How to make an elastic waistband skirt
One thing I’ve learnt over two pregnancies, is to embrace elastic! Even better I like things that will work whether I’m pregnant or not.
That’s why this skirt is genius. you can wear it under your bump when you’re pregnant, and back on your natural waistline when you’re not.
Even better, it’s super easy – which makes it the perfect beginner project
What you’ll need:
- 1 yard of 60″ wide fabric
- 1″ wide elastic
What to do:
- Take the following measurements:
- Waist (what I really mean is your natural waist, ie measure yourself at the smallest part of your waist)
- Length you would like the skirt to be from your Waist - Your fabric will be a large rectangle where one side is 60” and the other is 36”. With these dimensions your skirt will end up with a finished length of 34”. If you would prefer a shorter or longer skirt (you will need more fabric for a longer skirt) cut the shorter edge of your fabric to be = desired length + ½” for hem + 1½” for waistband.
- Cut the elastic to be a couple of inches less than your waist measurement (a). I personally like to make mine 2 to 4 inches smaller, depending on how stretchy the elastic is.
- Fold the fabric in half length ways with right sides together. So that the two short raw edges are matched up. Sew along the edge & then press open the seam.
- Now you have a large fabric tube. One of the edges will be the gathered waist, and one will be the hem. Turn up ½” on raw edge and topstitch, this is the hem.
- Now we need to make the other raw edge into the waistband/elastic casing. Fold over 1 ½”, and sew all the way around, a little less than ½” from the raw edge, and leaving a gap of about 2” at the side seam, so that you end up with an elastic casing with a gap large enough to thread the elastic in.
- Thread the elastic in. I usually pin one end to the skirt, then pin a safety pin to the other end, and use that to help me thread the elastic all the way through, that way when the elastic reaches the opening on the other side, I can match up the edges easily.
- Overlap the elastic by ½” and sew together with a zig zag stitch.
- Now close up the elastic casing/waistand.
- And you’re done!
For my next skirt tutorial, I’m thinking a nice straight or A-line maternity skirt?
12 Comments
Leave a comment
stay updated
Flickr
Buttons!
A-line. :)
That skirt is perfect! I love the print that you chose and it looks so comfy, yet flattering!
gorgeous skirt, love the fabric.
for the wrap skirt, maybe A-line? :)
Yeah, A line!! :)
Love the skirt:-) I am now following your blog, and I am so glad I am. What great clothes:-) You have talent…
I just made this skirt out of an old pillowcase with cartoon little girls on it. It came out perfectly thanks to your tutorial. Thank you so much!
Good luck with the bebe!
thanks for this!! i love making clothes the DIY way! :)
I used your tutorial with a yard of fabric that caught my eye, and I love the skirt that I made! It was so quick, it took longer to pin everything than it did to make the skirt. :)
Thanks so much!
So glad it worked well for you AmyLynn!
[...] can use this throughout your pregnancy, by simply letting them sit below your bump. If you can sew, this tutorial of mine will show you how to make super easy [...]
[...] suggested making my own maternity clothes. I’m considering it as soon as I have the energy. This skirt is something I found while googling how-tos. I’ve also seen lots of other tutorials [...]
I stumbled upon your blog by doing a google search for DIY elastic waist skirt. I am a beginner sewer and am setting out to make several skirts for our daughter’s AG dolls for Christmas. I simply had to leave you a comment telling you this is honestly THEE best online tutorial I have ever come across and I want to thank-you for it. The pictures/illustrations make it SO very easy to follow. I can’t wait to get to work on my project! Do you have other sewing tutorials available?