I've seen these types of skirts in Old Navy and Target, and they aren't very expensive. But I thought I would try to make one myself and see how fast a project it turned out to be.
Goodness knows I have enough fabric.
P.S. I went to LA again this past week...and bought some more amazing knits. It was so fun. And I met Dana of MADE {we were wearing the same outfit...ha} and Ashley of Lil Blue Boo. Randomly. It was so much fun.
I made mine a little more fitted than the ones at Old Navy, but if you wanted it looser, all you would have to do would be to angle the sides out a couple inches more on each side. When trying mine on, I liked the midi length, but you could make any length you like. So versatile.
And so comfortable.
I made a pattern for those of you medium sized girls. If you are smaller or larger, just adjust the pattern a bit. It is a super simple pattern. Just know, that this skirt would need to be larger if your knit is a 4way stretch fabric or super thin and clingy.
Want to make one?
Materials: About one yard of fabric
1. Tape pattern together and cut out 2 skirt pieces.
**Make sure you use a stretch stitch for attaching the waistband...or serger.
A narrow zigzag is great.
Try on skirt, figure out where you want the hem, and cut off any necessary.
Hem skirt.
**Update**
To make a custom size, measure your waist. Divide by two. This number will
be the measurement of the top of the skirt. The bottom of my skirt is about 10" wider than the top.
To make it looser/flowier add from there. For your waistband, measure your waist and subtract about 3 inches depending on how stretchy your fabric is. With some thinner knits, they stretch out, and you may want to go smaller.
**Update**
To make a custom size, measure your waist. Divide by two. This number will
be the measurement of the top of the skirt. The bottom of my skirt is about 10" wider than the top.
To make it looser/flowier add from there. For your waistband, measure your waist and subtract about 3 inches depending on how stretchy your fabric is. With some thinner knits, they stretch out, and you may want to go smaller.
JEN!! why didn't i start sewing clothes back in HB!?!?!? I was only quilting back then. I wish oh wish I could be back in HB sewing with you- you have so many great projects. I wanna do this one, but wish i could have you "live" help along the way.
ReplyDeleteHow funny, I was at the fashion district last week too! I pick up some stuff for Katy of no big dill. Can't get enough of that place, already thinking of my next trip.
ReplyDeleteok Jen - this is seriously awesomeness!!! A free pattern for ME - YEAH!!! And I am so jealous of your shopping trip bumping into so many people. I did have my eyes open in NYC, but saw no one I recognized. HA! That will be the day, the day I bump into someone I recognize from a blog :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE this. I am so jealous of your proximity to the LA fabric district. I need to plan a trip! I long for the days when couch surfing was not only acceptable, but it didnt' make my hips and joints hurt :-)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWahoo!!! Making a skirt like this was totally on my 'to do' list today. You just made it SO much easier! THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteDarling skirts....could you pleeeease offer a large pattern....I don't know how much to increase each side to make a large...then I can adjust from there. I know you are sooo busy, but I would really appreciate you doing this.
ReplyDeleteJust added directions to make a custom size at the end of the post!
DeleteI have bought several of these from Old Navy and I love them!!!! Is your medium pattern comparable to the Old Navy size medium? I can't wait to make more of these, thanks for the pattern!
ReplyDeleteHi Jessi,
DeleteI actually haven't bought any of the skirts. Your best bet is to trace your skirt onto some paper to get the perfect fit for you, or I put up directions at the end of the post for a custom fit.
I've made several similar skirts using one of my favorite ON ones as a pattern. I just lay it on top and add 1/2 inch to each side for seams.
ReplyDeleteMy question is. How did you do the chevron patterned one on the right? Just use four panels and line them up? I have some striped knit just waiting to become a skirt.
I did it the hard way. I cut the fabric into a big square, and cut on the diagonals, then sewed them together. Then I cut the skirt out. What I would do next time, is cut the pattern in half lengthwise, then draw a diagonal (45 degree angle) grainline on each piece. Then place the grainline on the stripe. That will be so much easier than what I did!
