Simple Skirt Tutorial

On By horsehappy14In Photo Shoot, Tutorial

Have you ever wanted to make doll clothes, but just didn’t have the courage to try? I’ve been there… since that time, I’ve had a lot more experience. Now I really enjoy sewing doll clothes! After you get the hang of it, it can be fun to sew!

Skirts are probably the most simple thing to sew. At least, the way I make skirts is super simple. If you are just starting out on your sewing journey, I have the perfect step-by-step tutorial here for you! This skirt tutorial is extremely easy, it’s great for beginners and experts alike! Plus, it looks great on a doll, and it’s the perfect thing to add to your doll’s summer wardrobe.

First off, supplies. You need, a piece of fabric, at least 12 inches one way, elastic, scissors, pins, thread, a tape measure, and a sewing machine (or a thread and needle).

Measure your fabric, and cut to size.

For this skirt, my fabric is 22 by 9 inches.

Fabric Quarters work well for this project. I simply cut the fabric quarter in half the long ways.
Cut you elastic to size. I used 1/4 in. braided elastic, cut to 10 1/2″. I am making this skirt for an American Girl Doll, so if you are making it for a different brand of doll, you made need to size the elastic differently. Some dolls have smaller waists, some have larger. Measure your doll’s waist and subtract 1/2″, cut your elastic to that size.

Prepare your sewing machine with the correct color thread (I highlighted the thread in this picture), or thread your needle.

I like to test my thread before using it on the actual product. This step is optional.

Fold the bottom edge of your fabric 1/2″ over and pin in place.

Sew the bottom edge down.

Fold and pin 1/8″ – 1/4″ of fabric over on the top, and pin in place.

Then, sew it in place.

Take that same top edge, and fold it over. I approximated that I folded over 1″ but I didn’t measure. Make sure you have enough of a space that you can fit your elastic through. This step is to make the casing for the elastic.

Sew that in place. Try to stay near the edge or, on top of the other seam.
Now, take your elastic, and put a safety pin close to one end.

Push the safety pin into the casing you just made.

And work it through to the other side!

Make sure to pin the end of elastic before pulling the elastic all the way through. If you don’t, you’ll have to try to hold it and work the elastic through at the same time. It is much easier to pin it, I know from experience.

Once you get to the other side, undo the safety pin, and use a regular pin to pin the end of elastic in place. (like you did in the last step.)

Sew the casing closed, making sure to catch the elastic. Do this on both sides.

Next, align the two sides on the fabric, pin, and sew in place. (I forgot to take a picture of the sewing part, sorry!)

The finished skirt!

And the skirt is done! Try it on your doll!

It fits perfectly!

Now for a mini fashion show!

I have made other skirts this same way, using other dimensions/lengths.

Thank you so much for reading! Make sure to leave a comment down bellow if you liked this tutorial, or you made the skirt!

-Haley

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