Alright ya'll. You asked for the tutorial on how I made my
leopard maxi skirt and I am all about delivering on those requests. Get ready folks because I am about to
blow your mind. In 20 minutes you will have a new maxi skirt and be one good lookin' lady or gent, but really this tutorial is for the ladies, so guys refrain....unless you are making one for the wifey and then go for it. Oh and let me get your number I want you to teach my hubby a thing or two:)
This skirt is made in just three easy, peasy steps. First off you will need a yard or so of fabric. I use a yard because I have me some hips, but if you are not
cursed blessed with some momma hips then you can use less fabric. I fold my yard of fabric in half "hot dog" style. I am real technical with my sewing terms. Can you tell? For those of you that did not learn this in Kindergarten, curses to your teacher. They deprived you of some stellar knowledge. "Hot Dog" style is folding your fabric in half the long way. Make sure your fabric is folded so that the "right sides" of the fabric are touching. Remember the right side is the "pretty" side of the fabric...the part you want to see when it is all finished.
Pin your sides together and sew straight down, creating your side seam. I like to use either a zig zag stitch or a straight stitch. Once your side seam is created, you will add a casing to your skirt. This is where your elastic will go to create a waistband. Double fold your fabric, pin, and create the casing. Thread your elastic through. I like to pin a safety pin to one side of my elastic. It helps the elastic slide through the casing. Once you have added your elastic and sewn both end pieces of elastic together, sew your casing closed.
The last thing you will do is optional, but I like to do it. You will double roll the bottom of your skirt and hem it. This creates a finished edge.
Then you are done. Easy right? Now you can make tons of maxis and be
lookin' good this summer. I have about 5 more to make. I have a problem. I just can't get enough where maxis are concerned. Super comfy and cute. How could you go wrong? Happy sewing lovelies!
Check out more sewing tutorials
here and thrifted fashion posts
here.
XO Danielle
Sounds easy enough....I think. I have not sat at a sewing machine for years, but am about ready to try. Do you think this is easy enough for someone who has not used a sewing machine in like FOREVER?
ReplyDeleteAlso what about the length of the skirt? Going to look at the leopard print now.
absolutely Tasha. It is really easy and perfect for beginners. Just follow the steps and you will have a cute new maxi skirt in no time. Let me know if you need more help.
DeleteWow! That is awesome and super, super, simple. I've been trying to get motivated to sew some pretty clothes for Spring. Thanks for the "kick". Have a super day!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Jen! You are welcome:>
DeleteI love maxi skirts...and love this idea! Now I've got to get me a sewing machine and some fabric :/
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize how easy it was to make the skirts and they look super comfortable. I found your site when you were on Yahoo.com and have enjoyed checking out your pages.
ReplyDeleteI'm still new to sewing, but determined to learn! What fabric works best or is the most comfortable?
ReplyDeleteFor a maxi skirt knit fabrics work out the best. They are stretchy, which means you can add elastic and be done. No zippers required:>
DeleteI loved that you used "hotdog" style to tell how to fold the fabric. My girls and I are going to have some really great new Maxi skirts thanks to you! I know I can make them and even show my girls how to make them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the super simple instructions! I love this kind of skirt, just throw a tank on, sandals or flip flops and you've got an easy breezy summer outfit!
ReplyDeleteYour wonderful blog has led me to resurrect mine to share our family's journey in a new direction. Yours is the first in my favourite blog roll!!! http://simply-willow.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for your insight and your sharing...you rock!!
Thanks so much Willow:>
DeleteHi Danielle - Your blog is so nice and positive, and I like how you call us lovelies! Do you use your waist measurement for the elastic and your hip measurement for the length of fabric to buy? Sorry if this is a dumb question, haven't sewn anything more than potholders and pillowslips.
ReplyDeleteYou make it looks so easy! I love the print you chose :o)
ReplyDeletei have an easy peasy maxi dress pattern pinned i've yet to sew. i think i'll try this one first - it looks michelle proof!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. You have inspired me to try this. Thanks:)
ReplyDeleteLynn from San Diego
I just might have to make a skirt. I've got SOOOO much fabric and need to use it.
