The double layered gather skirt is a timeless classic, effortlessly chic and surprisingly simple to sew, even for beginners! Its flowing silhouette adds a touch of elegance to any outfit, perfect for everything from casual daytime wear to a dressier evening look. This versatile garment allows you to experiment with different fabrics and lengths, making it a truly customizable project. Imagine the possibilities: a breezy summer skirt in lightweight cotton, a sophisticated winter piece in wool, or a playful creation using brightly patterned fabric. The key to its charm lies in the beautifully gathered layers, creating a wonderfully textured and visually appealing finish.
This tutorial will guide you through each step of creating your own stunning double layered gather skirt. Forget complicated patterns and time-consuming techniques; we'll break down the process into easy-to-follow instructions, complete with helpful images and tips to ensure a successful outcome. Let's get started with our step-by-step guide to crafting your perfect double layered gather skirt!
Preparation and Safety Guidelines
- African print fabric (two different shades)
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Pins
- Iron
- Zipper
- Always use sharp sewing machine needles and pins to prevent fabric from snagging or tearing, especially with multiple layers.
- Pay close attention to your seam allowance throughout the process to ensure the skirt gathers evenly and fits correctly. Consistent seam allowance is key.
- Before cutting your fabric, pre-wash and dry it to prevent shrinkage after the skirt is completed. This is especially important for woven fabrics.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Fabrics and Cut
- Prepare the fabrics. Cut two pieces of African print fabric. One piece (brown) should be one yard long. The other (white and green) should be two yards long. The width should be the same for both pieces.
- Cut the fabric pieces. The length of the shorter fabric piece (brown, top layer) is determined by your desired skirt length (11 inches in this example, 10 inches after gathering). The length of the longer piece (white and green, bottom layer) should account for gathers and the final skirt length (18 inches in this example, 20 inches after adding the waistband).
Prepare Fabrics and Cut Create Gathers
- Create gathers. Make a simple gather stitch along the top edge of both fabric pieces, leaving space between the stitching for gathering (don't backstitch). Pull one thread to gather the fabric to the desired waist measurement plus 2 inches for ease.
Assemble Skirt Layers
- Assemble the skirt. Pin the gathered shorter piece onto the gathered longer piece, aligning the raw edges. Sew together.
Assemble Skirt Layers Create and Attach Waistband
- Create and attach waistband. Cut a waistband fabric piece, 26 inches long (matching your waist measurement plus 2 inches) and 4 inches wide. Fold the waistband in half lengthwise, iron it to create a band and attach it to the back of the skirt by stitching.
- Finish the waistband. Fold the raw edge of the waistband over to the inside and stitch, creating a neat finish and hiding the stitching. Repeat for the top of the skirt.
Create and Attach Waistband Join Side Seams, Attach Zipper, and Hem
- Join the side seams. Stitch the side seams of the skirt together, leaving a gap of 7 inches at the top for the zipper.
- Attach the zipper and hem. Attach a zipper to the gap left at the top. Finally, hem the bottom edge of the skirt.
Join Side Seams, Attach Zipper, and Hem
Read more: Raglan Sleeve Sewing Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Don't backstitch when creating gather stitches.
- Add extra fabric length to account for gathers.
- Add 2 inches to your waist measurement for ease when gathering.
- Use an iron to give the waistband strength and create a crisp fold.