How to make a bias cut skirt with wide stretch waistband

How to make a bias cut skirt with wide stretch waistband
This tutorial will show how to make a bias cut a-line style skirt, with a wide stretch waistband, using fabric and a recycled t-shirt. This is how I make all my skirts. They look good, feel really comfortable, and are also really great for pregnancy, breast feeding and general monthly body changes as the stretch waistband is very accommodating and the bias cut molds really well around curves. The a-line shape is flattering to most body types and suitable for all sizes.

To make this skirt you will need:

3 metres of fabric with a width of 150cm (for the average ankle length skirt, less will be required required for a shorter skirt) - I have had my best results from satin, silks, and cotton voiles*;
1 fitted womens t-shirt (must be the cotton/lycra or cotton/spandex stretchy kind);
a sewing machine or overlocker and appropriate that you know how to use the basics on, or a needle and the time and patience to hand sew;
thread;
pins.

Difficulty level - Easy.
This tutorial requires no prior knowledge except familiarity with the basics of your sewing machine/overlocker or preferred sewing technique.

*If using cotton remember to wash the fabric first to avoid shrinkage after the garment is made.
 
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Step 1Bias cut - what and why

Bias cut - what and why
Bias cut means to cut the fabric in a way that when the garment is finished the grain hangs diagonal, rather than straight up and down. Because you are cutting diagonally across the fabric it uses quite a bit more material than if you were to cut straight along the grain, but the effect is that the garment that sits much better on curves, flowing around them rather than hanging straight over them, and also allows a slight bit of stretch or give where needed from otherwise non-stretch fabrics.

In order to really emphasize the bias cut in this demonstration I have chosen to use a fabric with a length ways stripe pattern. As you can see in the finished garment the stripes end up on the diagonal when cut in bias.
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24 comments
Dec 31, 2011. 12:31 AMAneesah says:
Thanks so much for the tutorial! I'm not used to sewing garments, so simple pieces are great. This is how my skirt turned out.
fin.jpg
Jan 24, 2011. 10:20 PMCandiij says:
Thank you for this instructable. I have already made my first skirt from it and it was so easy! I will for sure be making more.
Jun 26, 2011. 9:39 AMkwilkinson4 says:
its the worst
Jul 30, 2011. 4:05 PMshamael002 says:
why did you say " its the worst" how did your's turn out
Dec 6, 2010. 10:34 PMkathchown says:
AWESOME! Exactly what I was searching for! I've got to make some skirts as Christmas Presents and this is the perfect pattern :) Thanks so much!
Jun 1, 2010. 6:54 PMidressyou says:
Ingenious!  Love the waistband idea... waistbands are my pet peeve, normally, and this will totally make it not suck!  Thanks for the wonderful tutorial!  Will be making on one as soon as I can find some good, slinky linen:)  YOU ROCK!!
May 5, 2010. 10:35 AMAnaLou says:
I thought this was great Instructable. I professionally sew and thought you really explained things well for a beginner. I thought your use of graphics on top of pictures was great.
Apr 23, 2010. 12:09 AMBennyEtienne says:
This is a really great tutorial. I've been trying to learn how to cut on the bias for a while. This is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Mar 1, 2009. 1:12 AMveronica hurly says:
I have saved this tutorial- what a simple way to make the skirt!! Thanks so much for the tutorial!!!
Feb 28, 2009. 10:41 PMTalyQ says:
I think this would make a wonderful pregnancy skirt or at least for the early pregnancy and post-partum
Nov 25, 2008. 5:29 AMnzomataa says:
Hey this is great. I have so much interest in making my own stuff. I appreciate these instructions, very clear and easy to follow. Makes tailoring interesting. Good job, instructables!!
Jan 26, 2008. 3:59 PMclamoring says:
Nice pics, clear instructions, good amount of info. Great instructable!
Jan 24, 2008. 3:34 AMdigrat says:
Is there a rule of thumb as to how wide the bottom of the skirt should be in proportion to the top?
Jan 23, 2008. 7:54 AMlinbobobkins says:
Wonderful tutorial, great pictures! Looks easy and quick. I'm going to make one of these this weekend. Thanks
Jan 23, 2008. 9:34 AMcanida says:
That looks great, and easy! It's on my "to do" list. Of course, I'm now coveting your serger. ;)
Jan 23, 2008. 2:35 PMuguy says:
Oh, I envy you women who can sew well. I wish I had learned. Great job! Thanks for sharing.
Jan 23, 2008. 4:06 PMGorillazMiko says:
Great job! What program did you use to put the words in the picture, that's great!
Jan 23, 2008. 5:06 PMberserk says:
On you, does your skirt sit at your waist or below?

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