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Skirts are probably the most used costume piece. Often they are interchangeable and can be used with a variety of bras and belts. There are also numerous ways to wear them. A simple tuck here and there and an old skirt can have a compleatly new look. You can wear several skirts on top of one another of just one. Possibilities are nearly endless. This is one of the most commonly used skirts and may have slits for the leg to peak through.Materials Needed:Approximatly (use formula in step one) Three yards of fabric(45 inch width)1" Wide Grosgrain Ribon or Bias TapeNon Roll ElasticTrim (optional)Beads (optional)Sequins (optional)Tape MeasurerSaftey PinSewing PinsPen, Marker, or Chalk(preferably tailors chalk)Instructions:1. You can use a pre made pattern if you have one or you can follow these istructions. Measure the distance from your ankle to your hip. Add 6 inches to that measurement. Multiply by 6. Divide by 36. You now have the amount of fabric you should need based on a 45 inch width. Remember to use a 1/2 - 1 inch seam allowance... I prefer to use larger allowances as they take longer to frey.2. Cut or fold the fabric lengthwise into thirds.(Fig. 1)3. Stack the three layers on top of each other if you cut them.4. Pin a tape measurer (or a pre-measured string) to the top center of your fabric. Now swing the tape measurer so that you can draw a line at the Measurement you need (Your measurement from your ankle to your hip + 6").5. Next your going to cut out the part for your hips. To figure this out measure your hips. Divide that by 3. Divide by 3 again. Now the measuring tape or string should still be pined so do the same thing and mark the waist using this new measurement.6. Cut out your three 1/2 circle pieces. In Fig. 1 you can see that the gray area will be discarded and the white area is what you will be cutting out.7. You should have 3, 1/2 circle panels. Pin and the sew the side seams together. Depending on your preferences you can do this in a variety of ways. Please refer to Fig. 2 on the right to better understand what's being said. There are three basic ways to make this skirt.1. Full skirt, no slits - Sew all three lines together. 2. One slit - Sew the red line and either the purple or green line. Sew only two of the possible three seams not all three of them.3. Two slits - Sew only the red line. Don't worry about the black lines that go halfway up the skirt, these are only to show that the skirt is folded over so that you can see all of the 1 1/2 circles (3 panels) in the space of 1 circle. You will not be sewing any of these lines.8. Hang the skirt for at least 2 weeks. This allows time for it to stretch and many fabrics will stretch, due to the way the fabric has to be cut. Hang the skirt from the waist using a pant/skirt hanger which will grip it. Do not fold it over the hanger as this will not allow it to stretch properly. You can also hang it from a tailors dummy or a lamp shade (this require you to sew all seams or to pin it together for the purpose of hanging). 9. Cut the edge of the skirt to make it a smooth line as opposed to the jagged look caused by stretching (remember to keep the curve when cutting). It helps if you have someone else do the cutting while you "wear" the skirt. You can also cut this easier if it's been hung on the tailors dummy or lampshade. You may want to allow the back to be a little longer to make it appear even when worn. I know I have a rather large posterior that tends to make my skirts appear a little short in the back if I dont leave it a little long. This is why it's nice to have someone cut it while you wear it so that the can cut it evenly to the floor while already making that adjustment. Don't forget to leave extra for the heming and seam allowance. I prefrer under since I'm never so close where anyone will see this anyways). Depending on fabric, iron lightly to keep in place and/or pin. Then sew the hem. I liek to use a straight stith or zigzag stitch ribbon or bias tape to the waist. Leaving one side open to allow the elastic to be pulled through. (See Fig. 3) one end. Thread the elastic though the side of the waistline that was left open. When elastic is pulled through, sew the ends of the elastic together flat. And Your Done! See the beading and fringe page if you need help with this part.Coming Soon!Coming Soon!Coming Soon!Coming Soon!Coming Soon!Harem Pants are a great alternative or addition to a skirt. If you don't like to show off your legs then these are perfect for you. Or try one of the variations that do show off your legs to change the look of your costume. Another bonus is that they are very simple to make (unless you chose a pattern that has extra added pieces)Coming Soon!Coming Soon!Coming Soon!
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