5.30.2013

High Low Maxi Skirt - TUTORIAL

 
Two years ago I bought a cute maxi skirt.  Looking in my closet the other day I realized, I've never worn it.  I always admire maxi skirts on other people.  But, when I look closely, I'm reminded of why I never wear them myself.  Most of the time, people are holding them up as they walk.  Not very practical, especially when you're spending your day at work or with kids, or both!
So, in the midst of my sewing slump, I had an epiphany.  I love the high-low skirt trend and I love the maxi skirt trend.  Why not a high-low maxi skirt!
This skirt is super easy to make and even easier to wear.  
Are you with me?  Let's get started.

All you'll need is 1.5-2.5 yards of stretchy fabric, depending on your height and size.  I only had a yard, so I made my waistband from a different color.  I used a rayon jersey knit that was very drapey and stretchy.
My 1 yard of fabric (36 by 60 inches) was the perfect length and width for my skirt.  In the photo above, I have the fabric folded in half for the skirt front and back.
 Fold the fabric in half again, so now it's quartered.  Measure around your waist, divide by 4 and add 1.  Using that measurement, make a mark that distance from the fold.  Now draw and angled line all the way to the bottom and cut. You should end up with a nice looking A-line shape.
 With right sides together, sew side seams.

Now let's do the waistband.  I ran out of the main fabric, so I'm using a different color.  Cut a piece of fabric that is 2/3 your waist measurement by 8 inches, and with right sides together, sew short sides making a loop.
Fold the waistband in half with wrong sides together, matching raw edge.
 Match the raw edge of the waistband to the raw edge of the skirt, pin and sew.
 Your skirt is almost done!
 Now, let's make the high low hem.  Lay the skirt flat so the the side seams are matched up.  Figure out how high you want the front, keeping in mind you'll still need to hem the skirt.  Draw a nice angle from the front to the back and cut.
 Fold the bottom of the skirt 1 inch to the wrong side and topstitch to hem. When you hem, keep in mind you'll be able to see the wrong side of the back of the skirt.  I used white thread for my bobbin and didn't realize until later that you can see it from the front.  Oh well, I definitey see another one of these in my future.

So fun.  So versatile.

14 comments:

  1. That is so clever!!! You could totally start a new trend.

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  2. Ooh, pretty, pretty. I love the color, too!

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  3. Oh man, I just made a different skirt in the same fabric - this skirt shape would've been so much better! I guess I'll have to get more!

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  4. Wow, thanks for posting this! I feel like everyone says maxis are perfect for moms, but I also hardly ever get out my maxi (which I love in theory) because it’s so dang awkward. I’ve also loved the high-low trend but never thought to put them together. I’ll be trying this soon!

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  5. This is such a great skirt and you look gorgeous in it!

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  6. Cute skirt! I like the subtle high low hem, I'm not a fan of the traditional "mullet" skirts.

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  7. Thanks for the tutorial, Ruby! I love that rayon spandex. It's one of my favorite colors at Girl Charlee! :)

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  8. Ok now I want to make one :) does it really stay up using that method for the band of the skirt? ( fear that'll fall off hahaha). I think yours is fabulous! Time for Girl Charlee I see ;)

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  9. Adorable! My granddaughter is coming to spend a week with me and we will be sewing. I know she will love this and so easy for her to do. Thanks for posting!!

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  10. great job!!! I need some skirts, but I'm still kinda chunky post three babies and I'm worried all my knits are too thin ;op

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  11. I love this! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. OMG!So cute and shook easy. Thanks for sharing

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