Absolute Beginner’s Wrap Skirt–Part I

This tutorial is going to be a little different.
 
First, I’ve broken it up into three tutorials because it is so long.

Second, I didn’t make the pattern.  It’s in this book. Which I love love because the patterns are great for beginner’s and they are simple and precise.

The book’s instructions are really good, too.  The only thing missing are the photos.  So, I’m adding them for you.  Yea!

Third, this whole tutorial has a lot of information and a ton of pictures that might overwhelm newbies.

Fourth, this tutorial is a learning companion for the classes I will be teaching at Sew Much More here in Austin.

I’ve already made tutorials for two of the classes: How to Make an Envelope Pillow, How to Make a Tote Bag.
 
And now, How to Make a Wrap Skirt.

LET’S GET STARTED!

Pre-Cutting Step: Determine Your Size

Since this is a wrap skirt, use your waist measurement to determine your correct size. Look for the pattern sizing chart in the book. Choose your size from the Waist measurement circled in red.

Here’s a sample from the back of a Simplicity pattern.  Just to give you an idea.

Step 1: Trim Pattern Pieces

Take pattern pieces out of the sleeve and rough-cut around each of the pattern pieces in your size.

Press out wrinkles with a dry iron.

You never want to used wrinkled pattern pieces.

Step 2: Lay Out and Cut Skirt Front 

Find the fabric grain.

Cut out in your size on the cutting line.

Step 3: Layout and Cut Skirt Back and Waistband Pieces

Because my fabric is only 45” wide, I will have to cut out the two Skirt Back pieces separately; one with the pattern tissue facing right side up and one with the pattern tissue facing right side down.

Open the fabric so that it has a single layer thickness. Fold one edge of the selvage over until you can fit the Back Waistband on a double layer of fabric.

Layout Skirt Back pattern piece right side up on the single thickness fabric. 

Layout Front Waistband on single thickness fabric.

Layout Back Waistband on double thickness fabric {in order to cut 2}. Pin in place.

Be sure to check that the pattern pieces are on the grain. Do this by measuring from the top of the grain arrow {printed on the pattern} to the selvage edge. Repeat this at the other end of the arrow.

Note: This step is essential. Skipping it may cause your skirt to hang funny or the waistband to feel twisted.
 

Cut out these pieces in your size on the cutting line.

Note: You will be cutting out the second Skirt Back piece separately.

You still need to cut out your second Skirt Back. First, un-pin the Skirt Back pattern tissue from the fabric. Set the Skirt Back you just cut out aside.

Pin the Skirt Back pattern tissue with the RIGHT SIDE OF THE PATTERN TISSUE facing the right side of the fabric.  {This means that the wrong side of the pattern tissue will be facing up}.

Be sure to check that the pattern piece is on the grain. Do this by measuring from the top of the grain arrow {printed on the pattern} to the selvage edge. Repeat at the other end of the arrow.

Cut out second Skirt Back piece.

All of your pattern pieces are cut out; now it is time to transfer the pattern markings, such as the darts and waistband pull-through dots.

Here’s a great video from Birch Fabrics on how to transfer pattern markings.  

Next, we’ll tackle sewing darts.