Summer is just around the corner and we all want to update our wardrobes. How to do this easily, quickly and without much expense? The answer is simple - sew a skirt with your own hands. Never sewed? This article is specifically intended for beginners.
What do you need to sew a skirt?
In order to sew a skirt with your own hands, you will need a piece of fabric of the required length, chalk, thread, scissors, and a needle. Choose the material based on your wishes: light and flowing or dense and heavy. If you are using sheer fabric, buy the same amount of lining fabric to match. In this article we will not talk about how to build complex patterns. Our goal is to tell you how to sew a summer skirt easily and quickly. Let's consider options for beginning needlewomen that do not require special knowledge or time.
Sew a pencil skirt
A pencil skirt is an essential attribute of any modern woman. She creates stylish look and emphasizes all the advantages of the female figure. The easiest way to sew such a skirt is from thick knitted fabric. Then it will fit well and you won’t have to add a lining. First, take measurements: half-circumference of the hips and waist, length of the skirt. Cut out two identical rectangles. Their length is equal to the length of the future skirt (plus 6 cm), and their width is equal to the half-circumference of the hips (plus 6 cm for seam processing). Fold the rectangles, wrong side out, and find the center on top. Set aside a distance in each direction equal to the half-circumference of the waist, divided by 2. Mark points A and B. Step back down the sides by 8-15 cm (depending on whether the skirt will sit on the hips or waist). We mark points C and D. We connect A and B, B and D with smooth lines. We process the side seams, bottom and top. If necessary, sew in a zipper. The skirt is ready!
A circle skirt is another simple option for those who want to sew a skirt with their own hands. We take measurements as for the previous model. Fold the fabric in half with the wrong side out. We lay it out so that the fold is on top and draw a semicircle. Its radius is calculated using the formula: skirt length plus hip circumference divided by 3.14. Cut out a circle and cut out a small circle in its center. Its radius is equal to the half-circumference of the hips divided by 3.14. Then you need to wet the product with water and let it hang for a couple of days. After this, the skirt may stretch out in some places. If this happens, trim the edges and hem them. The waist can be made with an elastic band or a belt can be sewn on. We sew a hidden zipper on the back or side and enjoy the new thing!
Even those who have never held a needle and thread in their hands can sew a skirt from old jeans. This will require a couple of old denim trousers, scissors, chalk or marker, thread. First you need to decide on the length of the future product and measure this value (don’t forget to add 5 cm for finishing the seams) from the waistband of the trousers. We cut off the excess and rip out the internal seams, while leaving the side seams intact. Now we connect the halves of the front and back parts with a straight seam or an overlap. All that remains is to trim and finish the bottom of the skirt. To create a romantic look, you can cut out flounces from leftover fabric and decorate the hem with them. And if you want to give it a youthful and edgy look, leave the edge raw.
Sewing a skirt is not difficult at all and very interesting!
Now you know how to a short time and without special effort sew a skirt. With your own hands you can make a unique wardrobe item that will help you create many new looks!
Spring is a great time of year, when representatives of the fair sex bloom, preen their feathers: get haircuts, manicures, put on elegant shoes and put on feminine dresses. As you know, you can never have too many outfits! But we women are distinguished by being demanding: not this color, not that shade, not beautiful style... And when the appropriate item is finally found in the store, it turns out that it is the wrong size! At such moments, you begin to think about how to sew a skirt for yourself, ideal and unique. IN better times we would just go to a good studio, but now not everyone can afford it; most of us have to carefully spend our available finances. This is where cutting and sewing lessons come to the rescue. Sewing a skirt with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. In our article we will tell you how to sew a skirt quickly without a pattern, as well as how the most popular styles of skirts are sewn.
