How to Sew a Maxi Skirt From Just 1 Meter of Fabric
My friend asked me to make her a long evening skirt to match a beautiful top she crocheted.
I’m using the opportunity to show you how to sew a maxi skirt to fit you perfectly. This is a very simple project suitable for a beginner sewist and no skirt sewing pattern is needed.
The fabric amounts and measurements I give here are to fit a 42 inch (105 cm) hip or size 42 European.
I used a serger for the seams. If you don’t have one and you use a fabric that frays easily like mine, it’s important to finish all the raw edges with an overlock or zigzag stitch on your sewing machine.
Tools and materials:
- 1.25 yards (1 m) of 60 inch (150 cm) wide fabric
- 1.5 inch (3 cm) wide elastic
- Fabric marker
- Measuring tape
- Ruler
- Pins
- Scissors
- Large safety pin
- Sewing machine
- Serger (optional)
1. Measure and cut
The length of 39 inches (1 m) of fabric is the measurement of the skirt length from under the waistband to the unfinished hem. If you need your skirt to be longer or shorter, adjust this amount.
Fold the fabric in half lengthways with the right sides together.
Trim the folded width to half your hip measurement plus 4 inches (10 cm). In my case the folded width is 25 inches (63 cm).
2. Center back seam and back split
Mark 20 inches (50 cm) up from the hemline on the open edges opposite the fold for the center back split.
Pin and sew the center back seam from the mark to the waist edge, taking a half inch (1 cm) seam allowance.
Serge or overlock down the raw edge at one side of the split, around the hemline and back up the other side of the split.
Continue overlocking the center back seam allowance.
Turn the edges of the split to the inside by half an inch (1 cm) on each side and sew it in place.
Also stitch across the top of the split.
3. Make the elasticated waistband
Cut a strip of fabric 4 inches (10 cm) wide and 50 inches (126 cm) long.
Join the short ends with the right sides together.
Open the seam allowance and fold the waistband in half along its length with the wrong side inside.
Sew the raw edges together taking a three-quarter inch (1.5 cm) seam allowance.
Leave a small opening for the elastic.
Cut a piece of elastic 28 inches (70 cm) long or to fit comfortably around your waist with a slight overlap.
Use a safety pin to feed it through the waistband, being careful to keep it flat.
Join the ends together securely and stitch the opening closed.
4. Attach the waistband
Smooth the gathers towards the center back of the waistband.
Place three pins about 6 inches (15 cm) apart vertically into the waistband across the center front to keep it flat.
Sew a vertical line of stitching at the two outer pin positions.
Placing the waistband seam at the center back of the skirt, sew the waistband to the top of the skirt with the raw edges matching and the right sides together.
Stretch the waistband to fit as you sew and make sure you don’t catch the elastic in your stitching.
If you’re a beginner sewist, I recommend dividing the waistband and waist edge into four equal parts and pinning the waistband to the skirt before you sew it.
How to sew a maxi skirt
I left the bottom of the skirt unhemmed but you could turn up a narrow hem if you wish.
This is a very simple method of sewing a skirt and is perfect for luxury evening fabrics such as velvet or crepe which can be difficult to handle with a more complex pattern.
The back split gives the skirt interest and makes it easier to move around in it.
My friend was delighted with it. If you liked it too, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
And for more great patterns and sewing tips, please also follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tugbaisler
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