We recently went on a trip to Atlanta, Georgia for the kids’ birthday, and before returning home, we visited a few vintage stores. I found the most comfortable peasant skirt for just $8. It’s color-blocked, five colors, and looks great with tank tops and graphic tees. I like it so much, I thought, why not have two cute peasant skirts? So, I figured out how to make the skirt I owned so I can share it with you guys. Rather than just doing a color-blocked look like my original skirt, I went with two different plaids for fall! This project is great for beginners and will take you about 3 hours start-to-finish. I suggest choosing light-weight fabrics that have little-to-no give/stretch.
Materials:
- About 6 yards of fabric: can be divided among two colors {2 yards of one, 4 yards of a second} or three colors {1 yard, 2 yards, 3 yards}
- Coordinating thread
- 1/2″ elastic
Directions:
Rather than the 5 tiers used in my original skirt, I went with 3 tiers because I thought it would look just as nice and make my life a little easier. I’m not the world’s greatest seamstress, so I tend to simplify my projects to get them done quickly. To make the tiers, I went with the following measurements:
Top tier – two panels that are 8″ x 22″
Middle tier – two panels that are 8″ x 30″
Bottom tier – two panels that are 8″ x 46″
This makes approximately a size small (4/6) skirt. I would suggest adding 2 extra inches to the width of the first tier, 3 extra inches to the width of the second tier, and 4 extra inches to the width of the third tier to increase by one size.
After cutting my fabric, I pinned the matching panels together at one end with the good sides facing inward. So the two top panels were pinned, the two middle panels were pinned, and the two bottom panels were pinned. Sew a straight stitch along each of those pinned seams to make three long stretches of fabric.
Using a long stitch set to 5.0, sew a straight line down the long length of the middle tier panel and bottom tier panel. Take the middle tier panel and cinch the sewn line to the length of the top tier. Distribute the cinching along the entire panel so it looks even. Pin the nice sides of the top panel and middle panel together and sew a straight line to join them together. Flip over, sew a top stitch just above the seam to keep the material flat.
Repeat this step by using a long stitch to cinch the top of the bottom panel. Cinch it to the length of the bottom of the middle tier, distribute the fabric evenly, pin it to the bottom of the middle tier with nice sides faced inward, sew a straight line. Then flip it over and sew a top stitch just above the seam. Your fabric is now one big piece.
It’s time to add the elastic. Fold down the top edge of the top panel just larger than the thickness of your elastic. Tuck the edge under, and use an iron to hold that in place. Sew along the bottom portion of that hem to hold in place, and string the elastic through there. Here’s a tip – attach a safety pin to end of the elastic and attach it to the skirt. Attach a second safety pin to the other end of the elastic, and use a crochet needle to pull the elastic through.
Now you will need to decide how tight you want your skirt to be. You will cut the elastic an inch longer than whatever feels comfortable on your waist. Sew that elastic in place by bringing the ends together. Now it’s time to sew your skirt together. Turn it inside out, and use a straight stitch down the open seam.
All you have to do now is add a hem. With the skirt inside out, fold the hem over twice, iron it, and use a straight stitch to hold it in place all the way around. And your skirt is complete!
I didn’t know just how much I would love this skirt, but it’s so soft, and the elastic waist is very comfortable. It pairs so well with graphic or phrase t-shirts and a pair of knee-high boots. It would also be perfect in the spring with a tank top and sandals.
Any Comments?