How to sew a circle skirt
Today, the so-called circle skirt has gained the most popularity. She is in demand not only among little girls, whom she literally turns into beautiful princesses, but also among young women. How to sew a circle skirt? Simply and easily! You can sew a circle skirt with your own hands in a matter of minutes. This is the simplest, but at the same time the most advantageous model. To sew a skirt for a girl of average height, you will need:
- fabric – 2-2.5 m
- zipper for fastening
- scissors
- pins that you will use to attach the pattern to the fabric
- sewing machine
Cutting and sewing a circle skirt is very simple. First you need to take the measurements by which you will build your drawing. For a circle skirt, you only need 2 parameters: waist circumference in cm and the estimated length of the skirt in cm, which will be the radius of the larger circle.
After the measurements are taken, we begin to build a pattern, although in principle you can do without it. We fold the selected piece of fabric in half, and then in half again, so that you get 4 absolutely identical parts - these are 4 segments of your skirt. To prevent the fabric from moving, secure it with pins.
Now divide the waist measurement by 4 and use a ruler to place the resulting measurement on the fabric. After this, take a compass and draw a part of a circle with the same radius so that the compass is on the fold of the fabric - there will be the center of your circle.
The length of the sun skirt can vary depending on your wishes. Similar to the waist circumference, draw a large circle with a radius equal to the expected length of the skirt.
Set aside 1.5-2 cm for allowances along all lines and cut out the pattern. As a result, you will get a circle with a small circle in the middle. We cut this small circle in the middle in an arbitrary place (the cut should be equal in length to the length of your zipper) and sew a zipper into it. Now all that remains is to process all the edges of the skirt: the hem and the waistband, iron it and dress up to your heart’s content!
In addition to fabric, you can use tulle or knitted mesh to make a skirt - this way you will get a fluffy tutu skirt. You don’t even need to sew it: just cut 40-50 strips of tulle, 30 cm wide and twice the length of the expected length of the skirt. Then take a thick sewing elastic band desired color and sew it like a belt. Now we wrap the cut strips of tulle around the elastic band and secure it with thread. The skirt is ready!
Now you know how to sew full skirt without much difficulty. But what about other styles? Let's figure it out.
How to sew a half-sun skirt
This style of skirt is similar to a sun skirt, so to understand how to sew a half-sun skirt, you need to imagine not a whole circle, but only half of it. To sew a half-sun skirt with your own hands you will need:
- piece of fabric 1.5 m long and 1.5 m wide
- scissors
- pins
- lightning
- rubber
Let's start by folding the fabric in half from corner to corner, like a scarf (in this case, the skirt will reach the middle of the calf), so it will be more convenient to cut it. To prevent the edges of the fabric from moving, pin them together. Next, take measurements (half waist circumference, half hip circumference and skirt length).
In the same way as in the case of the sun skirt, we draw a circle with a radius equal to the half-circumference of the waist. If you want to make such a skirt with elastic, then add another 4 cm to this figure, they will be used to sew elastic into the waistband. Then cut out a large circle with a radius equal to the length of the skirt.
We carefully hem all the edges, and sew a zipper into the waistband or insert an elastic band, or sew on a separately tailored yoke - a rectangle that wraps around the hips approximately to the middle.
How to sew a pencil skirt
When deciding to sew a skirt with your own hands, most women choose a pencil skirt. This model with light hand Christian Dior in the 40s of the twentieth century appeared among all fashionistas, and since then has become an integral part of the wardrobe business woman. This style is truly universal: such a skirt is appropriate to wear both to the office and to a celebration, complemented only with evening accessories. How to sew a pencil skirt? Quite simple. In essence, this is an ordinary straight skirt with darts at the waist, which gradually tapers towards the bottom of the product.
In order to sew a pencil skirt, you will need measurements of half waist circumference, half hip circumference, length of the back of the skirt, length of the front of the skirt, length of the skirt from the waist to the side. Be sure to add 1-2 cm to the obtained values so that the skirt fits your figure freely.
