Circle skirt: Not so easy as they say, but still doable

06:42


Almost every circle skirt tutorial you find online will tell that making it is super easy. You do not have to be an experienced seamstress to make. Just sit down, get your fabric out, cut it, sew it, wear it, be proud of it. Well... This is not exactly true. It is easier than most types of skirts. And yes, you can sew it without pattern. BUT! There are some tips that no one ever mentions, and they make whole lots of difference. So, if you wanna make something that will look as good as store bought or even better, get patient and kip these tips in mind


But before you read on - keep in mind I am not a professional seamstress. This is my hobby and tips I will share are a result of some research made before making the skirt.




Tip #1: Straight edge



When fabric is cut off for you in the store the edge may not be perfectly straight. The best way to fix it is to pull out a thread in crosswise grain. In most fabrics crosswise grain makes a 90 degree angle with lengthwise grain.


Tip #2: Use pins to secure fabric before cutting



If you choose to make your circle skirt without a pattern, drawing on the fabric, use pins to make sure the fabric is not going to slide and distort the skirt detail. This will save your time and money.



Tip #3: Pretty folds



When you make a circle skirt crosswise and lengthwise grains are in front, in the back, and on the sides of your future skirt. Because of this in these directions there may be less folds than in bias direction. This will make fabric look flat, especially in front and at the back. If you want even folds in the entire skirt cut waistline 1,5 - 2 cm deeper in the direction of crosswise and lengthwise grains.



Tip #4: Don't play superhero



In some tutorials they will say that making a circle skirt without a back seam is super easy. This is not true. You need to insert a zipper and this is not easy when you have not had years of experience. So for first dozen of skirts choose a way with a back seam. The best direction for back seam is lengthwise grain. The fabric is the most stable in this direction, so the seam will net be easily deformed. Stabilize zipper insertion spot so your skirt lasts longer.



Tip #5: Inserting a zipper



Iron your zipper before inserting it. This will make sewing it in easier.



Insert the zipper before you finish the back seam. Pin one side of the zipper to the back seam and sew it on. If you are not comfortable with making it with your sewing machine, use handstitching. Do the same to the other side of the zipper. Then zip it and finish the back seam.







Tip #6: Belt part



If the fabric is not too thin do not stabilize all width of the belt detail. Leave out one seam allowance to reduce seam thickness at waistline.



Cut corners off. This will make belt corners prettier.



Tip #7: Straight hemline



Before finishing the hem hang your skirt with clothes pins at the bottom. Leave it like this for a day or two. The weight will pull the fabric down and then you will be able to cut it straight. If you do not do it, eventually it will happen by itself and you will end up with a skirt with uneven hem. Not nice. After the skirt is pulled out some, put on your shoes you plan to wear it with and ask your helper to use a ruler to measure the same distance from the floor. That way you can be sure the hem will be super straight.


Ok, that's it. Hope you find it helpful. And I will add some ready skirt photos when the weather gets a bit warmer and nicer.

А що ще цікавенького?

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