DeleteI am having a hard time pulling up pattern.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara,
DeleteIf you can't download the pattern, just send me an email and I will email it to you!
Did you use elastic thread??? I attempted, but couldn't fit it over my booty!! Not sure what I did wrong?
ReplyDeleteMy fault! I updated the tutorial but you need to use a stretch stitch to attach the waistband. A narrow zigzag would work... or serger. Practice on a scrap to get a good stretch stitch.
DeleteAny suggestions on where to buy cute knit fabric online? All of the knits I can find in stores near me are either solids (and not good ones) or baby type prints!
ReplyDeleteProbably the two best places I have come across are Denver Fabrics and The Fabric Fairy. Fabric Fairy has some cute ones right now!
DeleteI'd love an online suggestion as well. Fabric.com has a bunch of jersey knit but it's all listed as lightweight and I'm not sure if that'd be too thin for a skirt or not. And the fiber content is different than the Old Navy skirts (not sure if it matters, but that's all I had to go by)
ReplyDeleteAnd now I see the suggestion above. Thanks! Not sure why they didn't show up for me before. =)
DeleteAwesome timing! :) I just bought this really great Chevron knit and this is the perfect pattern for it! Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteSuper Cute!! Wonder how it would look to make out of cotton and add a ruffle to the bottom? (Recently learned to ruffle, so i'm ruffling everything!)
ReplyDeleteYou would have to adjust the pattern if it wasn't knit, otherwise it would be too small. You would also need to do a zipper closure. I think the style would be super cute, though!
DeleteI LOVE this! I'm heading to the Fabric District in week or so, to get some knits for a travel wardrobe. I love the Loft across the street from Micheal Levines, but would love to know what stores you like for knits. I'm especially looking for a type of ribbed legging fabric, as seen in the Land's End catalog.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara! I actually wrote a post about the Fabric District. Here is the link:
Deletehttp://icandyhandmade.blogspot.com/2012/05/la-fabric-district-guide.html
Have a great time!
Thank you for this! Whipped one up this afternoon!
ReplyDeleteI made this darling skirt
ReplyDeleteIn STRETCHY jersey, so it won't hurt.
I'm wearing it now (!) but I still give thanks
To the wonderful guy
Who invented Spanx!!
Made this for my daughter in maxi length and it turned out great! She had no complaints which is saying alot. Pattern was perfect...thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad it worked out for you!
DeleteI recently got the bright idea to do the "maxi skirt" as my first sewing adventure, total failure! So instead of throwing away the fabric I just printed out your pattern, cut it out of the horrible mess I created last night and made the most comfortable perfect skirt!! I love it! Thanks for the great pattern!!
ReplyDeleteNikki-
DeleteI am so glad it worked out for you you and that you didn't give up on sewing! Keep it up ! :)
Hi! Thanks for the pattern and tutorial. I recently made two skirts (one short and the other a maxi) using them. I love them! I'm linking my blog with a few pictures of the short one. This was my first attempt at sewing a piece of clothing with knit fabric, and I'm excited for summer when I can wear them again.
ReplyDeletehttp://danandamyhess.blogspot.com/2013/01/silence-unbroken.html
Hi there I'm really excited about this skirt but I am new at sewing and fabrics could you suggests some fabrics for me to use thanks so much
ReplyDeleteKnit jersey is what I used...
DeleteThanks!
DeleteI love this pattern and I'm excited to make several versions for spring/summer. Can you tell me approx. yardage for each version?!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
If the fabric is nondirectional or a solid, you could probably get it out of one yard... turning the back side upside down. If you make it a fuller skirt, you may need more fabric.
DeleteIf you are doing the chevron version 1 yd. will not be enough. Go for at least 1 1/2. so you can get everything matched up and the right length.