ReplyDeleteI actually have a shirt I made from the fabric in this tutorial. :)
Hey! I love your style. I only recently discovered your blog but its definitely one of my daily reads now !! I'm hoping I can make a blog as great as yours eventually lol !!!
ReplyDeleteHi Danielle! I love your blog, too! I found it after you were on Yahoo and a few other sites. You are very inspirational!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I'm with teresa above - I need measurements too as I haven't sewn in years. One yard doesn't seem like enough to cover me. Can you go over that fabric thing again? Thank you!!!
When you are figuring out how much fabric needed for a skirt, you just need to measure the biggest part of you. For most that is the hips. Measure that and then you know exactly how wide your fabric needs to be. This will help in knowing the yardage you need. Below is a great tutorial with measurements, which might help. Check it out.
Deletehttp://www.stilettosanddiapers.com/2013/02/DIYMaxiSkirt.html
Thanks Danielle! I made the skirt and I love it! Very comfy and feels dressed up, too. By coincidence, I found the same fabric at Hobby Lobby - on sale, so I had to get it. You are inspirational...
DeleteThat is awesome!
Deletenice blog!
ReplyDeleteLooks great..I will def try this..do you have any tutorials for a night gown..I can never find a night gown that is comfy and made from material that I like! ;0)
ReplyDeleteHi.. I'm new to making clothes but I really want to make this skirt. How much fabric do I need to make a skirt to fit someone who wears size 14-16 jeans? Also I'm confused a little on the directions. I understand the folding long ways but do I sew where the two right sides meet or down the sides. Could you draw me a picture and use arrows to show where I sew for each step. I have MS so I get directions turned around easily.
ReplyDeleteIf you are folding your fabric in half, you will just sew up where those two sides meet. This will create a side seam. Does that make sense? Also for figuring out how much fabric needed, you just need to measure the biggest part of you. For most that is the hips. Measure that and then you know exactly how wide your fabric needs to be. This will help in knowing the yardage you need.
DeleteBelow is a great tutorial with measurements, which might help. Check it out.
Deletehttp://www.stilettosanddiapers.com/2013/02/DIYMaxiSkirt.html
Hi.. I'm new to making clothes but I really want to make this skirt. How much fabric do I need to make a skirt to fit someone who wears size 14-16 jeans? Also I'm confused a little on the directions. I understand the folding long ways but do I sew where the two right sides meet or down the sides. Could you draw me a picture and use arrows to show where I sew for each step. I have MS so I get directions turned around easily.
ReplyDeleteIf you are folding your fabric in half, you will just sew up where those two sides meet. This will create a side seam. Does that make sense? Also for figuring out how much fabric needed, you just need to measure the biggest part of you. For most that is the hips. Measure that and then you know exactly how wide your fabric needs to be. This will help in knowing the yardage you need.
DeleteBelow is a great tutorial with measurements, which might help. Check it out.
Deletehttp://www.stilettosanddiapers.com/2013/02/DIYMaxiSkirt.html
Loving the term "momma hips". I may need more than a yard...
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the term "momma hips". Hmmmm, I'm definitely going to need some wider fabric...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for an easy DIY! I will be making loads for this summer! ;)
ReplyDeleteSo cute! Just saw your link - this is awesome & so easy! haha - wouldn't that be an awesome & crazy day when the bubs made me a maxi skirt? If anybody says their husband did, be sure to send their # my way as well. ;) Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial. I definitely have making a maxi skirt on my summer to do list this year. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Weekend Wonders!
ReplyDeleteI may just have to dust off my long forgotten sewing machine to make one. They looks so cute in the stores....but the price is not cute. Thanks! Found you over on Memories by the mile linky party.
ReplyDeleteDanielle- I just want to say thank you for this tutorial! I totally busted out the most adorable skirt last night! I can't even tell you how inspiring your blog has been for me!
ReplyDelete