Green…is my favorite color. Bright greens, like this Kelly green have especially been catching my eye lately.
So when I saw this fabric in Hobby Lobby I just had to grab it and make an…
If you followed my nesting series, it’s the adult version of my Easy Baby Skirts. You might also remember it as my “spider” outfit for my Once Upon a Thread 3 guest post. It’s also the same method I used for my black and white striped skirt. Love this skirt, can’t you tell? 🙂
Just like the baby skirts, it’s a simple gathered skirt with a flexible waistband. This time though, I used elastic for the top because us moms need a bit more support around there. 🙂
I wear a lot of my skirts this way…high up on my waist. I like to do this for two reasons:
1. It creates a flattering curvaceous silhouette.
2. It hides the kangaroo pouch that has never fully disappeared since I had my first baby.
Want to make one too? Let’s do it…
Materials:
1 1/2 to 2 yards of your choice of skirt material…cotton, knit, almost anything goes
*I used Kona cotton
3 inch wide elastic
STEP ONE: Measurements
-Take your waist measurement and add two inches for your waistband.
– Then take your waistband measurement and double it. This is about the width of your skirt. You add or take away a few inches depending on the stretch and drape of the fabric and how much fullness you desire. I used 54 inches or 1 1/2 yards.
– Measure from your true waist down to how long you want your skirt.
* Add 3 inches for a wide hem.
* Add about 6 inches more if you want pleating detail around the bottom.
STEP TWO: Skirt
I cut mine 32 inches for a finished length of about 22 inches, after pleating, hemming and attaching to the waistband.
*Tip: For larger projects like this. It helps to fold it evenly before cutting on your rotary mat. Unless you have a gigantic one…and if you do, then I’m green with envy. 😉
Sew pleats in place…
Using the double folded edge…
And if you’re smarter than me you’ll be sure you pleated both ends evenly…
🙂
Serge the top of the skirt…
STEP THREE: Waistband
Be sure to pin with the waistband and skirt right sides together.
Using a modified/narrow zig zag stitch or a regular zig zag stitch, sew from pin to pin stretching the elastic to fit the length of the skirt. This may take some muscle, patience and a bit of sweat. 🙂 This is the only part that isn’t easy. 🙂
When you’re done your skirt should look like this…
This is the waistband inside out…
…and this is the waistband right side out.
Sewing the waistband on this way helps the skirt poof out a bit and hides the stitching which can get a little uneven on the elastic.
Done!
I sewed another one using…you may recognize it…my spring scarf!
This sheer fabric was the perfect width and length to double up and fold under bubble style.
Because it’s doubled up and the print is so busy it’s not see-through either.
I love how these Easy Mommy Skirts help me feel more like myself again after having a baby.
As do wearing heels. I can even jump in them again.
Wahoo! 🙂 You know I love a good jumping picture.
Be sure to jump on over to Kojo-designs for more a yummy green summer treat.
Cute! I love the hem on the green one. I make clothing a lot for my daughter, I should make some clothing for me. Maybe this summer, I will try to make at least one skirt using your tutorial. 😉 ~Robin~
How cute are you in these pictures? Love the little pleating detail on the hem.
How cute! I too love green…but have a hard time finding fabric in pretty shades 🙂 Yours is perfect!
I like the pleats you added. I think I will make a couple for me for next Spring/Summer…kinda busy right now with other projects, but it will be added to my list.
Very cute! I've never made a skirt for myself, just my little one. Maybe it's time Mommy gets a little treat! 🙂
This is super cute. That green is my favorite color as well! I love the bags you made for your kids, as well. Oooh, and those recipes look great!
I'm a relatively new sewer. I can't tell you the times I've looked at a tut for a baby/little girl skiet and said…. *dang! I wonder if i could make that in my size? *
I'm utterly inspired.
I'm not a mommy but I LOVE this skirt! Must try! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Ooh, I love the pleats too! And yes, these pictures of you are adorable! And I have to say that I am UTTERLY impressed by your productivity with 3 kids, one a newborn, and your hubby away and you're still pumping out amazing project after amazing project of your own! How do you do it?
I've decided after seeing yours that I need to do more jumping pictures. It seems I've forgotten how 😉
AND those cute tucks are like a little party at the bottom of your skirt. Love tucks. Great job!
You look amazing in this jumping photo!!!And your posts are so so so delicious!!!Always!Greetings from Greece.
I love it! I definitely need more mom skirts!
Kangaroo pouch?! Ha, I don’t think so! Both those skirts are beautiful, and look great on you!
You look amazing! LOVE those skirts. Maybe I will get brave and try one for myself. 🙂 You know how much my sewing machine scares me!
Have you ever done a fall/winter version? Maybe with corduroy? It wouldn't be comfy like cotton or knit though! 🙂