are even around the waist span before you sew these vertical lines.
Step 17: It is best to try to skirt on to make sure you know exactly the length you want, if not it is best to follow your measurements. After trying mine on I had to cut a few inches off before adding a seam at the bottom to get the length I wanted. Add a 1-2 inch hem at the bottom of the dress. Do this by measuring 2 inches from the bottom of the dress to the 2” mark on your measuring tape and mark it with your white pen throughout the skirt and pin. Iron the hem before you sew it makes it easier to sew it flat. Sew the hem and take out the pins as you go.
Enjoy your perfect maxi skirt !!
