How to Make an A-line Skirt
Learn how to make an A-line skirt with this easy and fun sewing project. An A-line skirt is a versatile and flattering skirt that fits close around the waist and flares out to the hem in an A-shape. You can make an A-line skirt in any length and fabric you want, and customize it with different closures, waistbands, and embellishments. In this tutorial, you will learn how to make a simple A-line skirt with a zipper and a waistband.
What You Need
To make an A-line skirt, you will need the following materials and tools:
Fabric of your choice. You can use any woven fabric, such as cotton, denim, canvas, etc. Quilting cotton is easy to sew and gives your skirt a nice amount of stiffness. You can also use velvet, satin, or other fabrics for a different look and feel.
Zipper that is 1 inch shorter than the width of your fabric rectangle. You can use metal or plastic zippers, but plastic ones are easier to sew for beginners. You can also shorten a longer zipper if needed.
Matching thread
Sewing machine or needle
Zipper foot and regular presser foot for your sewing machine
Pins or sewing clips
Scissors or rotary cutter and cutting mat
Iron and ironing board
Ruler or measuring tape
Optional: fusible interfacing to add more structure to your fabric
How to Make an A-line Skirt
Follow these steps to make an A-line skirt:
Cut out the pattern for the skirt body.
You will need two pieces – a front and back piece.
Decide on the length and flare you want and cut out two fabric pieces accordingly. You can use a simple A-line pattern²³⁴⁵ or use an existing A-line skirt as a template¹. Fold your fabric pieces for the skirt- front and back by the middle for marking the pattern.
Join the skirt pieces (front and back) together.
Keep the front and back pieces of the skirt right sides together and stitch the side seams.
Leave a 7 inch gap on the top edge of one side seam to insert the zipper. Turn it right side out.
Cut out the waistband piece.
Measure the top edge of your skirt and cut out a waistband piece in this measure. The width of the piece should be 3 3/4 inch- the final waistband width will be 1 1/2 inch. You can interface the waistband at this point for more stiffness.
Attach the waistband piece to the skirt.
Keep the waistband piece on top of the top of the skirt, right side down on the right side up skirt. The top edge is joined together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Attach the zipper.
Cut the zipper to measure 11 inches long. Make straight stitches across the zipper teeth at the bottom edge to prevent the zipper opening up completely. Keep the zipper open. Align the zipper face down on one open edge. The zipper should be kept 1/2 inch up from the waistband seam.As you keep the zipper remember to fold the short edge to the outside as in the picture .Baste stitch in place . Repeat with the other side of the zipper.
Topstitch along both sides of the zipper close to the teeth using a zipper foot on your sewing machine.
Finish up the waistband.
Fold over 1/4 inch from one long edge of your waistband piece towards its wrong side; press with iron.
Fold over another 1/4 inch from this folded edge towards its wrong side; press again.
Next fold over 1/4 inch from one short edge of your waistband piece towards its wrong side; press with iron.
Now fold over another 1/4 inch from this folded edge towards its wrong side; press again.
Repeat with other short edge.Fold over your waistband piece along its middle so that both long edges meet; press with iron. The folded edges should be on the inside of the fold.
Stitch along the short edges of the waistband piece, close to the folded edges.
Turn the waistband right side out and press. Align the waistband with the top edge of the skirt, right sides together, and pin or clip in place.
Stitch along the seam allowance, leaving a 2 inch gap at one end for turning.
Turn the waistband right side out and press. Tuck in the raw edges of the gap and hand sew or machine sew it closed.
Topstitch along the bottom edge of the waistband, close to the seam.
Hem the skirt.
Fold over 1/4 inch from the bottom edge of your skirt towards its wrong side; press with iron.Fold over another 1/4 inch from this folded edge towards its wrong side; press again.Stitch along the folded edge, close to the inner fold. Press the hem.
Congratulations! You have made an A-line skirt!
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make your A-line skirt even more fun and unique:
– You can add pockets, pleats, buttons, or other details to your A-line skirt for more style and functionality.
– Use different closures, such as buttons, snaps, hooks, or Velcro instead of a zipper.
– Make an elastic waistband instead of a regular waistband for more comfort and ease.
– Make an A-line skirt in different lengths, such as mini, midi, or maxi.
– You can make an A-line skirt in different fabrics, such as denim, corduroy, leather, or lace.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on how to make an A-line skirt. An A-line skirt is a versatile and flattering skirt that fits close around the waist and flares out to the hem in an A-shape. You can make an A-line skirt in any length and fabric you want, and customize it with different closures, waistbands, and embellishments. An A-line skirt is a great project for beginners who want to learn how to sew clothes. Happy sewing!
FAQs
Q: What is an A-line skirt?
A: An A-line skirt is a skirt that fits close around the waist and flares out to the hem in an A-shape. It is a versatile and flattering skirt that suits different body types and occasions.
Q: How much fabric do I need to make an A-line skirt?
A: The amount of fabric you need depends on the length and flare of your A-line skirt. You can use a simple A-line pattern or use an existing A-line skirt as a template to measure the fabric. In general, you will need about 2 yards of fabric for a knee-length A-line skirt.
Q: How do I sew a zipper on an A-line skirt?
A: To sew a zipper on an A-line skirt, you will need a zipper foot and a regular presser foot for your sewing machine. You will also need to leave a gap on the top edge of one side seam of your skirt to insert the zipper. You will need to attach the zipper face down on one open edge of the skirt, baste stitch it in place, and repeat with the other side of the zipper. Then, you will need to topstitch along both sides of the zipper close to the teeth using a zipper foot.
Q: How do I make an elastic waistband for an A-line skirt?
A: To make an elastic waistband for an A-line skirt, you will need to cut a strip of elastic that is 1 inch longer than your waist measurement. Cut a waistband piece that is the same length as your elastic and twice as wide as your elastic plus 1/4 inch seam allowance. Sew the short ends of the elastic together, forming a loop. Then, you will need to sew the short ends of the waistband piece together, forming a tube. Turn the tube right side out and press it flat. Then, you will need to insert the elastic loop into the tube and align the seams. Stitch along the seam allowance, leaving a 2 inch gap for turning. Turn the waistband right side out and press it flat. Tuck in the raw edges of the gap and hand sew or machine sew it closed. Then, you will need to align the waistband with the top edge of the skirt, right sides together, and stitch along the seam allowance.
Q: How do I hem an A-line skirt?
A: To hem an A-line skirt, you will need to fold over 1/4 inch from the bottom edge of your skirt towards its wrong side and press it with an iron. Then, you will need to fold over another 1/4 inch from this folded edge towards its wrong side and press it again. You will need to stitch along the folded edge, close to the inner fold. You will need to press the hem with an iron.
