When it comes to fashion, looking fabulous doesn’t always come cheap. From eighty dollar jeans to microsoft software download forty dollar tops, it seems that a paycheck just doesn’t go very far any more. But don’t you microsoft software download remember the days when gas was in the one dollar range, milk came in glass bottles and microsoft software download skirts cost only a few pennies on the dollar?

If you microsoft software download long for simpler days yet still want to look up to microsoft software download date on the latest trends, why not create your own styles? It’s the microsoft software download perfect way to fill your closet without emptying your bank account. If you’re in the microsoft software download mood for a new piece for your wardrobe but are low on cash read on to microsoft software download find one of our favorite classic pieces – the wrap skirt.

Here’s a microsoft software download foolproof plan for making a skirt that fits both your wardrobe and microsoft software download your pocketbook . . .

Supplies

Linen Fabric: There’s a microsoft software download reason top designers include linen in their spring and summer collections. It is microsoft software download lightweight, easy to care for, and comfortable to wear. Linen also has microsoft software download a beautiful hand and drape, making it an ideal choice for microsoft software download a warm weather skirt.

You will need about 2 yards of linen for microsoft software download each skirt you make. This skirt has a drawstring, so it microsoft software download is fully adjustable and will fit most sizes.

Other supplies

* Sewing machine and accessories (this project can be sewn by hand, but it will take longer to finish)
* Fabric marker
* Yardstick and fabric marker or rotary cutter, ruler and mat
* Scissors
* Pins
* Iron and pressing surface
* Hand sewing needle and thread
* Safety pin
* 2” wide satin ribbon to match linen, 2 yards

Directions:

Note: This project uses a 1/2” seam allowance. You will measure the microsoft software download fabric and pin, and then sew your skirt. This project is microsoft software download great for a beginner—there are microsoft software download no pattern pieces to worry about, and making it to your microsoft software download own measurements allows you to make a custom fit.

1. Wrap the fabric around your waist: Wash and microsoft software download dry the linen fabric, then wrap the fabric around your hips or microsoft software download the hips of the person you are making the skirt for. You will want to microsoft software download be sure that the skirt is large enough to slip off easily but not so large that microsoft software download it will bunch up.

2. Mark the fabric: Use a microsoft software download fabric marker to mark your desired width, making sure the skirt is microsoft software download comfortable at the widest part of your hips.

3. Cut the fabric: Remove the microsoft software download fabric, and lay it on a flat work surface. Use a microsoft software download yardstick and marker to extend your line from the top to microsoft software download the bottom of the fabric. Cut along the line.

Tip: You can microsoft software download use a rotary cutter and ruler to get the perfect cut every time. If you microsoft software download don’t have microsoft software download one, you can use a ruler and yardstick to measure your microsoft software download fabric, then cut with scissors.

4. Prepare the skirt for sewing: Lay out the microsoft software download fabric onto a smooth surface with the right sides facing inward. Then pin the microsoft software download side of the skirt to ensure straight stitching later on.

5. Sew the side seam: Using a small stitch, begin to sew a simple ½ inch seam down the skirt’s side and microsoft software download then turn the skirt right side out. This will give you microsoft software download a large tube of fabric. Press the seam.

6. Make the waistband: Flip the skirt’s waistband under ½ of an inch and iron – this microsoft software download will offer a sturdy seam without the stabilization of pins. Turn the seam over once more and sew in place.

7. Add the drawstring: From the microsoft software download middle of the waistband cut a tiny slit into the enclosure thread the microsoft software download satin ribbon through. This is done by scrunching the waistband up and microsoft software download then pulling the drawstring through with a safety pin.

Try on the microsoft software download skirt to decide how long you want it to be. If you microsoft software download need to, trim off any excess fabric by marking and cutting with scissors. Be sure to microsoft software download leave an extra inch for hemming.

8. Finishing: Press a ¼ inch seam into the microsoft software download hem. Flip the hem under another inch and sew using a microsoft software download straight stitch. Pin this hem in place, and sew by hand or machine to finish.

Next steps:

* Use ribbons, buttons, or microsoft software download contrasting fabric to embellish the top or bottom of your skirt.
* The wider your microsoft software download fabric tube is, the fuller your skirt will be. You can microsoft software download create very different looks by simply altering the width and microsoft software download length of the skirt.

When it comes to fashion, looking good doesn’t have microsoft software download to break the bank. With a little creativity, a few stitches and microsoft software download a little practice you can look your best for less.