Tuesday, May 19, 2009

ruffled linen skirt


With summer approaching, it's time that I break out my skirts. And, one of my very favorite skirts is my turquoise ruffled linen skirt from Eddie Bauer. I love the flowing skirts since it gets pretty hot and humid here in Kentucky during the summer months. Have you seen the cute bright linen ones at Gap right now? I am hoping (fingers crossed) I can make a similar one. But, since I don't have the Gap skirt in my hands right now, I thought I would make one identical (or pretty darn close) to my Eddie Bauer skirt. I love how it turned out. Although, I might need to make it just a tad bit smaller. I took pictures in the process in case you wanted to make one of your own. You know this is easy, so make one and let me know how it turns out. These measurements fit me (just a little loosely) and I am an 8,10,12 in clothing. Isn't that funny how I can be all three. Let me explain by saying this skirt is identical in size to my Eddie Bauer skirt which is an 8, but it really could really be a size 10 or 12 because it is adjustable and because it is a little big.  I think I will make some more and take 2 inches off each layer and see how it fits, but in the mean time-

You will need:
*2 yards of light linen or very light weight fabric cut in to these measurements:
(2) 23" wide X 10 1/2" tall - waist and 1st tier
(2) 40" wide X 6" tall - 2nd tier
(2) 45" wide X 6" tall - 3rd tier
(2) 50" wide X 6" tall - 4th tier
(1) 60" wide X 1 1/2" tall - drawstring
(1) small square of light weight iron on interfacing
*1/2 inch elastic that measures around your waist plus 2 inches
*coordinating thread

All seams are 1/2 inch unless otherwise noted


1 - Cut fabric to measurements above.

2 - Sew all strips of fabric in to tubes. That means, sew the 2 - 23" X 10 1/2" pieces at each end, right sides together so that it ends up being one big tube. Then, continue doing that for the next 3 tiers (example: sew together the 40" X 6" piece on each end right sides together and so forth).

3 - They will look like this when you are done.  You will now have 4 tubes of fabric in graduating sizes.  If not using a serger, it is a good idea to cut the side seams down to 1/4" and zig zag stitch down the sides to prevent fraying. 

4 - Take the second tube (not the one for the waist, but the second one measuring 40" X 6") and make a long running stitch 1/4" down from the top.  Leave long threads on each end to pull so that  you can make a ruffle.  Pull the threads gently to ruffle and shorten to fit the waist band.

5 - Sew the 2nd tier (the ruffled one) to the bottom of the 1st tier (the waist band) right sides together at the bottom.   If not using a serger, zig zag the seam when done.  

6 - It will look like this.

7 - Now gather the 3rd tier by doing a long stitch at the top 1/4" down.  Pull this ruffle loosely to fit the width of the 2nd tier.  Attach the 3rd tier to the 2nd tier, right sides together.  Zig zag seam when finished.  It will look like this.

8 - Attach the 4th tier the same way and then your skirt will look like this.  

9 - Finish the hem at the bottom by ironing 1/2 inch over on the wrong side and then again up to the ironed line making a double folded hem that will be 1/4 inch when sewn.  Or if you have a serger, serge the bottom and then fold up 1/2 inch and sew close to the edge.  

10 - For the waist band, iron over 1 1/4"  and then 1/4" from the top to make a casing that will be 1".  If using a serger, serge the top edge and then iron over 1".  Find the center of the front of the skirt.  The front can be either side since the skirt is symmetrical.  Mine fell at 11 1/2".  Mark with a soluble marker 1/4" down from the ironed fold line.  Now, mark 1/2" to the right of that mark and 1/2" to the left of that mark.  These will be the tops of the button holes. 

11 - Iron the square piece of light weight interfacing over the dots you just marked.  You will still be able to see the marks in order to line up your button holes.

12 - Using an automatic button hole stitch, sew two button holes that will fit a 3/8" button. Carefully use a seam ripper to open up the button holes.

13 - Now sew the casing.  The button holes should fall centered on the front of the casing on the right side of the skirt.  Sew all the way around with an 1/8" seam leaving 1 1/2" open to run elastic through.

14 - Measure the 1/2" elastic around your waist plus 2" and cut.  The elastic will be more loose than snug so that it will stay up with the elastic, but you can use the drawstring to tighten the skirt around your waist.  Using a safety pin, run the elastic through the opening in the casing.

