Let's make a maxi skirt!

I have been OBSESSED with flowy maxi skirts lately. My seasonal depression has had me daydreaming of running around in a field of flowers and I think wearing a skirt like this would make it infinitely more whimsy. It took some calculations, try outs and a test version, but I was finally able to make the perfect cottagecore skirt.

It's drapey, comfortable and holds just the right amount of whimsy you need in an outfit. You can combine it with a turtleneck and a corset, for a more witchy look or with a blouse and a waistcoat for something more hobbit inspired. There are so many fun outfit ideas and I can't wait to try them all out!

But first, let me show you how you can make one yourself!

What you'll need:

• A sewing machine (and serger if you have one)
• Fabric or a second hand duvet cover
• Thread that matches your fabric
• A big safety pin (to help feed the elastic through)
• Elastic 4 cm wide (waste measurement - 4cm = length of elastic you'll need)
• Needles to pin

Pieces to cut out:

A. 10cm x (1/2 Hip circumference + 5cm)

B. Hip circumference x (length waist to ground) - 25 cm 

C. (Hip circumference x 2) x 30 cm 

You'll need two pieces of each!

Step 1

Cut out pieces A, B and C

Step 2

Run 2 rows of gathering stitches along the top edges of the C pieces. Pin the frills to the B pieces, right sides together, and gather until they match the width, then stitch closed at 1cm seam allowence, then overlock or zigzag stitch and press the seam allowance upwards. Remove the gathering thread. (for a more in depth gathering tutorial, click here)

Step 3

Stitch both skirt pieces right sides together at 1cm seam allowence, then overlock or use zigzag stitch along the seam.

Step 4

Pin the A pieces right sides together, stitch closed at 1cm seam allowance, iron the seams open.

Step 5

Fold over wrong sides together and stitch closed at 1cm seam allowance. Leaving circa 7 cm to feed the elastic through

Step 6

Stitch both pieces of the elastic together, close the seam and stitch along the middle to secure the elastic (stretch the elastic while stitching).

Step 7

Gather the top of the skirt until it matches the width of the stretched A piece. Pin the band to the skirt piece, right sides together, make sure the sides match up. Stitch at 1cm seam allowance, stretching the elastic band until the fabric lays flat on the gather. Overlock or zigzag stitch along the seam and remove gathering stitch.

Step 8

Fold over the bottom of the skirt twice (2cm each), press and stitch down.