Making the Traditional Skirt

 

1. The traditional skirt begins with 2 yards of 2 different kinds of fabric that compliment each other. Make sure the fabric is washed and ironed before your begin to cut.
2. Use an imperial measure tape, fold the first fabric and measure down 18 inches. Cut 2 lengths of 18 inches.
3. Sew 2 lengths together at the edge seam so that you have a very wide 'tube'.
4. At the top of the skirt, fold a small edge fold and iron. Fold again an inch and sew along the first fold. This will be the elastic casing waist band. Leave just enough room for the elastic and a safety pin to make its way through. 
5. Measure a piece of elastic that will suit your waist. Place a safety pin at one end and make your way through the casing. Join the ends, sew and close up the opening. The waist is complete.
6. Next you will add a contrasting width of 3 widths of fabric 12 inches wide. Once they are cut, sew them together to make a large closed up width of fabric.
7. Now it is time to baste stitch the top of this fabric by making a double line of the widest stitch you can make (by hand or by machine). Gather it to fit the bottom of the first length of fabric.
8. Sew the gathered fabric onto the skirt top placing right sides together, pinning, then stitching.
9. Topstitch the bottom of the skirt top section.
10. Now cut 3 widths of fabric in the first pattern you used but this time 6 inches in length. Sew the sides together so it is ready to add onto the bottom of the skirt.
11. With right sides together, pin and sew this bottom trim onto the end of the skirt for a finishing. Add a border, ribbons or simply hem the skirt as you wish and you have successfully finished the traditional skirt.