A skirt is one of the most interesting items in a woman’s wardrobe, which can emphasize the femininity and elegance of its owner. The choice of different models available in the market is simply amazing. But it’s not always possible to find exactly what suits all parameters perfectly. For example, an item required in color or print often turns out to be unsuitable in style or length.
Long skirts look great on every figure, and if you choose the right pair, they make a stunning look. If you still haven't been able to find your ideal model, don't despair. After all, you can sew it yourself! This kind of work does not require special skills; even those girls who last sewed in school lessons can handle it. So, what do you need for a skirt and how to sew it correctly?
Long skirt styles
The styles of long skirts are extremely varied. Their peculiarity is that the long model is suitable for any occasion and any time of year, if you choose it correctly.
These can be either pleated models or full circle skirts. Options with belts and other decorative elements look very nice. Godet skirts are the perfect choice for a formal event. Strict, but at the same time elegant and sophisticated, they will complement your evening look and will accompany you in the most important moments of your life.
Recently, A-line skirts have become very popular. They are ideal for hiding extra pounds, and are also appropriate for work and for a walk with friends.
Measurements for sewing a long skirt
In order to sew a long skirt, you do not need a large number of measurements. You will only need to measure:
- hip girth;
- length from waist to outer foot;
- waist circumference;
- step length.
Not everyone understands why the last measurement is needed - its task is to help you sew something that does not hinder movement. This is a common problem for beginning craftswomen. The skirt itself is a simple thing, but it’s easy to make a mistake with the size. To avoid such errors, you should carefully check all measurements and add exactly as many centimeters everywhere as needed, taking into account your parameters.
To measure your stride length, you need to take a normal step and measure the circumference around your ankles.
How to calculate the amount of fabric for a long skirt
It is imperative to calculate the amount of fabric you will need in advance.
In order to do this, you need to add two lengths of the product and add another 20 cm. Using this simple formula, you can choose the right fabric.
Important: also do not forget about seam allowances.
DIY midi skirt
The patterns for long skirts themselves are not much different from regular ones.You can simply take a ready-made pattern and increase the length to the length you need. For example, this is how you can sew a midi-length A-line skirt.
Pattern for a midi skirt
To work, you will need cotton fabric in the required amount, which you have already calculated earlier. Pay attention also to the proportions of length and width.
- The first step is to redraw the pattern of a straight model, which can be taken as a basis.
- Then you will need to cut the finished drawing from the top of the darts to the bottom and close the darts. This is done in order to widen the hem downwards, which is what the trapezoid silhouette represents.
- The bottom of the extended pattern is drawn smoothly, resulting in two almost identical elements - the back and the front.
- To cut a skirt on the bias, you will need an unfolded version. If you have never performed such tasks before, it is better not to try to do everything on fabric at once - mistakes on paper are much easier to correct.
- Now let's start lengthening. It is made to the length you need, taking into account the previously taken measurements.
Also remember that some distance should be set aside for the waist, that is, it does not count towards the length of the product itself. This is precisely the moment that often raises questions among inexperienced craftswomen. But if you are careful and careful, everything will definitely work out the first time.
How to Sew a Midi Skirt: Step-by-Step Guide
Particular attention should be paid to the side seams, which stretch. A checkered pattern will be an excellent helper - with its help you can easily cut the fabric without making mistakes.
The waistband of the skirt can be supplemented with an adhesive lining, and a fastener can be made on the side.If you don’t want to sew in a lock, it will be enough to add an elastic band to the belt - then the product will not fall off the waist, and you will save yourself from unnecessary hassle.
Important! The bottom of the item must be finished with a hidden seam.
In general, in order to embroider an item according to a pattern, you do not need any special skills. All the hardest part is over: the pattern is made in accordance with your parameters and is completely ready.
DIY floor-length skirt
Another trend in recent years has been the floor-length skirt. It is also suitable for different occasions. Its tailoring is very similar to that of the previous model.
Constructing a pattern for a floor-length skirt
In order to sew the same trapezoid, only longer, you just need to lengthen the previous pattern. Since everything is clear with this, let’s consider another option: a skirt with six wedges. Using this pattern you can also sew a large number of different models, taking into account some additions.
This time we will start drawing “from scratch”, without a basis.
- In the middle you need to draw a fold line. Two halves of the wedge will be built on either side of the center line. The measurements must be combined with the allowances that will be needed to obtain a product of adequate size.
- Now you need to calculate the width of the wedge at the waist line and hip line. From the top waist line you need to draw the length of the hips in the center.
- Then the length of the skirt is laid down. Along the waist line and hip line in both directions from the center we draw half of the calculated values.
- After this, all that remains is to connect the two points on both sides and extend the lines to the end.
- We have one wedge, this part needs to be cut out and six more similar wedges made on its basis.
Step-by-step sewing of a floor-length skirt
When the pattern is ready, you can start sewing.The first step is to sew the seams and overcast the cuts. Pay attention to the allowances - they should be the same everywhere. Press and press the seams, if necessary, sew in a zipper.
Now all that remains is to process the top and bottom of the item in accordance with the rules that exist for each type of fabric.
Features of sewing long skirts
The main difficulty lies in the selection of sizes. Very often, things turn out to be of an incomprehensible length, which varies between a floor-length skirt and a midi length, hinders movement and looks ridiculous.
To avoid these troubles, you need to take measurements correctly and count allowances.
You can also line it, because a long skirt can stick to your legs or tights, especially in the hot season, which causes some discomfort. The lining will eliminate these problems and does not require much effort to create. The main thing is to choose the right fabric for it.
Now you know how to sew a long skirt yourself and what you will need for this. Remember that such a thing, made with your own hands, will certainly become a source of pride and will arouse admiration among others for its originality and sophistication.