Pleated Wrap Skirt Tutorial

I see a huge amount of traffic coming to this post from tumbler and I couldn't resist letting people know that in the next post I have a giveaway of my new fabric collection and new book going on right now. I'd love you to enter!! Just leave a comment in the next post for a chance to win. Thanks for stopping by!!

OK, here's the original skirt tutorial post:

Here's the tutorial I mentioned in the last post. This is another great and simple way to make a classic pleated skirt, this time a wrap. It's really just like making a very wide pleated apron. These are great for kids because the wrap detail means it will fit for a while. This tutorial shows how to make it to any size. Here goes:

Supplies

tape measure or long string and ruler
pencil
iron
pins
use 1/4 inch seam allowances
fabric amounts depend on measurements of the wearer

1. Figure the skirt width. Measure the wearers waist using a tape measure or long string and a ruler. Multiply that number by 2.66, round to the nearest half inch, and then add 8 (for a 6 inch overlap and 2 inch seam allowance). Add 8" to the waist measurement and then multiply by 2.66.

example: waist = 28"           28 x 2.66 = 74.48               74.5 + 8 = 82.5

28 + 8 = 36           36 x 2.66 = 95.76

2. Figure the length of the waistband/ties by adding 21 inches to the final skirt width by 2.5" wide. If you need to, It's fine to piece two fabrics together along the short side to achieve the correct length though I wouldn't piece more then two fabrics because you'll get too many noticeable seams.

3. Figure the skirt length. Measure from waist to where you want the skirt to fall. Add 1.25" for hem and seam allowance.

4. Cut your fabric according to these measurements.

5. Make the pleats. First hem the short edges of the skirt. Fold the raw edges to the wrong side by 1/2", press, repeat and topstitch. Along the top raw edge of your fabric use a pencil to make marks 1.5" apart. Use an iron to press pleats in alternating directions at every 1.5" mark and pin in place.

6. Attach the skirt band/tie.  With right sides facing place the band/tie, off center so that it will be about 8" longer on one side then the other, on top of the top (pleated) edge of the skirt aligning raw edges. Pin and sew the band/tie to the skirt. Press the raw edge of the band/tie to the wrong side by 1/4" down the entire length. Press the raw edges of the short sides of the ties to the wrong side by 1/2". Fold the band over so that the 1/4" pressed fold covers the raw edges of the seam on the wrong side of the skirt and pin. You are essentially using the band as you would seam binding. Starting in the middle of the skirt, topstitch very close to the folded edge of the the band on the wrong side of the skirt to the end of one tie. Repeat. Press the raw edge of the bottom of the skirt to the wrong side by 1/2". Repeat. Pin and sew to hem. Press the entire skirt to emphasize pleats and get a crisp edge on the top edge of the band.

Comments

[Kristina Abernathy]

Gorgeous!!!

[Judith]

Thank you. It looks like a very useful and versatile tutorial.

[rochambeau]

Oh!! Love!! Going to make a brown silk dupioni one!! THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love it in white too!!
xox
Constance

[Kristie Long]

Tanya,
This skirt tutorial is great! Thanks for posting!

[Rachel]

This is great! Thanks for sharing :)

x Rachel

[Pink mohair]

Thank you so much for this. I didn't realize you had this blog and I'm a big fan of your fabrics.

[Pam @ Sallygoodin]

This is the neatest pattern! I have two nieces that would adore these wrap skirts. Thank you for this pattern; yeah! :)

[Emily]

Love this! Can't wait to make one.

[Chantelle - ThousandSquareFeet]

The fabric is gorgeous and the book looks exciting!

[Sheri D. Maple]

I came across your blog while reading another one about your tutorial on the pleated skirt. I'm going to use this pattern to sew my niece. Thank you.

[Vicky]

This skirt looks so pretty. I'm curious, however, how the pleats hold up after washing? Would they have to be re-pressed down the length of the skirt after each wash?

[Esme]

could this be worn by a teenager if someone were to make a larger size.

[gina]

Tanya, I posted on my blog and facebook!

http://lifeofafabricsnob.com/

http:/www.facebook.com/fabricsilovebygina

I would like the Market Bag.

BTW, can't wait to get the book, and love, love, love your new fabric line!!! Gotta get my hands on that!

Hugs,
Gina

[Heather]

My daughters love this skirt and asked if I could make one for them. What kind of fabric was used?

[rochambeau]

Hi Tanya,
I'm going to make this skirt tomorrow. Can't wait. Will send pix!

xox
Constance

[Brodi Palmr]

I love it, my daughter loves to wear skirts! I can't wait to buy her some fun fabric and make her a bunch.

[Nicole Smith]

great pattern....I've been afraid of pleats but this makes it look easy!! Thanks!!

[Jenny Klassen]

I love the look of your skirt, but am having trouble getting it right. I measured my girls waist, multiplied and added and then pleated it accordion style and it is barely touching when I tried to fit it around her. (there is absolutely no overlap) I don't understand what went wrong. I really hope to make this for her for a christmas outfit, but don't know if I am making the pleats wrong or something. If you could help me I would really appreciate it!

[sandy]

Love it! trying it soon! I would like to know how much the overlap is (though the first picture is dreamy and beautiful) I can't tell the width of overlap or do they just touch edges?
Would you mind e-mailing me?

Thanx!

[Danelle fisher]

Yout style is inspiring. I love all your colors

[Narelle]

I'm trying to figure out the overlap part too. If the ties extend from each side/end seam as for an apron, then there won't be any overlap when the ties are tied, even if you've allowed for those extra 6 inches. I'm thinking you'd need to top stitch a tie (separate from the waistband) 6 inches down the band from the end seam.

Vicky, if you don't want to re-press the pleats after laundering, you can have your pleats permanently pressed (at a dry cleaners?), edge stitch them, or use a non-crush fabric.
____________________________________
Boutique Narelle: an online resource helping women be modest and gorgeous

[Tammy]

Oh how cute this is! Thank you!

[lori hammond]

the skirt is soooo precious and ladylike. kudos n a great pattern and tyvm for sharing it.

[Taylor]

such a fabulous idea! can't wait to start

[Sarah]

I'm afraid I don't understand the tie part either - wouldn't there be a big slit running up the length when it's tied since there's no overlap? Do you weave it through a slit in the side or add a tie somewhere? I would love to make one for my daughter (and myself!) but can't seem to get it...am I that dense??