DeleteOmg what a cute and easy pattern! Love the waistband :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this one!!! I work as a Professional Nanny and I live in these skirts from spring through fall. I loved the fit and look, but wasn't always a fan of the fabric choices on the store brands. I stumbled across some amazing spring knits that are fun and less somber than what's on the rack, perfect to "lighten-up" my appearance when I'm working with kids without having to resort to juvenile print scrubs. Thank you again!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tutorial! I'm not a fan of the yoga style waistband, but that's easily adjusted. :-)
ReplyDeleteHow cute! I want to give this a try! Which way on the fabric do you cut it out? (is the skirt stretchier up and down, or side to side?)
ReplyDeleteHello, Love the chevron skirt! Any idea where you got it, the name of who made it or any other details that would help me find it? THanks.
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get the fabric for the chevron skirt? Thanks
ReplyDeleteI'm having trouble conceptualizing the top of the skirt - you say to stitch the raw ends together of the waistband and skirt, but I would like to see how that looks when completed - are you supposed to fold the edges under so it looks finished? Or leave the top edges raw? Thanks, the skirts look super cute and I'd like to make one, but I just need a little more guidance.
ReplyDeleteI had trouble visualizing this also. I went and looked at a pair of yoga pants in my closet and now I get it. Just match up the raw edges at the top and sew. Then flip the waistband up (the raw seam inside the skirt will be located around your lower waist). In the picture the model looks like she's wearing it with the waistband totally flipped up and flat, but sometimes the yoga waistband is worn folded halfway over (in which case that raw seam will still be hidden). Hope that helps!
Deletep.s. Jen-thanks for sharing this awesome pattern! Can't wait to make one.
When you pull the waistband over the skirt top, the fold of the waistband (which is the top of the skirt) is pointing toward the bottom of the skirt piece. When you stich all the raw edged together, you fold the waistband back up and it is finished at the top... does that help?
ReplyDeleteI'm a newbie and I'm going to attempt this today, what type of fabric is best for this project?
ReplyDeleteYou will want to use some sort of knit fabric- with a decent stretch!
DeleteFor the waistband did you cut 1 or2 rectangles? I'm confused about that part.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
One rectangle- only one side seam. If you cut two, you would have two side seams.
DeleteJust made mine.... so cute!! It's the first skirt I ever made. Thanks for the easy instructions. :-) I made it custom to my size (I wear size 10-12) and the waist band was definitely slimming! Can't wait to wear it.
ReplyDeleteSo glad it worked out for you!
DeleteGirl Charlee fabrics has some AWESOME fabrics. Just ordered 2 different ones! Can't wait for them to get here so that I can make this skirt :) :)
ReplyDeleteQuestion, how does this fit those of us with a duck butt? 99% of my problem with skirts I buy is that my tush sticks out too far and lifts the back of the skirt so it looks like the front is longer than the back. I'm not sure how to measure for that. I am a complete newbie at sewing and just got my first sewing machine. Something like this looks like it could be a fun intro to making some of my own clothes. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Jo-
DeleteI would follow the directions for the custom size and cut the skirt looser. So make the bottom maybe 15" or more wider than the top of the pattern. Then cut it longer than you want it. Try it on, and have someone pin the hem for you where you want it... that way the back can be cut a bit longer than the front if needed.
Hi, thanks for this great idea. I whipped one up this evening, but ended up redoing it for the same reason Jo has. My lower body needs more than 10 inches. I solved it by cut the skirt apart, added two more panels exactly like the first two I cut out according to the custom size description. Now have a very swinging skirt. Thanks again. Happy Sewer!
ReplyDeleteOh good- so glad it worked out for you! You really can make a variety of skirts with this concept...
Deletecute skirt and blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks !!!My skirt: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--I2_qoragJc/UZeBLMvK2-I/AAAAAAAAFXk/oLWpGaCBHJE/s400/sp+006.JPG :)
ReplyDeletelink: http://utkani.blogspot.com/2013/05/dzianinowa-spodnica.html
ReplyDelete