Expert sewers! Please help this novice out!!

heyTiffany

This idea sounds GREAT in my head, but I can literally only sew straight lines, so maybe not, haha. 

I want to make a skirt with an elastic waist. Like, with the elastic sewn in the inside. If I just cut out two rectangles (rather than an a-line), sewed one side together, then sewed in the elastic, then sewed the other side together, do you think it would work?? 

  Also, I have an elastic-waist mini skirt, but I want mine longer. Can I stretch it out and just make it longer for a pattern?

Mrs Acorn Blue

Here's a really easy tutorial for what I think you want.  I was trying to type it out but she does it better.

http://blog.megannielsen.com/wp-content/uploads/megannielsen.com elastic waistband skirt tutorial.pdf

heyTiffany

Mrs Acorn Blue:

Here's a really easy tutorial for what I think you want.  I was trying to type it out but she does it better.

http://blog.megannielsen.com/wp-content/uploads/megannielsen.com elastic waistband skirt tutorial.pdf

That's perfect!! Thank you so much!!

TheBridesMom

The problem that I see with skirts made out of straight pieces of fabric, is that they are not shaped like like people. and can do some weird stuff if they aren't full enough.   They have a tendency to creep up or cut in in strange places, and often just look homemade (not in a good way), because the fit is just a bit off.  I learned that from experience making skirts for myself that way many years ago.

Another time, we were making costumes for a school recital, and the people who purchased the fabric were not seamstresses and didn't have a clue what they were doing.  They didn't purchase enough fabric to make the lower edges full enough.  The kids looked like little dumplings in them, and actually had to lift their skirts to be able to do even small leaps.  It was hilarious, and taught me a few things about ease and movement in clothing.

Janimal

I make skirts that way for my daughter.  But for me, I wouldn't use just rectangles.  For women with hips, having a slight A line cut is MUCH more flattering.  And still really just as easy.

Here's a great tutorial on making this kind of skirt for a child, that includes adding a ribbon hem for a nice finishing touch:  http://www.oliverands.com/blog/2008/08/lazy-days-skirt-free-pattern.html

Here's a tutorial to help you with cutting dimensions for a simple adult elastic waist skirt. 

http://thetraintocrazy.typepad.com/the_train_to_crazy/2008/11/tutorial-elasti.html

heyTiffany

Janimal:

I make skirts that way for my daughter.  But for me, I wouldn't use just rectangles.  For women with hips, having a slight A line cut is MUCH more flattering.  And still really just as easy.

Here's a great tutorial on making this kind of skirt for a child, that includes adding a ribbon hem for a nice finishing touch:  http://www.oliverands.com/blog/2008/08/lazy-days-skirt-free-pattern.html

Here's a tutorial to help you with cutting dimensions for a simple adult elastic waist skirt. 

http://thetraintocrazy.typepad.com/the_train_to_crazy/2008/11/tutorial-elasti.html

Thanks! These are all great references!