Maxi Skirt with High Slit Sewing Tutorial

Summary

In this sewing tutorial, the instructor guides beginners through creating an A-line skirt from scratch, starting with a basic pencil skirt pattern. The tutorial covers measuring and marking key points, drafting the skirt pattern on paper, cutting fabric, and sewing the skirt together. The video also explains how to add slits and a waistband for a clean finish, with tips to ensure accurate measurements and adjustments for different skirt lengths and designs. By the end, viewers will have a completed skirt, ready for final touches like adding a zipper.

Takeaways

• ✂️ This tutorial demonstrates how to make an A-line skirt by first drafting a pencil skirt as the base pattern.
• 📏 The skirt's full length is 42 inches, but the pattern paper used stops at 39 inches, so the additional length will be added while cutting the fabric.
• 📐 Apex measurements (nipple-to-nipple or waist divided by four, then halved) are marked for accuracy in placing the darts.
• 👗 The hip line is marked at nine inches below the waist for this long skirt, which is designed to be a looser fit.
• ✏️ Waist and hip measurements are divided and allowances are added to ensure proper fit after sewing the darts.
• 👚 The A-line shape is achieved by cutting the pencil skirt and then adding flare to the sides while cutting on the fabric.
• 🔀 For the back piece, the front piece is used as a template, with additional flare added for movement.
• 🧵 The tutorial includes steps for creating double or single slits, depending on the design preference.
• 👖 The front piece is wider than the back piece to accommodate slits that are hidden when standing, but visible while walking.
• 🔧 The waistband is created by folding fabric and adding interfacing for structure, followed by top stitching to ensure a clean finish.

Q & A

What type of skirt is being made in this tutorial?

The tutorial is focused on making an A-line skirt, but it starts with creating a pencil skirt pattern as the base.

Why is a pencil skirt pattern used first before making the A-line skirt?

A pencil skirt pattern is used as the base to ensure accurate measurements and structure. From there, the A-line shape is added when cutting the fabric to achieve the desired flare.

How is the Apex measurement calculated?

The Apex measurement is calculated by taking the nipple-to-nipple measurement or the waist measurement divided by four, then dividing the result by two.

What is the purpose of marking the waist-to-hip line in the pattern?

The waist-to-hip line, marked at nine inches for a long skirt, helps to define where the widest part of the skirt will be and guides the shape of the skirt from the waist to the hip.

Why is a sewing allowance added when marking measurements?

A sewing allowance of one inch is added to the measurements to ensure that the fabric can be sewn together without losing the intended fit of the skirt.

How is the flare of the A-line skirt achieved?

The flare is achieved by connecting the hip measurement to the full length of the skirt when cutting the fabric. This flare is added during the fabric cutting phase rather than the patterning phase.

Why is the back piece cut differently from the front piece?

The back piece is cut on a fold without a zipper and is slanted to allow for a flare at the center back. This ensures that the skirt flows well and doesn’t hang straight down.

How is the slit in the front piece of the skirt made?

The slit is cut by slashing the front piece, dividing a six-inch gap by two to create a three-inch opening. The slit is positioned so that it is only visible when walking.

How is the waistband constructed?

The waistband is made by cutting an extra piece of fabric, folding it, and attaching it to the waist of the skirt. An interfacing (com stay) is ironed onto the waistband for structure, and it is sewn onto the skirt with a clean hem.

Where is the zipper placed on the skirt?

The zipper is sewn into the side seam of the skirt, using a one-inch sewing allowance to fit it in place.