How to Make a Miniskirt

Sometimes the finer things in life require a big purchase of that fashionable item you’ve been dying to have. But I am here to tell you that the finest things don’t necessarily have to break the bank. Try making something for yourself! And what better way to start than with a very simple Miniskirt.

When I had the craving to make my skirt I had to go out and buy a new sewing machine because my old one was out for the count, but I’m hoping not all of you will have to do that. If you do, there are many more affordable options. I bought my Singer Simple for under $100 at Wal-Mart, but they go even cheaper than that. You’ll also need some large sheets of paper (for cutting patterns), measuring tape, good fabric scissors, and a 7” zipper, as well as about two yards of the fabric of your choice. Try to match the color of the zipper to the color of the fabric for a more finished look.

Start by measuring yourself, waist, hips, and mid-thighs, and the length you want the skirt to be. These measurements will then translate to the pattern you create. To measure, for instance waist, hold the end of the measuring tape at your belly button and wrap around your waist. Do the same for the other two body segments. Now, on the paper, measure out and mark to the length you wanted the skirt to be, then measure out and mark half of the width of each segment. We do half the width segments because we are cutting two pieces of fabric, front side and back side. Draw two side curves connecting the measurements to create a slightly curvy, rectangular pattern. Cut out the pattern; this is what you will use to cut out your two pieces of fabric.

Now cut out the two pieces of identical fabric using your newly made pattern. This was nearly the hardest part! It took me a while to get my measurements just right and then to put them on paper…. Now you are ready to start sewing!

First sew a half inch hem on the top and bottom of each piece of fabric. The hem should fold the good side of fabric into the inside of the fabric. Next cut a 7” slit into the back side fabric piece. This is where the zipper will be sewn. To sew zipper, fold good side into inside of fabric like you did for seems, and now place the zipper on the inside with the front of zipper facing outside the slit. Sew each side onto the folded parts of the slit. Now you are ready to finish the skirt! Place two pieces of fabric together, with inside fabric facing outward, and sew sides about a half inch in.

And voila! You have your very own Miniskirt, made with tender love and care by yours truly: YOU! Now that really is one of the finest things.