On paper we draw a rectangle with sides equal to the half-circumference of the hips and the length of the skirt. Please note that you will have 2 patterns, each consisting of 2 halves. The middle of each sheet of paper is the middle seam of the skirt, i.e. you need to mirror all measurements of the waist, the location of the darts, their width and depth. On the resulting rectangle, set aside a value equal to 0.5 half waist circumference and mirror the mark. Then place the dart along this line (vary the width and depth depending on your figure) and mirror it on the other side of the pattern. From the middle of the thigh, start narrowing the pattern a little so that your bottom is 1-1.5 cm shorter than in the rectangle and mirror it. Thus, we have the front panel of a pencil skirt. Construct a pattern for the back panel of the skirt in the same way, only place more fabric for the vent in the center.
Transfer both patterns to the fabric, pin both parts of the skirt and try them on. After trying on, stitch all the seams, carefully insert the zipper into the slit at the waist and sew on the pre-prepared belt. Finish the vent and bottom of the skirt.
How to sew a long skirt
About how to sew long skirt, can be described in just a few words. Basically, to make a long skirt, you just need to extend the pattern with a short one. If it is a straight skirt, then we simply add rectangles to the pattern required sizes according to your standards.
If you are sewing a long A-line skirt, extend the vertical and side lines downwards by the same amount. Then all you have to do is re-do the bottom - the line should completely repeat its rounded shape.
The easiest way to sew a long sun skirt, the steps will be the same as in the case of a short one, only you will need a little more fabric. Now you know how to sew a floor-length skirt and short skirts of various styles. We wish you inspiration and success in creating your spring wardrobe.
The ability to model allows you to sew several completely different skirts using one pattern option. If you love to dance, then the patterns of gypsy and Spanish skirts will allow you to sew your own outfit for performances. And if you just follow fashion, or prefer your own, purely individual style, then this section will help you always look fashionable and stylish. Moreover, using this skill, you can sew an exclusive dress. There are many styles of skirts: godet, flared, sun, pleated, pleated, Scottish, spiral, mini, midi, maxi, and skirt patterns will allow you to realize any designer's fantasies. Below are very interesting and practical options for skirt patterns: straight skirt patterns, Godet skirt patterns, Sun skirt patterns, straight skirt patterns with a flyaway cape, wrap skirt patterns, skirt patterns with a frilled mould, skirt patterns with an undercut and drapery etc. which are easy to sew and pleasant to wear.
Taking measurements
In mass clothing production To construct drawings of patterns, ready-made tables are used, in which the measurements of the necessary parameters of typical figures are recorded. For individual tailoring, the use of such tables is impractical, since more accurate and detailed data is required: Here, another system is used - calculation and measurement, which is based on measuring distances between certain points human body. These distances are called measures.
To take measurements, you must have a measuring tape, a pencil and a notebook. In this case, it is necessary to comply with certain requirements: the person from whom measurements are taken must stand relaxed, with a straight posture and arms down along the body; the legs should be brought together at the heels, and the toes should be slightly turned outward (with the slightest deviation to the sides, the measurements may turn out to be inaccurate); When measuring measurements, the centimeter tape should not be tightened or, conversely, loosened; In order to eliminate distortion of readings, it is advisable to take measurements using underwear.
Remember! The accuracy of the pattern drawing depends on the correctness and accuracy of the measurements you take and, consequently, appearance product you have sewn.
However, that's not all.
To draw a skirt drawing, you need to take into account what type of physique your figure belongs to. If you have a standardly built figure (smoothly wavy back, position of the protruding points of the shoulder blades and buttocks at the same level relative to the vertical, moderate notch of the waist and protrusion of the buttocks, normal hip width), then to draw a drawing of the skirt you need the following measurements
Straight two-seam skirt
Despite the variety of this or that skirt, the straight two-seam one is the basis for constructing many models. This skirt exists perfectly as an independent product and as an integral part of many costumes. It is not without reason that it is one of the classic models and therefore has rightfully been at the peak of fashion for several decades. It is suitable for women of any age category, and will also be appropriate for both special occasions and everyday wear. This skirt can be sewn from almost any type of fabric. However, it is not recommended to sew it from checkered fabrics, since adjusting such a pattern is quite difficult. If you decide to sew a skirt made of striped fabric, then when cutting it is necessary to maintain the symmetry of the pattern on the front and back panels. A straight two-seam skirt without widening at the bottom will look a little narrowed. Therefore, it is not recommended for women with low hips.
