Sewing. I think people are afraid of that word. It is a lost art! Sewing is not a whack class from the ancient home economics classes. And stop thinking of a bunch of old ladies sewing quilts. It is art. The practice works in so many different textiles. It is easy when it comes to the basics. Honestly, all you really need to know is a very basic stitch. There are plenty of websites and resources to teach you how make a basic stitch. This is the best style know-how for anyone and everyone! You will need a couple hours and a trip to your local sewing supply store. Start out with the cheap supplies; you are not Vera Wang.
Supplies
2 or more yards of fabric
Chalk
Pins
Needle and thread
Scissors
Measuring tape
2- to 4-inch apparel elastic band
Steps
The best twirling circle skirt is the basic circle, hoop or skater skirt. To make this skirt, you will need 2 yards for an above-the-knee skirt. Start by folding the fabric in half. Measure your waist where it will sit. Then do some simple math and take your waist measurement number and divide it by three. So, if you have a 30-inch waist, the number you should get is 10.
Now, take your measuring tape and have your folded-in-half fabric laid out flat. If it is a print fabric, make sure the fabric is not on the print side. From the folded outer corner of fabric, measure 10 inches and mark with chalk. Pivot and mark from edge to edge, so it looks like a quarter moon chalked in. Now, take the measuring tape from the chalked line and measure out 20 inches and mark with chalk and make another moon-like chalk line. Pin everything in place inside of the chalk lines to prevent shifting. Cut and put aside.
Now, take your elastic band and measure your waist with it. Make it as tight as you want the skirt to be. Leave yourself about half an inch with it, for give and to leave room to stitch. Cut and stitch the elastic so it is now a waistband.
Next, take the skirt and do a basic stitch from top to bottom. Then, take the band and stretch it to fit evenly over the top band of your skirt fabric. Stretch and pin as you go. Make sure the band is outside the fabric, then basic stitch around the band no more than a ¼ inch from where fabric and band meet. Do this twice around. Fold inside out, and you should have a skirt!
To finish this skirt, you will want to hem a ¼ inch on the bottom. This will also correct any fabric that doesn’t match up.
Jamie Burke