Free Skirt Tutorial (No Pattern, Just Measurements) : Paperbag Skirt!

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The great thing about paper bag skirts is that it's easy to draft and it comes together quickly, you can go from cut to finish in 30 minutes and it's a great "beginner" project.

The signature look of the paper bag skirt is the "ruffles" that sits on top of the elastic at the waist.

Let's get started!

Material

• Double Gauze Fabric
  
• 1" Non Roll Elastic
• Thread

Measurements and Cutting:

You will draft your skirt pattern based on your own measurements, which means you can make it for anyone as long as you have their measurements.

• Calculating Width: Measure around your waist and multiply it by 1.8 (multiple by 2 if you prefer a pronounced look to the ruffles), this will become your cutting width
• Calculating Length: Measure from your waist to desired length and add 6", this will become your cutting length

Divide your cutting width measurement by 2 and cut 2 pieces so you have a front and back piece. Cutting length remains the same.

Cut a piece of 1" non-roll elastic that is 1-2" shorter than your waist measurement.

Sewing Steps:

Side Seams and Seams

• Place fabrics right sides together and sew your side seams using a 1/4" seam allowance
• Overlock your waist and hem seams using a 1/4" seam allowance to prevent fraying

Elastic Casing

• Measuring 5" from the top of the waist, use a fabric marker and mark a line all the way around the circumference. Fold the top edge of the fabric down to the 5" line (wrong sides together) and press with an iron
• Measure 1" from the folded edge (top of the waist) and mark the entire circumference with a fabric marker to form our first row of stitches for our elastic channel. Follow the line and stitch using a straight stitch
• To complete our elastic casing measure 1.25" down from the first row of stitches and mark entire circumference with a fabric marker. This should leave with you a 1/4" seam allowance from where the edge meets. Follow the line and stitch using a straight stitch leaving a small opening approximately 2" in length so you can thread your elastic
• Press your casing with an iron so that the casing sits flat

Threading Your Elastic and Closing Your Casing

• Use a bodkin or glide to thread your elastic through the casing/channel that you have created
• Secure your elastic by sewing and joining the ends with a zig zag stitch
• Close the 2" opening of your casing once elastic has been secured

Hemming Your Skirt

• Hem your shirt using 1" hem allowance, stitch using a straight or decorative stitch.

That's it! Time to try on your new skirt.

If you use this tutorial to sew your own paper bag skirt I'll love to see! Hashtag #wickedpaperbagskirt so I can find you and leave a comment.

Where To Buy?

Browse 100% Cotton Double Gauze here.

Sewist and Photograph by: Mia Cadusch