15 Minute Gathered Skirt Tutorial
There’s something so satisfying about a quick sew, isn’t there? I love making things that are quicker to sew than it would have been to go to the store and buy it, and today’s project is no exception! Today I’m sharing a 15 Minute Gathered Skirt Tutorial, and it’s a perfect project whether you’re a new sewist learning the basics or an experienced sewist looking for a fun easy sew!
I made this skirt with floral cotton spandex knit from Girl Charlee. It’s super soft and comfortable, and Lola loves to wear it. If there’s a skirt in her drawer, it’s pretty much guaranteed that’s what she’ll pick to wear.
That’s what’s so great about these little skirts – you can make up a pile in no time and have a drawer full of choices ;).
Even better, these skirts are a perfect first sewing project for your little girls to help with! Lola and I have a sewing date planned soon and I might have to reach the peddle for her but she’s excited to start learning to sew.
Let’s get started, we’ll be finished before you know it!
Supplies:
fabric – knit or cotton
1″ wide elastic (I love to buy my elastic in bulk to save money and trips to the store!)
basic sewing supplies – thread, scissors, sewing machine (since this skirt was made out of knit I mainly used my serger and cover stitch machines), etc
Cut:
Cut your fabric the desired length (add 1 1/2″ for the elastic casing and 1″ for the hem) and cut the width the waist measurement X2 (+1″ for seam allowance). To make it easy, you can also just use the entire width of the fabric for girls’ sizes 8 and below – this style is very versatile and works well with a little extra or less gathers.
Sew:
Right sides together, fold skirt piece in half along short edges and stitch together.
Press top edge 1/4″ toward wrong side, then another 1 1/4″ toward the wrong side. Stitch close to folded edge, leaving 1″ opening to thread elastic through.
Measure elastic snugly around waist and cut, adding an additional 1″ for stitching ends together. Use safety pin to guide elastic into opening and through entire casing, exiting out opening. Overlap ends 1/2″ on each side and stitch together. Stitch opening closed.
Press bottom edge of skirt 1/2″ toward wrong side, then another 1/2″ toward wrong side (if I’m using knit fabric, I usually only press it 1″ toward the wrong side and then use my coverstitch machine to create the hem). Stitch close to folded edge, creating hem. Oh, and don’t forget to read my favorite tip to prevent twisted elastic!
How easy was that?!
Such a quick, satisfying project that will keep both you and your girls happy!
Grea! t and so easy to follow instructions!
Thank you for all your tutorials and patterns they are wonderful.
Thank you for your free patterns. They are sow important to me!
The patterns are adorable, but not as adorable as your beautiful little model. Her personality just shines through on all the pictures and you couldn’t ask for a prettier and willing model. Thanks for sharing.
Oh Sylvia, you are so sweet, thank you!!
Gina from Australia here. Sitting in lockdown again for our 5th time. Saw your pattern. It’s very simple and your clear instructions has given one that only makes quilts faith that I can try making a skirt for my granddaughter..she will love it. I’m sure I can manage this. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Abby and such a beautiful child. Well done!