This is my very first time making a gathered maxi skirt. I chose this beautiful and summery print. The fabric is a chiffon. I see gathered maxi skirts everywhere but never thought to make one prior to this.
This is my second time working with chiffon. The first time I failed miserably, so it has taken me a long time to pick this type of fabric up again! This time around I took an online class on working with sheers. I’ll include that information for you and also some tips and tricks I picked up to make this project a success.
If you saw my silk top, I mentioned some of the challenges I ran into. Since then, I took this online class on sewing with sheers and I was better prepared to deal with a sheer fabric. I do recommend taking this class if you want to take away some of the frustration of working with sheers.
Here is the back and side view:
I used an invisible zipper on the center back. I was a bit worried about how fragile the chiffon is, but I doubled it up on the center back by folding the chiffon under. This gave me two layers of chiffon, which is more stable than one. I also have a full lining on the skirt, so the lining also added some stability.
Here are some things I learned from this sewing project:
- Never cut chiffon on the fold. Only cut one layer at a time!
- Cut the fabric by placing it on top of paper. This stabilizes it and if the paper is a rectangle, you can use the edges of the paper to make sure your straight grain and cross grain are correctly aligned while cutting.
Here are some challenges I had with this project:
- Keeping the fabric straight while cutting! It was challenging.
- My fabric around my zipper was a bit “ruffly”. Luckily for me, the skirt is gathered, so the imperfection is hidden.
The skirt hit floor length with heels on, which is how I plan to wear it. I paired it with a white tee. Here are some pictures of the garment construction:
I drafted a straight waistband using my waist measurement. I top stitched two rows on the top of the waistband.
The skirt is lined. The lining is an A-line skirt instead of a gathered skirt to reduce bulk. For the fashion fabric, I gathered it manually and attached it to the lining. Then attached the lining to the waistband. So the entire piece is self-drafted/ free handed.
This is the fabric I used. I hope you enjoyed this project! I am working on a pair of denim shorts next- think dressy, tailored shorts in denim.
ps- I also started a sewing newsletter, in which I share more sewing news, tips, and tricks! Sign up using the pink sign up box below !!
XOXO
-Vatsla
Your skirt is beautiful! I wish I had done something more simple for my first chiffon piece. Nooo, I chose a shirt with front band, cuffs, collar and shirt tail hem! I have been working on this for weeks trying to get it perfect but it’s not going to happen. Bad, bad choice of pairing fabric with pattern, for a first try anyway. It’s a good thing I like the fabric pattern or I would have given up long ago!
That sounds like a lot of work! Let me know how ir turned out! If you enjoy wearing then, then its worth it, right?
Lovely skirt Vatsla. I have notice that many of your skirts include a high wait – I love it – many of mine do as well. If find them very comfortable and they don’t slide down. Again, lovely project.and fabric.
Thank you Susan! I’ve always been a fan of the high waist. It makes me appear taller AND is much easier to draft than a curved WB 🙂
I love your skirt, and your tips on working with chiffon!
Thanks Vanessa! Hope you are well and sewing away!
Lovely skirt. Can you please tell me if your skirt widthw before sewings onoto waistband was twice the hip measurement of thrive?
HI Diya,
I would have to find the skirt and measure it. If I had to guess, then the skirt width is 2 or 3 x the width before it is gathered. I do a lot of free handing of patterns, so I dont always use a paper pattern (as in this skirt. ) If you want, shoot me an email at fashionbehindtheseams@gmail.com and I can get back to you after I measure the skirt.
Thanks!
Vatsla.