Monday, June 11, 2012

How To: Fitted Front Girl's Skirt

You know what I love about sewing? Everything. And it is a lot like riding a bike. You really never forget how, and you might even be better than the last time. That is why when I made another pretty little skirt for Wednesday it whizzed by, even with photos for a tutorial.

Ikea-print-flat-panel-skirt-front
Front View
The reason this simple skirt design is so wonderful is that while the front waistband sits comfortably underneath the little belly that little kids have,it doesn't ride up over the bubble bum.
Ikea-print-flat-panel-skirt-gathered-back
Back View
That's right, this skirt is actually longer in the back than in the front.
After making Wednesday's Sunshine Skirt last week, I realized that without the patchwork the skirt was a super simple pattern. So today when I decided to make another one I wanted it to be light and simple for summer wear so this boldly coloured Ikea print was perfect.

Do you know what is not like riding a bike? Writing sewing tutorials. Forgive me i I rush through this, it was just so simple that I wasn't sure how many photo it required. Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions!

Alright! Here we go! Collect your supplies.

(2) Rectangles of  fabric 19 x 15 inches
1" No twist elastic
Coordinating thread
Sewing Machine
Bodkin (or safety pin)

Let's begin!

Step-2-and-3-fold-over-top. 
Step 1. Cut your rectangles 19" x 15"
Step 2. Fold fabric over 1/2" and press.
Step 3. Fold fabric over again 1.25-1.5" and press.
Do this for both pieces.

Step-4-and-5-sew-and-cut

Step 4. On BOTH pieces sew close to the pressed old.
Step 5. On just ONE piece (The one you want to be the front.) cut on an angle from the bottom corner to three inches IN from the corner. Make sure that the angled sides are not longer than the straight sides of your second piece. (You'll see what I mean in the next photo.)

Step-6-feed-elastic
Step 6. Feed elastic through casing of the second piece. Stop when the end gets just inside the casing.

Step-7-sew-elastic
Step 7. Sew end of elastic into the casing.
step-8-sew-side-seams

Step 8. With wrong sides facing, line up one side of angled pieces and sew.
Inside-back-view.

Step 8.5 Pull elastic taught and sew second angled side to straight side.
step-9-roll-hem

Step 9. Roll a half inch hem and sew.

Ikea-print-flat-panel-skirt-front 
 And you're done!
Ikea-print-flat-panel-skirt-gathered-back
Admire you're work!

sunshine-skirt-model 
The skirt has lots of room for movement.
sunshine-playability 
Serious playtime only though!
 
♥ Happy sewing! ♥