Cut two pieces of your main fabric to 13 x 17.5 inches. And cut two pieces of the color block fabric to 5 x 17.5 inches. I like to make the width of the skirt 1.5 times the waist measurement for elastic waist skirts which is where the 35 inch measurement comes in. I also wanted to make the color block section of the skirt to be about 4 inches so I just measured out on Penelope where I wanted the skirt to hit on her leg and made that my length which is the 13 + 5…also added to this are the 1/2 inch or so we need for the casing at the top of the waist as well as fabric we will need to turn the hem under and to join the two pieces of fabric together.
Next, place the two fabrics (orange and main fabric) right sides together a the top edge of the main fabric. Sew together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. You can finish the seam any way you like, I serged mine.
Next, iron the seam flat and top stitch on the front (right side) of the orange fabric using a 1/8 inch seam allowance.
Then place the two joined pieces of fabric right sides together and sew up each open edge to form your skirt. Finish of the seam as you’d like, I serged mine (not shown!)
Then, either fold over the top edge of the skirt 1/4 inch and then a 1/2 inch to make the casing for the elastic or just serge the top edge and fold over 1/2 inch. I also serged the bottom edge of the fabric (picture on the right) and hemmed it using a 1/4 inch fold. You can also fold the bottom edge 1/4 inch and then another 1/4 inch if you’d like as well.
Next, with the skirt still right side out, make the casing for your elastic by folding the top edge over 1/2 inch (like I explained in the last step!) making sure to leave a 1/2 inch opening to thread your elastic through. Using a safety pin, thread your elastic through the casing, sew together the two ends together with 1/2 inch overlap, and then sew the casing shut. Make sure to hem the bottom of the skirt if you haven’t already!
If you have one, sew a tag onto the backside of the skirt!
** I have been compensated for this post. However, all opinions are truthful and my own.
Brittany B says
That is so absolutely adorable! I wish i knew how to sew, I really need to learn.
Maggie says
Thanks Brittany! You should give it a go, sewing is so fun!
Kp says
that fabric is so adorable. I wish it was this easy to make flattering adult clothing!
Maggie says
HA! I agree!! Kids’ bodies are so straightforward, aren’t they!
Linda :) says
Maggie where did you get the cute labels done?
Thanks!
Maggie says
I bought them at Clothinglabels4u.com…I have a blog post in my Tutorials section under the Sewing Header explaining more about them too!
Megan says
So cute! If I knew how to sew, I’d definitely make some for my nieces.
Maggie says
Thanks Megan!! 🙂
Shanon Brugh says
Maggie, do you remember how much elastic you used in the skirt to make the waist band? I think my daughter would fit in this but I don’t know how much elastic to use.
Maggie says
Hi Shannon!
I used 20 inches of elastic…just measure around your daughter’s waist and add an inch so when you sew it together you have an inch to do so! Have fun!
Shanon Brugh says
thanks!