As your sewing skills build, class #3 will teach you how to once again sew straight lines, apply a seam finish to seam allowances, sew a band for a hem, stitch a casing, turn tubes for a drawstring, and insert it and elastic for a flexible waistband while you make a drawstring skirt.
SUPPLY LIST
Please note: Fabrics chosen for both the main portion and the band of the skirt need to be soft–not crisp. They need to drape so that they will hang close to the body. If they are stiff, the gathered top will stick out and make you look larger.
- Main fabric—You need enough fabric to go around your hip plus at least 6” of ease. If purchasing 42” wide fabric, your hip measurement can only be up to 36”, or your will need to buy two lengths of fabric. You will need fabric to measure the desired length MINUS 5”. For larger hips, you need twice that amount. If you are using 54” or 60” wide fabric, you may be able to get by with just one length.
- Contrast fabric—This is for the bottom band and ties. You will need ½ yard if using 42” wide fabric and your hip is 36” or less. Otherwise, you will need 1 yard.
- ½ yard of ¾” wide no-roll elastic, depending upon your waist measurement. If your waist is larger than 36”, you will need ¾ yd.
- All-purpose sewing thread to match your fabric
- Bobbin *
- If you are bringing your own sewing machine, bring all of its feet and accessories*
- Basic sewing kit—see separate list
- 1 medium or large safety pin
- 1 button that is ½” across (We will not be sewing it to anything; it is just to make a buttonhole.)
- A small scrap of tear away or wash away stabilizer
- If you have a Viking, a Left Edge Topstitching foot is helpful to have for stitching a casing.*
*These items are available in the Viking Sewing Gallery.
PREPARATION BEFORE COMING TO CLASS
Zigzag over the cut edges of the fabric (not the selvages) to enclose the stray threads and to keep the fabric from raveling. Then wash and dry the fabric in the same manner that you intend to care for the finished skirt. Press out any wrinkles.
