DOWNLOAD LINK AT THE END OF THE POST
This week’s pattern is yet another simple one for even the total novice! It is called the Kathryn elastic waist tiered skirt – named after the reader who sent me a request to make one both simple and elegant enough for wearing in the house and outside.
This skirt pattern features an elastic waistband – for comfortability, with flared two tier skirts – for beautiful movements. It falls just below the knee for modesty, but if you want to look sexy – just cut off part of the lower tier!
Let’s check out how it looks on my 3D model:
The Kathryn elastic waist tiered skirt is made in 10 sizes from XXS to 5XL, so you will find yourself a suitable size.
The pattern is made using layered PDF, please check for your desired size before printing so you won’t waste your paper. I have included a first page with many details about sizing and printing, so please first read the first page and make sure you know what size you need! If you still do not know how to print a layered PDF, please check for the instruction here.
You can print this using your home printer and A4/Letter paper. I calculated the printing area so that you will be able to use either type of paper to print the pattern out perfectly. Always print the first page first and check with the test square if you are printing at the right scale before you print out the whole pattern – avoid waste of ink and waste of paper, save the earth!
Some PC may print smaller than actual size even when you choose 100% scale – I don’t know why this problem exist, but my HP laptop cannot print true to size. I have to scale up to 103% to get the right size. You may need to check with your PC to see if it prints true to size, if not, scale up a bit.
HOW TO SEW THE KATHRYN ELASTIC WAIST TIERED SKIRT
This skirt is extremely easy and quick to sew – especially when it does not have an invisible zipper at the back!
You will need
- Fabric of your choice
- Some elastic for the waist
- Scissors, pencil or fabric marker, ruler, pins
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
What fabric can be used for this project? Although it depends on your choice, I recommend using woven fabric. If you want to use stretch fabric, go down one size for better fit. Opt for soft flowy fabric for a romantic look, solid color or fun prints, each will create a unique style (did you see the prints and colors I used in the 3D simulation?)
How much fabric do you need for this piece of garment? You may need to check how much fabric you need before buying. It will depend on the selected pattern size, the width, and design of the fabric you plan to use. Just to be sure, print all the paper patterns and lay them out at the width of fabric you plan to use (usually from 90 to 150 centimeters or 35 to 60 inches). Measure how much fabric you will need. Don’t forget to account for pieces that need to be cut multiple times and pieces that are cut on the fold.
Cutting instruction:
After printing out and taping all the pattern pages together, you will get something similar to this image:
You will see that there are 2 sets of lines on each pattern size. The inner lines are sewing line (and you sew along these lines), and the outer lines are cutting lines (you cut the fabric along these lines, remember the folding lines where you have to fold the fabric before cutting). The distance between sewing line and cutting line is seam allowance, and it varies from point to point. For example, the side seam allowance is about 1/2 inch (1.2cm), and seam allowance at hemline is 1 inch (2.5cm). This is the reason why I do not remove the sewing lines from the pattern. Please use it as a guide to know how much seam allowance you need to give at each seam.
Fabric will be cut into following pieces:
- Waistband: 1 piece (cut on the fold)
- Top skirt: 2 piece (cut on the fold)
- Lower skirt (flounce): 2 piece (cut on the fold)
Make sure to mark all notches and other design features such as pleats etc. from the pattern piece onto your fabric. When sewing the garment, pay attention to notches, they must match up.
Sewing instruction:
1. Serge the fabric to prevent fraying. If you use non fraying fabric (like fleece or knitted fabric), you can skip this step.
2. Sew two parallel lines at the top edge of the lower skirt piece (about 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch from the top edge) using longest stitch length. Gently pull the lower threads to gather the fabric so it matches the bottom edge of the upper skirt piece, remember to distribute the gathering evenly for a nice skirt.
3. Place the upper edge of the gathered lower skirt piece and the bottom edge of the upper skirt piece right side facing. Pin and sew to join. Repeat with the other pair of lower and upper skirt pieces.
4. Place the two pieces of back and front skirt right side facing, match the joined seam. Pin and sew the side seam of the skirt. You can also add side seam pocket for the skirt (tutorial here: Adding side seam pocket to a garment)
5. Sew the two short ends of the waistband pieces together. Press the seam open. Fold the waistband piece in half.
6. Pin the waistband to the main skirt (right side of skirt and waistband facing each other). Sew to join the waistband. Leave a 2 inch (5cm) opening to insert elastic.
7. Insert elastic. Sew the elastic close. Close the opening at the waistband.
8. Hem the skirt.
And here is the download link:
KATHRYN ELASTIC WAIST TIERED SKIRT (SIZE XXS-5XL)
Happy sewing! And don’t forget to share your project on my Facebook page: Tiana’s Closet Sewing Patterns
Tiana
