A Tutorial: Simple Maxi Skirt
| May 7, 2012 | Posted by Jessie under Sewing Projects |
I am a sucker for a comfy skirt and with the weather getting warmer, I thought it was time I pull out my machine and try to make a new maxi skirt. Maxis are great because they are wearable with a lot of different temperatures {which changes too often in Indiana}. If it’s a chillier spring day, pair it with a cardigan and flats and for a warmer day, pair it with a tank and sandals. I love the versatility. I would say this version is a mix between my simple jersey maxi skirt and simple elastic waste skirt, This is one of my favorite outfits I’ve made myself.
- knit fabric {I used a little over a yard}
- 1 1/2″ wide elastic
- matching thread
I used a maxi skirt that I had bought at Kohl’s for my pattern. If you don’t have a maxi on hand, the waist of my skirt is 14″ and the bottom is 28″ for a little frame of reference. Leave a few extra inches at the top and bottom. You will need it for the waistband and hem. I left about 4″ at the top and 3″ at the bottom. I folded my fabric in half and cut out my pieces.
Then I pinned and sewed the sides {I later cut off the excess}.
Then it was time for the waist band. I laid my elastic out on my fabric, leaving enough room above the elastic to be folded over and sewed.
Then I double folded over the top and pinned it to the bottom of the elastic.
And you’ll have this great little waistband.
Sew the seam and the waist is done. The last step was to pin and hem the bottom. I tried mine on first to see how much I needed to bring the skirt up and then hemmed to fit. Side note-I recommend pre-washing and drying your fabric to avoid shrinkage later.
This project cost around $8 and took about 30 minutes to make. If you are new to sewing, this would be a great beginner project. It is literally 4 straight seams. A couple tips: be careful as you sew knit fabrics, especially on the waist band because it can move and cause puckers easily. Take your time and try not to pull at the fabric to avoid flaws. If you are using a lightweight stretchy knit {like I did}, you’ll need to make sure you have a ball point needle in your machine. I started out with a universal needle and it was skipping stitches so I had to run back to the fabric store to get a new needle. The ball point worked like a charm!
What do you think? Are you a maxi skirt fan?
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You are so cute Jessie. I love maxi skirts, and that is no exception, great job!
Aw, thanks, Beckie:)
Super cute! This caught my eye because I just did a post about maxi skirts…your’s is so great! Love that fabric, I have some of it and I wish I had bought more of it.
Thanks, Abby!
I love maxi skirts -so comfortable. Your’s is fabulous. Thanks for the tutorial.
I wore it to work today-nothing like being comfy during a long work day:) Thanks for the kind words!
So cute Jessie! I love the colors and print of the fabric!
Thanks, Amanda:)
so stinkin’ cute! my sewing machine is collecting dust in the basement. maybe it’s time to get it out! thanks for the inspiration!
It’s definitely time to get it out!
Great idea! I’d love for you to add it on my link party at: http://printabelle.com/?p=3188 Thanks!
Great skirt! This is my kind of project! I haven’t gotten a ton of sewing experience so I really could do this one! Thanks for sharing!
So cute. And looks so easy to do. I think I need to head out to find some fabric and see if I can make one myself. Thanks for sharing.
This skirt is super cute - I just love it!
This looks easy enough! I have one started that I need to finish, I’ll use this tutorial! It looks totally cute on you Stopping by from I heart naptime link party!
Super-cute!!! What a great look! Thanks for the tut, sounds easy, I may have to try it
That looks so cute! We would love for you to come share it at our weekly link party and enter to win a $50 gift card to Mikarose Clothing!
http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/05/strut-your-stuff-saturday-link-party_11.html
Love,
The Sisters
Thanks for the easy and simple yet elegant pattern!! i have been wanting to start sewing again for awhile, and now that summer is coming I though maxi’s would be the perfect project! Your instructions were by far the easiest to follow. Thanks!!! ;=_
Great! I’m glad they are helpful:) Good luck with your skirt! I’d love to see a pic when you get it done!
really cute… i’m very new at sewing, but would like to sew a basic maxi for my niece for her birthday…
her waist is 26″… i see that your waistband is 14″; is that the when it’s folded or just the front/back? or if her waist is actually 26″, do i go with 26″?
this will be my very first on-my-own piece, so bare with my stupid question.
thanks!
Steph, your material would be folded in half, so your neices would be approximately half of her waist measurement :-0)
I was wondering if you had any idea for the type of waistbands that are on a lot of maxi skirts that don’t have an elastic band in them? kind of like the tops of some yoga pants. those are super comfy!!
Thanks