BUILDING A DRAWING OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STRAIGHT DOUBLE-SEAM SKIRT
To construct a drawing (Fig. 14), the following measurements of the figure are necessary: waist circumference (Wt), hip circumference (C6) and product length (L) - And you also need to know the amount of increase for a loose fit along the waist line (Wt) and line hips (P6). For all sizes they are equal:
Fri = 0.7-1.0 cm, Pb = 1.5-2.0 cm.
In what follows, we will call the necessary measurements and additions “initial data.”
For convenience of construction and calculations, we will take the measurements of a typical figure; St = 38 cm, Se = 52 cm, Dt = 75 cm.
We construct a right angle with the vertex at point T. The segment TN corresponds to the length of the skirt and is the middle of the front panel. The segment TB determines the position of the hip line and is equal to 13.5-19.5 cm. We draw lines through the obtained points B and H perpendicular to the straight line TN. From point B along the hip line we lay off a segment equal to the measurement of the half-circumference of the hips (C6) plus an increase for a loose fit along the hips (Pb), and place point B1
BB 1 = C6 + Pb = 52 + 2 = 54 cm.
Through point B 1, draw a vertical line until it intersects with the waist line at point T1 and the bottom line at point H1. This straight line is the middle of the rear panel. From point B to the right along the hip line we put BB2
BB 2 = BB1/2 - 1 = TT2 = NN2
Through point B 2 we draw a vertical line until it intersects with the waist line at point T2 and the bottom line at point H2.
Would you like to learn to sew? If you are reading this page, then your answer is probably yes! We are glad to welcome you to the Sewing School, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that your desire to sew develops into skill! We are glad to welcome you to the Sewing School, and we will do everything in our power so that your desire to sew develops into skill, and your own wardrobe consists only of your designer items. But where to start? Even if you are a novice dressmaker, we recommend that you start with sewing a skirt, because sewing a skirt is the easiest thing, so let’s start with that.
Taking measurements
Correctly taken measurements are half the success. Therefore, wear tight underwear ( better than tights), if you plan to wear a skirt with tights and start taking measurements. Remember - the measuring tape should fit snugly around your figure.
To create a base pattern, you need to take the following measurements: Waist circumference, Hip circumference, Hip height, Product length.
Building a base pattern
If you are the lucky owner standard sizes, we invite you to download the finished skirt pattern for free.
IMPORTANT! We recommend making the basic pattern of any product on graph paper. Re-trace the front and back halves onto tracing paper separately for modeling.
How to choose a skirt style
Skirt is perhaps the most feminine product women's wardrobe. With the help of a correctly selected style, you can not only emphasize the undeniable advantages of your figure, but also hide almost all the flaws. A skirt can visually reduce your waist, increase or decrease your hips, adjust your hip line, and make your legs simply endless! But for this you need to learn to evaluate female figure, determine the main advantages and disadvantages and select a model taking into account all the “starting points”. Use our tips and your wardrobe will be impeccable.
Style modeling
Using one basic pattern you can sew an unlimited number of skirts, the main thing is to use your imagination! We invite you to use ready-made patterns presented on our website. Please note that we are giving modeling principles. You can change the color, texture of the fabric, length or number of folds yourself.
