This quick tutorial is perfect for themed outfits, spirit week costumes, tulle tutus, last minute dolly outfits, those woven prints you just HAVE TO HAVE, and so much more! It’s also a great project for kids learning to sew, since there are no curves or complicated steps 🙂 Below, you’ll find simple directions for two slightly different woven skirts. Ready to get started?

MATERIALS

• sewing basics
• woven fabric
• elastic
  • Dolly Paper Bag Waist – 1/4″ elastic
  • Dolly Regular Waist – 1/2″ elastic
  • Baby / Youth Paper Bag Waist – 3/8″ elastic
  • Baby / Youth Regular Waist – 3/4″ elastic

CUT CHART

NOTE: You may wish to cut elastic to fit, rather than using the measurement from the chart below. 

INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: Make sure you have washed and dried your wovens before sewing, or you will run the risk of shrinkage. 

First, cut your fabric. Each skirt will need two pieces. See the cut chart above to determine your size. Remember to mash sizes just as you would with our regular patterns; for example, I used the width from the size 2 and the length from the size 4 for my daughter.

After cutting your two fabric pieces, place them with right sides together, matching up all raw edges. Using your regular sewing machine, sew the short ends together with 1/2″ seam allowance. These ends are your skirt side seams. Finish your seam allowance with pining shears or a serger to prevent fraying.

Finish the top raw edge of your skirt, either with pinking shears or a serger. I prefer to use a serger so that I don’t cut any length off. If you use pinking shears, just be sure to cut as close to the raw edge as possible!

DOLLY PAPER BAG WAIST OPTION: Fold the top edge down 1.25″ toward the wrong side. Press.

DOLLY REGULAR WAIST OPTION: Fold the top edge down .75″ toward the wrong side. Press.

BABY / YOUTH PAPER BAG WAIST OPTION: Fold the top edge down 1.5″ toward the wrong side. Press.

BABY / YOUTH REGULAR WAIST OPTION: Fold the top edge down 1″ toward the wrong side. Press.

Next, we will create our waist casing. Measure down from the top edge to determine where to stitch.

DOLLY PAPER BAG WAIST OPTION: Stitch at .75″, leaving no opening. Stitch as close to 1.25″ as possible, leaving a 1″ opening to thread your elastic.

DOLLY REGULAR WAIST OPTION: Stitch at .75″, leaving a 1″ opening to thread your elastic.

BABY / YOUTH PAPER BAG WAIST OPTION: Stitch at 1″, leaving no opening. Stitch as close to 1.5″ as possible, leaving a 1″ opening to thread your elastic.

BABY / YOUTH REGULAR WAIST OPTION: Stitch at 1″, leaving a 1″ opening to thread your elastic.

 

Thread elastic through casing, for all options. Secure your elastic, then close the casing opening.

Even out your elastic/gathers. If you want to add a little extra personality to your skirt, you can also add a faux drawstring to your skirt! I just found the front center of my skirt, and stitched the tie right to the skirt.

This is the perfect time to try the skirt on your little one or dolly to check length! If you’re happy with the length, finish the bottom raw edge of your skirt with either pinking shears or a serger.

For all options, fold the raw edge toward the wrong side 1/2″. Press, and then edge stitch in place. After you’ve hemmed, you’re all finished! Enjoy your simple woven skirt!

I paired the regular waistband youth skirt with Mya, and the regular waistband dolly skirt with Dolly Catherine:

For the paper bag waistband, I paired the youth with a basic RTW tee, and the dolly with Dolly Stacey:

And of course, how sweet, is Michelle’s precious baby?!?! Her spooky tulle was just perfect for this quick and easy tutorial!

We can’t wait to see what you sew up next; as always, don’t forget to share with us over in our Facebook group! Happy sewing!

P.S. Want to create one for yourself?! Easy! To determine length, measure from your waist to where you would like the skirt to hit on your body. Add your casing and hem allowance to that number (paper bag waist +2″, regular waist +1.5″).  To determine your width, multiply your waist measurement by 2.5. Divide the total by 2, then add 1″ for seam allowance. For example, for a regular waist skirt, with a desired length of 23″, and waist measurement of 35″, you would cut two skirt pieces at 24.5″ x  44.75″ {Length = 23+1.5 = 24.5″; Width = (35 x 2.5)/2 + 1 = 87.5/2+1 = 43.75 + 1= 44.75″} If you opt to make one for an adult, I highly recommend apparel wovens, so that you get a better drape!