15 - Over lap the elastic 1" and sew together.  Sew up the opening in the casing.

16 - Now we need to make the drawstring.  Iron the 60" X 1 1/2" piece of linen in half.  Now, iron each edge to meet that ironed line in the middle.  Iron 1/4" on each end and sew each end and down the long side along the edge - about 1/8".  

17 - Put a safety pin through the end of the drawstring and run it through one button hole all the way around, coming out the end of the other button hole.  Tie knots in each end of the drawstring and you are DONE!!! 

18 - Now order more linen (or find some at your fabric store) in lots of colors and make more skirts!

29 comments:

Caitlin said...

That looks so cute on you! I can't believe you made that! I will have to put this on my "to-do" list for when I learn how to sew.

Ashlee said...

Looks great! Made just like a Twirly Skirt! I think I need one!

Anne said...

This is exactly what I'm needing for this summer!! I posted a link to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-tiered-ruffled-skirt/2009/05/20/
--Anne

V and Co. said...

thanks for sharing!

Melissa {polkadot chair} said...

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!! You've been busy!!! Okay if I saw that on you I would totally think you bought it... so professional! !!
I agree about the skirt thing... KY is the WORST in the summer and I can't wear my jeans blah...
I wonder if you can get linen in prints too?

B.E.A.T.L.E. said...

So cute! Thanks for the directions, can't wait to try it.

Very Shannon said...

Luv it! Would you just like a regular spot in my link luv roundup? Haha, you are on a roll!
I am gonna have to make one of these for summer!

Brenbren said...

Ummmm... I will so be making one for myself this week! THANKS!

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

I really want to make one of these! I linked to your post!!!

Julie said...

So cute, thanks for the tutorial. I made a tiered ruffle skirt for my daughter but I didn't think to make something similar for me.

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

WAY cute! I would totally live in that and can't wait to give it a shot. I'll be linking.

dana said...

Great tutorial, and YOU are too cute!

Sewmarm said...

Adorable skirt! You did a great job.

Melanie Smith said...

This is going to be the first thing I sew on the new Juki. Meanwhile, I think I'll cover it up. Wait...I don't have a cover! jk :)

Tanya said...

Did it again...used my alias "Melanie Smith". You know it's really me, right?

erica e said...

i want to try this! thanks so much! i just found your blog and LOVE your creative ideas. i posted a link to you on my latest blog post. hope you don't mind. :)

Jess said...

great skirt! Think linen is going on my next shopping list!

Laura said...

Do you think this would work with quilter's cotton fabric? or do you think linen is the only way to go? So CUTE!

Cheryl said...

Amazing! You look incredible. I can't belive you whipped that up without a pattern.

I, unforunatly, will just have to wait and see if the skirts come on sale at the Gap. That's about as homemade as we get around here. (And purchased online, so I don't have to leave my house for it. Yup- lazy!)

Miss you!

Andrea @ The Train To Crazy said...

I love it! Thanks for the tutorial!

Kristi said...

...and if I saw you in it you'd say "Oh, it was SO EASY!". Whatever Traci, whatever. You're my sewing idol!

Jane@britex said...

Thanks for the great "patternless" idea. We have so many fabrics that would look great made up in this, and I could easily make it up in a remnant piece. I think I'd like it best in a Japanese cutesy print...Little Red Riding Hood or bunnies!

mimi63 said...

cute skirt. thanks for sharing your talent with the talentless. great tute

Nashe' said...

thank you ..ive been wanting a pattern like this for a while noe...

evitafjord said...

I have made twirly skirts several times for my girls, but I've been hesitating to make one for myself because I was afraid it would be too bulky on my momma-shaped body. But this is perfect. It's too darn hot here to wear pants or even shorts.

BTW - my twirly skirt instructions say to make the loops too, but I've found it way easier to sew the gathered layers on in straight seams and then just take one big seam up the sides. Is there a reason to do the loops that I'm not seeing?

Unknown said...

that is darling!

teresa said...

how lovely! thanks for the pattern!

Ammieloris said...

You do look so cute in this! Thanks for the tutorial, and for the finished product pics. I am certainly going to try this at home!

emi said...

I want to make one! it's so cool!!! XD!!