The article presents step by step guide sewing a skirt, using the example of a straight skirt on the hips without a belt, with a vent and a fastener at the back. As a pattern, we will take the base of a straight two-seam skirt. In order to model the pattern, measure the required distance from the waist to the expected beginning of the skirt, transfer it to the pattern and cut off the excess. How to make patterns, read this link
Stages of sewing a skirt:
1. Fabric preparation. Before cutting the fabric, you need to check whether it will shrink after washing. To do this, the fabric is decoated, i.e. it needs to be moistened and dried. There are several methods of decoting, they depend on the type of fabric. Viscose and cotton fabrics are soaked in warm water, then dried and hung along the grain. Woolen and silk fabrics are rolled into a wet sheet. The material is left in this position for several hours. The damp fabric is ironed from the inside out in the longitudinal direction and left to dry in a lying position.
After we have finished the fabric, we decide on the front and back sides. We also take into account the direction of the pattern or pile, if any;
2. Cut the fabric. We place the patterns in a longitudinal direction on the wrong side, outline them with sharpened chalk or soap and give allowances for the seams.
(All pictures open in larger size by click)
The allowances vary depending on the side of the product: top – 1 cm, bottom – 3 cm, sides – 2.5 cm. The front part is a single piece, so we apply the pattern to the fold of the fabric, leaving no allowances. We make allowances for darts with a “corner”
We cut fabric;
3. Product basting. On the cut out parts we mark the hip line, transfer the dart solution to the other half using safety pins. Then the details are swept away hand stitches. First, we sweep away the vent (middle seam), since the zipper will be located at the back, we leave a free area at the top for it. Then darts are swept from the narrow end to the wide part
and finally the side seams. When basting the side seams, you must first align the control points (thigh line). We fix each seam on the front side
Lastly, we bend the bottom of the product;
4. Trying on. During fitting, the directions of the side seams, the location of the darts, the width and length of the skirt are specified, and the length of the vents is noted. We note all the shortcomings and, if necessary, make changes after fitting;
5. Sew the parts on a machine. Start by stitching the darts (from wide to narrow edge) and ironing towards the center. Then the vents are ground down, except for the fastener (it is swept away) and the side seams. We duplicate seam allowances on the fastener and vents on the wrong side
We overcast the sections with an overlocker and iron them different sides
6. Sew in a zipper. This model uses hidden zipper. We fold the front side of the zipper with the back of the product, so that the lock is located opposite the seam. We sweep the zipper at a distance of 3 mm from the fold of the fabric, carefully moving the teeth towards the seam. Only the zipper tab should remain on the front side, and the lock itself should be hidden behind the fabric. We also baste the free edge of the zipper to the fabric and grind off both bastings;
7. Lining. The lining is cut out according to the product and sewn in the same way as the main fabric (except for darts). Place the finished lining on the wrong side of the skirt. This way, all the cuts will be hidden inside. We fasten the lining to the fabric with pins, first we connect the darts, middle and side seams, then evenly distribute the rest of the material. Darts on the lining are not cut out; instead, tucks are used.
Baste the skirt with lining;
8. Processing the top of the skirt. Since we are sewing a skirt without a belt, the top is processed using a facing. The facing is cut out according to the width of the upper part of the skirt with an increase of 4 cm, width - 4 cm. We duplicate the facing from the wrong side and overcast it on one side. We connect the raw edge to the top edge of the skirt (right sides inward) and baste it. Then we grind it on a machine and make a hem, that is, we turn the seam to the facing side and put a line next to the edge of the seam
After this, we bend the facing to the wrong side of the skirt, iron it and attach it with hidden stitches to the fastener, darts, vent and side seams;
9. Spline processing. In this model, the slot is processed in an ironed form. On each side of the vents, fold the seam allowance at the bottom to the front side and sew it on a machine at the level of the hem at the bottom. We turn out the corner and straighten it
10. Decorating the bottom of the skirt. The bottom of the skirt is overcast, folded to the width of the allowance and basted. Then it is sewn on with hidden stitches.
Now our skirt is ready
