I've come across quite a few toddler skirt tutorials over the last few months. Some of them were simple, some of them were more complicated with pin tucks and waistbands. However, seeing as Im not very good at following a pattern, or a tutorial for that matter, I decided to do my own and share with you what I feel is a simple, but pretty, toddler skirt!
First things first you will need....
1/2 - 3/4 of a metre of 1" wide elastic
* you could use half a metre of fabric but for some reason this skirt falls better if two pieces are sewn together
1. Firstly you need to cut your fabric. I used Riley Blakes So Sophie For my 2 year old I cut two rectangles 19.5" by 14.5". This will make a skirt about 10.5" long which falls just on the knee (I should point out at this point my 2 year old is quite small, bless her!).
2. Next, iron your hems. Take the long edges and iron a 2.5" seam on one side and a 1.5" seam on the other. So each piece will look something like this....
3. Pin and sew your 2.5" seam with a zig zag stitch. Dont worry about it being too neat as we'll be covering it up in a bit. It does need to be relatively straight though. Do this on both pieces.
4. Now pin your ribbon over the zig zag stitching on the right side of the fabric. Effectively you're covering up the stitches and lets face it, making the skirt look pretty! Sew into place top and bottom with a straight stitch (tip: satin ribbon tends to gather and ruffle if you sew it too quickly so try sewing with a longer stitch)
5. When pinning the ribbon on the second piece, you might want to measure it against the first piece so when you sew your side seams, the ribbons match.
6. Unfold your 1.5" seam allowance. Sew your side seams, going all the way to the top on one side but stopping at the fold line on the other as you'll need this gap to thread your elastic through in a bit.
7. You will now have a tube, type shape. Turn it inside out and fold and pin your 1.5" seam allowance. Sew around it to create the casing for your elastic, stopping where you've left your gap. I like to use a zig zag stitch as this stops the edges fraying but you could tuck in the raw edge and do a straight stitch, whichever you prefer.
8. Cut and thread your elastic. I measured mine around my little ones waist and added an extra inch before I cut it. Its the most accurate way to do it!
9. Then thread it through the casing you've created on your skirt. Easiest way to do it?? If you know one, please let me know! I put a safety pin in one end then, making sure I catch the other end near the opening before its lost, carefully feed the safety pin through. As you feed it through your ruffled waistband will start to form.
10. Pin in place so it doesnt slip back through then, making sure you catch all your edges, sew into place, sewing your opening shut at the same time.
And there you have it, one toddler skirt expertly modelled by my adorable little girl....
You cant see how long the skirt is on her (trying to get her to stay still was bad enough) but it is just on her knee, so the perfect length for playing in, twirling in and....
..apparently climbing through your car window!!
They really are easy to make, infact, this probably took me an hour. I've also made one in green from fabric I had in my stash!
See, quick and easy!
