Patchwork Skirt tutorial

1-2 Wonderland Charm Packs (depending on size, I used 1, that did not include the t-shirt applique)1/2 yd matching fabric for waistband and ties1/2 yd matching fabric for skirt band

1/2″ wide elastic
for optional t-shirt

2 black buttons for owl eyes
heat & bond lite

This will yield a skirt size 6-8, instructions below for changing sizes:

Instructions:

Cut from waistband fabric:

4 waistband pieces (1 waistband front, 1 back, 1 waistband lining front, 1 waistband lining back)

4″x 13″

2 tie pieces

5″ x 23″ (or width of your fabric 22-23″)

From Skirt band fabric cut

2 pieces:

5″ x 32.5″

From your charm pack, layout a pattern of squares that you would like for the skirt front. You will have 2 rows of 7 squares

.

Pin Pieces together

Sew the 1st row of 7 squares together using a 1/4″ stitch- it is very important to keep all your seams the same. My machine has a setting for a 1/4″ stitch. Press seams open on row 1.

Repeat for row 2

Pin and sew row 1 to row 2.

Repeat for Skirt back

You will end up with 2 panels, 2 squares by 7.

Mark, with a fabric marker, the 2 edge squares. This is so you will know where your side seams are (this will be important when attaching the skirt to the waistband) Do NOT sew side seams yet.

With the right sides together, attach the skirt band to the bottom of the skirt. (skirt band will overlap the skirt at this point) Sew with 1/4″ seam.

Press seams towards the skirt band.

Sew side seams together.

Turn under the bottom edge of skirt band 1/2″ and press.

Fold the skirt band in half so that the pressed edge covers the seam of the skirt/skirt band. PIN in place from the RIGHT side of the skirt.

Topstitch skirt band. Sew on skirt band about 1/8″ away from skirt bottom seam

Fold tie pieces in half lengthwise. Sew with 1/4″ seam. At the end sew and angle, so that the tie comes to a point.

Trim. Turn right side out and press. Repeat for tie #2

Take waistband FRONT piece. Pin ties to it, 3/4″ down from the top. Baste in place.

Attach waistband BACK to front, sew at side seams. Press open seams.

Sew waistband lining pieces together at side seams. Press open seams.

Sew waistband to waistband lining at TOP seam. Press open.

Fold waistband at the top seam. Press well. Come down 5/8″ from the top and sew a casing. Leaving a 1″ opening for the elastic.

On skirt, run two rows of gathering stitches, starting and stopping at side seams. (it’s easier to gather a skirt in 2 pieces than one really long gathering stitch)

Pin RIGHT side of the skirt to RIGHT side of skirt band, matching side seams. Sew, being careful not to catch ties in the seams.

Turn the skirt inside out. Measure elastic to size and thread through casing. sew elastic together and close the casing.

Press under the unfinished edge of waistband lining 1/2″. Pinto skirt (covering gathers). Whipstitch closed.

VOILA! You’re finished!!

Sizing:

This is how I figured the sizing:

My daughter’s waist is 20″, normally for gathers you double the waist, but I did not want this skirt as full so I took 20″ x 1.75 = 35″, which is 7 charm squares.

Since she is small I thought 2 rows of squares would look best. If you are making a larger size, add a 3rd row of squares.

If making it smaller, just use less squares across (say 5 or 6 instead of 7)

For the waistband measurement, I took her hip measurement.

For the ties, I wanted to conserve fabric, so I cut 1/2 the width of my fabric. They BARELY fit, I would make them longer if you have enough fabric.