Originally found this idea over at Pretty Quirky Pants. She has a great, detailed tutorial, so jump on over there if you're interested. In writing this post I realize that it must seem like I'm obsessed with button-down flannel skirts. I am not, particularly, but I was captured by the idea of the classic maxi tartan skirt. It's a beautiful and classic fashion staple with just enough of a vintage vibe to tickle my fancy.
Materials:
- 3 yards heavy flannel
- matching thread
- 10 small and one large matching buttons
- fabric scissors
- sewing machine
- measuring tape
- iron
Step 1: Fold your fabric in half length-wise. From one of the folded corners, measure along the fold to mark your waist radius(a) and skirt length(b). To calculate your waist radius, first measure around your waist where you want the skirt to sit, then add four inches. This measurement is your circumference, C. In my case, C = 27 inches + 4 inches = 31 inches.
As we all know from grade school math, the circumference of a circle is equal to twice the radius(a) times Pi. Do a little rearranging using algebra and you have an equation to calculate the radius from the circumference. (Don't worry, I've already done that, just use the second equation right there.)
As we all know from grade school math, the circumference of a circle is equal to twice the radius(a) times Pi. Do a little rearranging using algebra and you have an equation to calculate the radius from the circumference. (Don't worry, I've already done that, just use the second equation right there.)
Your skirt length, b, should equal however long you wish the skirt to fall from your waist. In my case, I just used as much length as I could get from the width of the fabric. Using pins or a light chalk pencil, mark two circles by measuring the skirt length and waist radius from the corner. Cut along both lines. From your remaining fabric, cut a rectangle about 3 inches wide and (waist circumference plus 2 inches) long. This is your waistband. As an example, my waist band piece was 3" wide by 29" long.
Step 2: Hem the bottom edge of the skirt by folding it in 1/4 ", pressing with an iron, folding again 1/4", and stitching down. Create the button placket along the straight edges of the skirt by folding them in 1/2", pressing, and folding again in 1", then stitching 1/8" in along the first folded edge.
Step 3: Press the shortest edges in by 1/2", then press your waistband piece in half with the nice side out, then open and press the long edges 1/2" in towards the fold. Pin the waistband to the top edge of the skirt so that it covers the top 1/2" of the skirt, extends one inch past the top(as buttoned) edge of the skirt, and is flush with the bottom(as buttoned) edge of the skirt. (see the following diagram for visual) Sew 1/8" in all along the bottom and ends of the waistband.
Tip: Pin the ends first, then pin the middle of the waistband to the middle of the skirt, then kind of streeetch the curve of the skirt while you pin the rest. Otherwise, the curve of the waist can be tricksy to pin and pretends to be smaller than your waistband.
Step 2: Hem the bottom edge of the skirt by folding it in 1/4 ", pressing with an iron, folding again 1/4", and stitching down. Create the button placket along the straight edges of the skirt by folding them in 1/2", pressing, and folding again in 1", then stitching 1/8" in along the first folded edge.
Step 3: Press the shortest edges in by 1/2", then press your waistband piece in half with the nice side out, then open and press the long edges 1/2" in towards the fold. Pin the waistband to the top edge of the skirt so that it covers the top 1/2" of the skirt, extends one inch past the top(as buttoned) edge of the skirt, and is flush with the bottom(as buttoned) edge of the skirt. (see the following diagram for visual) Sew 1/8" in all along the bottom and ends of the waistband.
Tip: Pin the ends first, then pin the middle of the waistband to the middle of the skirt, then kind of streeetch the curve of the skirt while you pin the rest. Otherwise, the curve of the waist can be tricksy to pin and pretends to be smaller than your waistband.
Step 4: Mark 10 places for your small buttons and button holes along the center of the button plackets of your skirt and finish the button holes on your sewing machine. Remember: the button holes go on the "top" side, the one to which we sewed with the inch of waistband extending beyond the edge, and the buttons go on the "bottom" side, just like the diagram above. Double check to make sure they match up, then sew on the buttons where you marked. Sew the large button hole in the center of the waistband overhang(so it's offset to the right about an inch from the line of buttons on the main part of the skirt) and mark and sew the large button on the other side.
The skirt, once you've finished, should look like this when laid out flat:
Step 5: Wear in coziness and enjoy! I've paired this skirt with leggings and a cardigan for work, knee-highs and a crop top for the goth club. Love it!