Enchanted Dream Ruffle Skirt Tutorial (Made from a sheet and other things)

 

Just about anywhere you look, you will see some designer's version of a ruffle skirt. Bouncy and full, they add feminine charm to any outfit while still remaining a light and breezy option for summer.

I've been wanting one myself. I discovered this weekend that it really isn't that complicated to make. Though this skirt is my own design, I was inspired to try one from this tutorial.

I thought you might like you try making one yourself. I will add a disclaimer- it takes a long time to sew the necessary ruffles... a long time. It was worse for me because as I was designing this skirt myself I would make mistakes and have to rip stitches. I don't own a seam ripper, so I picked them the hard way. Thankfully, that fits the slogan of nearly all of my projects: I make mistakes so you don't have to.

What you need:

You will never guess it but, the foundation of this skirt is... another sheet.

This one had several stains. I think this one was candy.

 You will also need some long strips of various fabrics that match your color scheme. I used nine strips. It was petty easy with a rotary cutter. Most of them were around 3"-5" high. I didn't measure the length as long as it was at least the same or longer as my skirt.I would recommend trying various lengths so you can have varying ruffles. Also remember that lace is in this season. I cut up an old stained curtain.

You also need thick elastic- enough to go around your waist. Mine was about two inches.

Step Two:

Cut out your skirt. I cut a rectangle that was 24" x 55."  (About 2 feet by 1.5 yards) I am a small/medium and it fits me well. If you take advantage of the pre-made hem from the sheet you can save a whole step!

Step Three: 

Ruffle all of the longer strips. Sew a hem if needed.

Sew the strips to the skirt. I would recommend using a ziz-zag stitch to prevent fraying.

This will take a while.

You are probably still sewing.

You might be done now.



Step Four:

This is the sewn back.

Now you have to sew the sides of the skirt together. Make sure all of your ruffles are even. Pin super carefully and baste it once (so you can make sure it is even) before sewing a secure seam. I finished the seam by covering it with a strip of leftover ruffle. You don't really have to do this.


Step Five:

Cut out the elastic (so that it fits around your waist with a little stretch).
Pin the top of the skirt over the elastic band and sew it up!

You might be done...

(Optional) Step Six:

I cut out another piece of the sheet to be an underskirt lining. I did this mostly because the skirt is white and I didn't 't want to have to wear a slip all of the time in the hot summer. I just cut out a rectangle that was somewhat smaller than the skirt. Again, I took advantage of the pre-made hem from the sheet. I sewed the sides and attached it to the leftover raw-edge from the waistband. This also covers the raw edge and finishes the skirt nicely.

You can't tell from the picture what is going on, lol. 

You are finished!

After spending hours on this I learned a valuable lesson about not becoming obsessed.

Here is another look that you can get from the same pattern:

The fabric for this skirt was chosen and arranged by my friend. I did most of the sewing using the above pattern.