How to make a Circle Skirt - for any age + any size

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make a fun and stylish circle skirt suitable for any age and size. Circle skirts are known for their twirl factor and versatility, making them perfect for everyday wear, holidays, or even costumes. We will cover the necessary measurements, calculations, and sewing techniques to create your own circle skirt.

Step 1: Gather Materials

Before you start, make sure you have the following materials ready:

• Fabric of your choice (e.g., cotton, chambray)
• Colored elastic for the waistband
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Pins or clips
• Iron for pressing seams

Step 2: Take Measurements

To create your circle skirt, you'll need to measure your waist and/or hips:

• Waist measurement: Measure around the smallest part of your waist.
• Hip measurement: Measure around the widest part of your hips.

Step 3: Calculate the Radius

Use the following formulas to determine the radius for your waist circle:

• For a snug fit:
  • Radius = (Waist measurement + 2 inches) ÷ 6.28
• For a looser fit with more gathers:
  • Radius = Hip measurement ÷ 6.28

Practical Tip: If there's a significant difference between your waist and hip measurements, opt for the hip measurement to avoid fitting issues.

Step 4: Create Your Pattern

1. Using the radius calculated in the previous step, draw a circle on your fabric.
2. Mark the center point and use a compass or string to draw the circle, ensuring a consistent radius.
3. Cut out the circle, making sure to leave an extra allowance for seams if necessary.

Step 5: Cut the Waist Opening

1. From the center of the circle, measure down to the radius length to mark your waist opening.
2. Cut out the inner circle carefully to create the waistband opening.

Step 6: Prepare the Waistband

1. Cut a strip of fabric that will serve as the waistband. The length should be equal to your waist measurement plus a few inches for overlap, and the width should be about 4 inches.
2. Fold the waistband strip in half lengthwise and press it with an iron.

Step 7: Attach the Elastic

1. Cut a piece of elastic to fit snugly around your waist.
2. Pin the elastic inside the waistband fabric, aligning it with the raw edges.
3. Sew the elastic to the fabric, stretching it slightly as you sew to ensure a snug fit.

Step 8: Assemble the Skirt

1. Pin the waistband to the top edge of the skirt, right sides together.
2. Sew the waistband to the skirt, ensuring to gather the fabric slightly if you used the waist measurement.
3. Press the seam and fold the waistband over to conceal the raw edges.

Step 9: Hem the Skirt

1. Measure and fold the hem of the skirt to your desired length.
2. Pin the hem in place and sew it down for a clean finish.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've created a stylish circle skirt that is perfect for any occasion. Remember to experiment with different fabrics and colors to personalize your skirt. For further assistance, consider watching videos on hemming techniques or creating themed skirts, such as a poodle skirt. Happy sewing!