Happy Monday, Crafters! Hope you had a nice weekend. Every spring I get the itch to sew a skirt. And this year is no exception. Over the weekend, I sewed this fabulous color blocked skirt….and it totally rocks!
{and of course, I’ll show you how you can DIY your own color block skirt in just a second}
Color Blocking Trend
This skirt was super easy to sew. It really didn’t take long at all. And I designed it so that it is lined, so that it lays nicely and isn’t see through at all. Plus, sewing it with a lining cuts out a step.
Navy and fushia look fantastic together, don’t they?
How to Sew a Simple Color Blocking Skirt
supplies: cotton fabric in 2 colors, 3/4″ elastic, scissors/rotary cutter, sewing machine, thread, iron
Calculations for the Top Part of the skirt: Measure the widest part of your hips, I will designate this measurement as W. Take W and add 4 and then divide by 2 equals the Width of my fabric. Example: my hips are 36″ so this was my calculation: 36″ + 4″= 40″. Then 40/2= 20. So my W=20″
Determine the length you want your skirt {this will be called L or length} and subtract 5. Then times it by 2 and add 2.5. Example: I wanted my skirt to be 20″ in long. 20″-5″=15″. Then 15″ x 2=30″ plus 2.5″=30.5″. So my L is 32.5″.
1. Cut 2 pieces to be the measurements you determined for W and L. {so I cut 2 navy blue pieces to be 20″ wide by 32.5″ long.} Then fold your pieces in half length wise and iron. {at this point, mine is 20″ wide by 16.25″ long.} The fold is going to be your waist.
Calculations for the color block section at the bottom of the skirt: Take your Width and add 11″. So mine was 11″x20″.
2. Cut 2 pieces to be the measurements you determined for your color block section.
3. Fold Color block section in half width wise and iron. {mine measured 5.5″x20″ at this point}
4. With right sides together, sew one Color Block section to the bottom of one Top Part {non-folded side} with a 1/2″ seam. Iron seam open. Repeat with second Top Part and Color Block pieces.
5. With right sides together, sew the side seams of the skirt together. {there are 4 layers of fabric, so be sure to pin to hold them all in place.} Try to line up the Color Block seams so that the bottom is straight across. {don’t worry, one side of my skirt, the color block is about 1/4″ off, so don’t sweat it if its slightly off} Iron open the side seams.
6. At the top of the skirt {waist} where the fold is, fold over 1″ and iron. This will be the casing for the elastic waist.
7. Sew a top stitch across the edge of the elastic casing and leave a 3″ opening to insert the elastic.
8. Cut a piece of elastic to fit comfortably around your waist where you want your skirt to sit. Put a safety pin in one side of the elastic and thread it through the elastic casing.
9. Over lap the 2 ends of the elastic about 1.5″ and stitch across a several times to secure in place. Pull the elastic back into the casing and top stitch closed the 3″ opening. Press your skirt to get any wrinkles out and you’re done!
I put a thick black elastic belt over the waist band of the skirt for a fun look. It also helps bring in the waist and add an additional element that I didn’t have to sew :)
This skirt is a really easy skirt to sew. And the color blocking trend is so in right now! This pattern is great for all skill levels and comes together quickly, as you can see. And its lined so it will look professional when you’re done!
happy crafting! linda
More Sewing Tutorials:
What do you think of color blocking? Are you a fan?
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Suuuuper cute!! I think I may need to make a few. Love the color choice!! XO
Thank you, Kristyn! I’m so glad you stopped by, friend!
happy crafting,
Linda
what a fab skirt! One day I might pluck up the courage to sew myself some clothes!
So cute! Might need to make one….or more :)
Thanks, Lisa! I’d love to see yours! Thanks for stopping by today and saying hi!
happy crafting,
Linda
That is so cute! Thanks for the tutorial!
Thank you, Ashley! I’m so glad you stopped by today!
happy crafting,
Linda
I think the color its so lovely , i lke the skirt & i like the T shirt color to you look so wonderful .
wouldn’t it be easier if you sew all the colors blocks first and cut the skirt out of it?