We have just released our latest patterns in our Dreamy Collection and added our first Mama pattern to the collection! Joy and Mama Joy are FULL of options, 3 sleeve lengths, several skirt lengths, choose different back closures, pockets…. the list goes on. But guess what?!?! We have even more options for you today. I’m bringing you two VERY simple hacks to spread even more Joy to you  🙂 Get the LIMITED time bundle of both girl and women patterns for ONLY $10 until Sunday 12/18 midnight cst. Bundles are only available at release.

The first hack is so simple it requires very little explanation or thinking- the gathered skirt hack. If you want to use a fabric with more drape or you don’t think the particular print you have will work well with pleats, this is a very easy option for you.

Step 1- when cutting your skirt, don’t mark for your pleats.

Step 2- skip pleating your skirt and stitch side seams per tutorial. Instead of pleating the skirt, run 2 gathering stitches along the top raw edge of your skirt. Gather your skirt the to fit the width of your bodice. Attach skirt per tutorial. That’s it. SO simple but will give you yet another option, hooray!

Hack 2 is a little more involved, but still simple. This is the separates hack for a pleated skirt with crop top. Pair the skirt with the crop top or with your favorite blouse in your closet.

You will cut pieces per tutorial. Your finished skirt will be longer with the added waistband, so you may want to cut 2″ or 2.5″ from the skirt piece. Or wait to hem until the end so you can adjust length. You will also need to cut 1 waistband piece given below. Make sure the stretch is going with the width of your fabric.

For crop top- once you have sewn your bodice side seams, press 1/2″ toward wrong side along raw, bottom edge. Edge stitch hem in place. OR if you slip the top on before hemming and decide you want more length, you could also add a hem band as described here. 

Skirt- fold waistband in half, widthwise, right sides together. Stitch short ends together, creating a loop.

Fold waistband in half lengthwise, enclosing seam.

Quarter waistband by folding. So, stick a pin center front. Center back is your seam. Then match centers and pin sides. 

With right sides together and raw edges together, match centers of waistband to center pleats on skirt. Note the women’s skirt is wider on the back than front, so double check you are matching the backs together. Then match quarter point of waistband to side seams of skirt. Stretch waistband to fit skirt. Stitch waistband to skirt. 

Now rock your crop top and skirt!! I can’t wait to see what you create using the Joy and Mama Joy patterns. Make sure to share in the Made for Mermaids Facebook group and on Instagram #madeformermaids #madeformermaidspatterns #joypattern #mamajoypattern #sewallthejoy