What To Know
- This blog post will guide you through the process of sewing a pencil skirt with an elastic waistband, ensuring a flattering and easy-to-wear garment.
- Cut a rectangle of fabric that is 2 inches wide and the length of your waist measurement, plus 1 inch for seam allowance.
- Topstitch the waistband to the skirt, close to the edge of the fold.
Are you looking for a stylish and comfortable skirt that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than the classic pencil skirt! And what’s even better is that you can easily sew one yourself, even if you’re a beginner. This blog post will guide you through the process of sewing a pencil skirt with an elastic waistband, ensuring a flattering and easy-to-wear garment.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start sewing, make sure you have all the necessary materials. You’ll need:
- Fabric: Choose a fabric that drapes well and is comfortable to wear. Some good options include cotton, linen, rayon, or a blend of these fabrics. For a more formal look, you can opt for a heavier fabric like wool or silk.
- Elastic: Choose an elastic that is wide enough to provide a comfortable fit around your waist. You’ll need about 1.5 times the circumference of your waist.
- Sewing machine: Make sure your sewing machine is in good working order and has a needle suitable for your chosen fabric.
- Scissors: You’ll need a pair of sharp scissors for cutting your fabric and elastic.
- Measuring tape: Use a measuring tape to accurately measure your waist and hips.
- Pins: Use pins to hold your fabric together while you sew.
- Thread: Choose a thread that matches your fabric.
- Sewing needle: You’ll need a sewing needle for hand-sewing the elastic.
- Iron and ironing board: Use an iron and ironing board to press your seams and create a professional finish.
Take Your Measurements
The first step is to take accurate measurements. You’ll need your waist and hip measurements to determine the skirt’s size and shape.
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, keeping the tape measure snug but not too tight.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor.
Cut the Fabric
Once you have your measurements, you can cut the fabric for your skirt. You’ll need two pieces of fabric: one for the front and back of the skirt, and one for the waistband.
- Skirt Panels: Cut two rectangles of fabric. The length of each rectangle should be the desired length of your skirt, plus 1 inch for seam allowance. The width of each rectangle should be half of your hip measurement, plus 1 inch for seam allowance.
- Waistband: Cut a rectangle of fabric that is 2 inches wide and the length of your waist measurement, plus 1 inch for seam allowance.
Sew the Skirt Panels
Now it’s time to sew the skirt panels together.
1. Pin the panels: Place the two skirt panels right sides together. Pin them along the side seams.
2. Sew the side seams: Sew the side seams with a ½ inch seam allowance.
3. Press the seams: Press the seams open to create a smooth finish.
Attach the Waistband
1. Fold the waistband: Fold the waistband in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press the fold.
2. Pin the waistband: Pin the waistband to the top edge of the skirt, right sides together. Make sure the raw edges are aligned.
3. Sew the waistband: Sew the waistband to the skirt with a ½ inch seam allowance.
4. Press the seam: Press the seam allowance towards the waistband.
5. Fold the waistband down: Fold the waistband down to the wrong side of the skirt, enclosing the raw edges. Press the fold.
6. Topstitch the waistband: Topstitch the waistband to the skirt, close to the edge of the fold. This will secure the waistband and create a finished look.
Insert the Elastic
1. Measure the elastic: Cut a piece of elastic that is the length of your waist measurement, minus 1 inch.
2. Sew the elastic ends: Overlap the ends of the elastic by ½ inch and sew them together with a zig-zag stitch.
3. Pin the elastic: Pin the elastic to the wrong side of the waistband, along the raw edge. Make sure the elastic is evenly distributed and not twisted.
4. Sew the elastic: Sew the elastic to the waistband with a zig-zag stitch.
5. Fold the waistband: Fold the waistband over the elastic, enclosing it completely.
6. Topstitch the waistband: Topstitch the waistband to the skirt, close to the edge of the fold. This will secure the elastic and create a finished look.
Finishing Touches
1. Hem the skirt: Fold the bottom edge of the skirt up by ½ inch and press. Fold it up again by another ½ inch and press. Sew the hem in place with a straight stitch.
2. Press the skirt: Press the entire skirt to remove any wrinkles and create a smooth finish.
Your New Pencil Skirt is Ready!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully sewn a stylish and comfortable pencil skirt with an elastic waistband. You can now wear your new skirt with pride and confidence, knowing that you created it yourself.
Top Questions Asked
1. What kind of elastic should I use?
Choose a wide elastic that provides a comfortable fit and is suitable for the weight of your fabric. You can use a knit elastic, which is more stretchy, or a woven elastic, which is more durable.
2. How can I ensure the skirt fits well?
Take accurate measurements and use a good-fitting pattern. If you are unsure about your measurements, it’s always best to consult a sewing professional.
3. Can I use a different waistband style?
Yes, you can use a different waistband style, such as a zippered waistband or a button-and-loop closure. However, an elastic waistband is the easiest and most comfortable option for this type of skirt.
4. Can I use a different fabric?
Yes, you can use a different fabric, but make sure it drapes well and is appropriate for the style of the skirt. For example, a heavy fabric like wool or silk might be too formal for a casual pencil skirt.
5. How can I add embellishments to the skirt?
You can add embellishments to the skirt, such as buttons, lace, or embroidery. Just make sure the embellishments complement the overall style of the skirt.
Enjoy wearing your new pencil skirt!
