This is a basic pattern for a simple elastic gathered waist for young girls. This can be made by sewing up the seam of 45” wide fabric, turning down a waistband and hemming. The same concept can be used for bigger girls and even moms. The secret is the width of the skirt should be at least 2 times larger than the hips to make for a nice full skirt, but you can make them with slightly less or more. This is definitely an “ish” thing. If making larger sizes you will need 2 lengths of the fabric below, and sew up 2 side seams instead of 1 back seam. Even if you are brand new to sewing, you will be able to tackled this Easy Elastic Gathered Skirt Sewing Pattern.
Easy Elastic Gathered Skirt Sewing Pattern Materials:
- Light weight fabric, preferably cotton, 42” – 45” wide
- Matching machine thread
- 5/8” or 3/4″ elastic cut the size of the child’s waist
Easy Elastic Gathered Skirt Sewing Pattern Directions
Easy Elastic Gathered Skirt Sewing Pattern: Cutting the Fabric
To figure out how much fabric you need for you easy elastic gathered skirt:
1] Determine how long you want the skirt.
2] Add 1 1/2″ for the waistband.
3] Add 1 1/2″ for the hem.
Easy Elastic Gathered Skirt Sewing Pattern: Making the Skirt
1] Sew the back seam together. (Note: If making a traditional seam, put right sides together, sew a seam 5/8” wide. Press the seam open. You may opt to make a Flat Fell Seam. If you would like to try this technique and you are not familiar with it, check out the tutorial.)
2] Turn under the top of the waistband 1/2″. Iron it to the wrong side of the skirt. (This creates a finished edge.)
3] Turn under the top of the waistband 1”. Iron it to the wrong side of the skirt. The raw edges should be concealed.
4] Pin the waistband down. Sew the waistband closed by sewing close to the finished edge. Leave an opening about 2” wide near the back seam. This will be used for threading the elastic through the waistband.
5] Thread the elastic through the opening being careful not to turn the elastic. Overlap on end of elastic over the other about an inch. Sew the two ends together flat by sewing a rectangular shape through the 2 pieces of elastic.
6] Pull the rest of the elastic into the waistband. Stretch the material so the 2” opening lies straight. Stitch the opening closed being careful not the catch the elastic in the waistband.
7] To hem the skirt turn under the edge of the hem 1/2″. Iron it to the wrong side of the skirt. (This creates a finished edge.
8] Turn under the bottom hem 1”. Iron it to the wrong side of the skirt. The raw edge of the hem should be concealed.
9] Pin the hem down. Sew the hem closed by sewing close to the finished edge.
You have now created your very fast, very adorable elastic skirt. Repeat the Easy Elastic Gathered Skirt Sewing Pattern will all your favorite fabrics to make several for a very quick summer wardrobe!
