Make Your Own Circle Skirt
Today I have a very easy from-scratch sewing project that can be completed in just a few hours. Let's start with the fabric. I bought this fabric remnant on a recent thrifting trip with Ra Ra’s Kathy. It was a super soft cotton, like a very thin cord, with this fabulous paisley print.
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$2 fabric remnant[/caption]
I decided to make a long circle skirt to wear with tights on these cold winter days.
To start, I drew out my pattern on plain wrapping paper. I made a pattern piece that was going to be 1/4 of the skirt, the pattern was later pinned along a fold of fabric so it opened up to half a circle, which means the skirt I made used two pieces and a side zipper. However, you could make a skirt with three pieces: the front would be cut on the fold and be half of the circle, and then two back pieces each a quarter of the circle with a zipper placed between them so it is in the middle of the back. Another option would be to make it in panels with 4 or 6 pieces.
If you aren’t sure about your waist measurements, always err on the side of caution and cut too small. It is easy to make that circle larger if needed, but to make the circle smaller, you would have to trim off the side of each piece.
In terms of length, circle skirts look super cute when they are short and flirty, knee length, or even longer like this one which hits mid-calf. So the length is entirely up to you, just make sure you include a little bit extra for the hem.
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Step 1: Make the pattern[/caption]
Right, as I said, I folded the fabric in half, pinned the pattern down, and cut it out. Then I repeated the process so I had two identical pieces.
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Step 2: pin the pattern to the fabric on the fold[/caption]
Open up each piece and pin them together, right sides facing. On the side you want your zipper, do not stitch the length of the zipper. For example, I used a 7” zipper so I stopped stitching 7" from the waist.
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Step 3: pin and stitch the sides together[/caption]
Next I ran a zig-zag stitch along the raw edges of the side seams to prevent any fraying. Then I pressed open each side seam with a hot iron (including where the zipper will be placed).
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Step 4: press open your seams[/caption]
Now, I will say this is not the proper way to put a zipper in, but it is certainly an easy way to put one in! To start, I just aligned the ironed edges up next to each other and pinned the zipper on top. Then I flipped it over and double checked everything was correct before stitching it in place (down each side of the zipper and across the bottom).
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Step 5: sew in the zipper[/caption]
Here's a picture of the zipper in:
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zipper in place[/caption]
Now lets move on to the waistband. Start with a rectangle that is a bit longer than you need it and twice the height you want it (including seam allowance). Pin it on with a bit of overhang at each side and stitch.
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Step 6: pin on the waistband[/caption]
On the front side, fold the fabric in half (right sides facing), and stitch right along the top of the zipper. When you turn it back, it will look as it does below:
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Step 7: stitching together the front side of the waistband[/caption]
On the other side (the back side seam), pin back the raw edge with just a bit of overhang. This time I pinned it back without folding it in half like I did on the other side. Stitch along this edge.
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Step 8: stitching the back side of the waistband[/caption]
Next, cut a piece of interfacing the exact length and width you need it. Fold the fabric over and place the interfacing in. Pin everything in place and stitch it down.
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Step 9: finishing the waistband[/caption]
Hand stitch the top hook on the inside of the front side, and the bar on the overhanging portion of the back side.
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Step 10: hand stitch on the clasp[/caption]
One more step to go and then you're finished...let's stitch up that hem!
Circle skirts can only have a very small hem so double fold and stitch carefully.
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Step 11: stitching the hem[/caption]
There you go, your circle skirt is ready to wear! We've paired it below with our black pussy bow blouse $65, vintage leather belt $35, vintage leather cowboy boots $65 & leather Dooney & Bourke bag $65.
