The Life of Jennifer Dawn: Ruffle Skirt Tutorial

Monday, November 15, 2010

Ruffle Skirt Tutorial

 
Want to make your own Ruffle Skirt?  Here's how...

 Supplies:
*Sewing machine
*Basic sewing supplies (pins, safety pin, scissors...)
*Two pieces of coordinating fabric
*5/8 in.elastic

Directions:
1. Cut out your fabric according to the chart shown below.  You will have two rectangular pieces (main skirt piece and ruffle piece).  Each piece can be cut from the same fabric or from two coordinating fabric pieces--your choice!  You can also go ahead and cut a piece of elastic and place it off to the side.

2. With right sides together, sew the two shorter edges together of both the main skirt piece and the ruffle piece.  I went back and did a zig zag stitch along the seams to neaten things up a bit.

3. Hem the bottom of the ruffle piece by turning it under 3/8 in. and then another 3/8 in., securing it with pins, and sewing it in place.  Create a waistband at the top of the main skirt piece by turning it under 3/8 in. and then another 3/4 in., using pins to secure it, and sewing it along both the top and the bottom.

4. When you sew along the top and bottom, stay as close to the edge as possible.  Leave about 1 1/4 in. gap along the bottom of the waistband in order to be able to feed the elastic through later.  (You can see my elastic opening in the picture below.)

5. Sew a running stitch along the top of the ruffle and pull the strings to gather the fabric.  Once the fabric is the same length as the bottom of the main skirt piece, evenly distribute the gatherings around the ruffle piece.  With right sides together, pin and sew the ruffle onto the bottom of the main skirt piece.  I like to go back and use a zig zag stitch to neaten up the raw edge.  Lay the ruffle out correctly, press, and top stitch right along the bottom edge of the main skirt piece.  This helps the ruffle lay better and gives the skirt a much more finished look.

6. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic.  Feed it through the entire waistband.

7. Sew the two ends of the elastic together with a zig zag stich and stitch up the opening you used to feed the elastic through the waistband.  I cut very generous pieces of elastic because I like to overlap the ends at least an inch when I sew them together.  Tip: If you find that the waistband is too big for your little one, simple cut some excess elastic off and stitch the ends together before sewing up the seam.


8. Now you have a lovely ruffle skirt for your own sweet princess.

16 comments:

  1. Jennifer this is co flippin' darling! I don't have a daughter to make one for - so I guess it'll have to be one for me! {{squeal}

    Thank you so much for linking up to my party. Would you be so kind as to upload a "Tip Me Tuesday" button on your blog or this post? I would be so grateful!

    {{high fives}}

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  2. I'm following you!

    Would love a follow back :-)

    http://www.imlivingthethriftylife.blogspot.com/

    Thank you!!

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  3. ah I love that!! too cute!! Please come link up to Handmade Tuesdays @ Ladybug Blessings www.ladybug-blessings.com

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  4. Super cute! I'm giving you an award tomorrow at naptimecrafters.blogspot.com

    Where did you get that nifty measurement chart? I'd love to use it too, but I'd like to know where it came from

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  5. Oh, love those fabrics! Thank you so much for posting that size chart. I have been looking for one! Have a great day!
    http://www.amaskellantics.com/

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  6. What a sweet skirt! You make it look so easy. I might have to try this...

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  7. Great fabric combination. This is really pretty. The flower is sweet too!

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  8. How precious! Thank you so much for sharing! I hope you will post it on my new linky party on Friday!

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  9. Darling and the tutorial seems pretty easy to follow. I can't wait to start a collection for my daughters.
    I have been perusing your site and love all the fun ideas you have.
    Courtney frog2fab.blogspot.com

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  10. Thanks so much for sharing the sizing chart. I found your adorable skirt on Pintrest. I am very thankful for having this sizing information!

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  11. I love it now I'm going to make some for my nices birthday

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  12. Will definitely be making these for my twin girlies. The size chart is so helpful! Thanks for posting! :)

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  13. Si hay alguien que sepa traducirlo al espaƱol se lo agradeceria muchisimo,sobre todo las medidas.
    If there's somebody to know traduce it to spanish,i'll thank you so much,specially the measures,thank you so much.

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  14. did anyone make this and how did it turn out?

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  15. Hi Jennifer I was browsing for some DIY skirts for girls. when I saw your blog. I have 4 girls. And I'm planning to start my own project for my daughter's skirts. I really admire your talent in sewing. From now on I will follow your blogs for beautiful ideas like this. Thank you for sharing your talents. God bless you and your family..♥ Che from Philippines

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Each and every one of your comments means so much to me. I love to hear from friends both old and new. Thanks for taking the time to stop by my little corner of the world and thanks for taking the time to let me know you were here.

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