Simple Maxi Skirt Tutorial

Top: Downeast Basics (similar, similar, similar), Skirt: Made by me, Flats: Payless Shoes, Belt: Thrifted

I feel a little bit like Goldie Locks when it comes to knit maxi skirts. I say that because many tutorials I've seen have the fabric cut straight down so that it's like a pencil skirt to your ankles. That's just too restricting. Or there's the tutorials that gather the fabric at the top where the waist band is, that gives the fabric a bunched up look right around your hips. Too poofy. But possibly my least favorite, the perfect maxi skirt tutorial that you have to pay to use. And Goldie Locks shouts: "Ain't nobody got money for dat!"

I've decided that the best maxi skirt tutorial for a knit material is one that is fit to your waist but tapers wider at your ankles. All of this plus free instruction! Awe, now that's JUST RIGHT.

Also, it's probably the easiest thing you will EVER sew! So here you go, The Maxi Skirt Tutorial that even Goldie Locks would approve.

MATERIALS:

• 1 & 1/2 yards of stretchy knit fabric. Medium weight is best for coverage and for making sure it's non-see through.

• Cutting mat and measuring tape

• Rotary blade or scissors

• Matching thread

• Sewing machine

TUTORIAL:

Step 1: Use the graphic and coordinating points below to measure and cut your fabric according to your size.

• 1: Measure waist at hip bone, subtract 1 inch due to the stretch of material. This is your length for the waistband (#1 below)

• 2: Using measurement #1, divide that number in half for the skirt waist (#2 below). You will be sewing two sides together, so it will end up being the width of your waist around.

• 3: This one is up to you a little bit, but I did just 32 inches or a little more than double the top band (#3 below). The two pieces will be sewn together to make your hemline.

• 4: The waistband height is also up to you, but I found that about 10 or 11 inches works well, because it will be doubled over (#4 below).

• 5: The length of the skirt is also up to you, but I would recommend about 40 inches (#5 below). You can always hem it shorter if you need to.

Step 2: Sew the front and back of skirt together down the sides. 

See the nice taper. Umm, yes.

• Make sure you sew with the nice printed side facing in to each other.

• Serge/zigzag if you want, though you don't have to because knit material doesn't fray.

Step 3: Sew the waistband piece into a big band.

• Sew the shorter ends together by folding the piece in half "hamberger" style, so that the printed side is facing inside.

• It should now be an 11" tall band that can fit around your waist.

Step 4: Fold the waist band and sew it onto the skirt.

• Fold it in half, so that it's only about 5 inches and the printed side is showing.

• Pin it to the waist line of the skirt like this:

Sew.

Then it looks like this folded out.

• Zigzag or serge the pieces together with a stretch stitch, because the waist band needs to be stretchy.

Step 5: Hem the bottom with a straight stitch to your desired length.

Easy peasy right? Here's a little side view, and isn't the munchkin on my arm darling?

How about you, do you have any Goldie Locks moments? Do you have any clothing items that must be JUST RIGHT for you to love them? Share them with me and share your completed maxi skirts too!

--- Elizabeth