How to Sew a Maternity Skirt

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Buy 2 yards (1.8 m) of fabric for the body of your skirt.

   For this A-line skirt, cotton, light fabrics work well.
2. 2

   Step 2: Measure your waist and the length from belly button to your knees.

   , Add 4 inches (10.2 cm) onto the length measurement you just took.
   
   Cut your rectangle width to approximately 45 inches (114.3 cm) wide.
   
   For example, your rectangles may be 45 inches (114.3 cm) wide and 25 inches (63.5 cm) long. , Your length should be 45 inches (114.3 cm) wide and your width should be approximately 7 inches (17.8 cm) for a 3 inch (7.6 cm) waist band.
   
   If you want a smaller waist band, double the waist band you would like and add 1 inch (2.5 cm).
   
   For example, if you want a 2 inch (5 cm) waist band, you will want a 5 inch (12.7 cm) width. , Continue to gather it until it is half of your waist size.
   
   Pin it into place. , Turn the edges of your waistband down 1/2 inch (1.3 cm).
   
   Iron them in place along the 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) line. , Iron it in place. , Cut a strip of 3 inch (7.6 cm) elastic to that is 45 inches (114.3 cm) long. , Place the piece of interfacing above the 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) fold.
   
   Place the piece of elastic to the right of the interfacing above the 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) fold. , Pin the interfacing and elastic to the body of the fabric, so that it stays in place when you sew. ,, Stop when you get to the elastic, because it will stop it from stretching.
   
   The interfacing will go on the back of the skirt. , Place it underneath the 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) fold and sew it into place with a straight stitch through the gatherings.
   
   Make sure you do not sew into the elastic.
   
   The elastic will come out of the end of the side of the waist band until you size it according to your waist. , Gather it so that it fits the remaining size of your waist band.
   
   The gather at the back will be larger than the gathered length at the front, giving you plenty of room to stretch. , Pin it into place.
   
   Sew it to the back and bottom of the waist band using a straight stitch. , Stretch the overflowing elastic to where it feels comfortable.
   
   Make sure to allow some extra stretch for your belly to grow. , Cut the excess elastic and tuck it into the other open end of the waist band. ,,, Pin the fabric in and turn the skirt inside out.
   
   Sew the seams inward with a straight stitch. ,, Sew the hem with a straight stitch.
3. 3

   Step 3: Cut your fabric into 2 equal rectangles.

4. 4

   Step 4: Cut a length of waistband from your extra fabric.

5. 5

   Step 5: Grab the rectangle that you want to use for the front of your skirt.

6. 6

   Step 6: Return to your waist band.

7. 7

   Step 7: Fold the waistband in half along the width.

8. 8

   Step 8: Cut a strip of interfacing that is 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide and half of your waist measurement.

9. 9

   Step 9: Open your waist band fabric.

10. 10

    Step 10: Fold the top of the waist band down so that the 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) folds meet.

11. 11

    Step 11: Sew a straight stitch across the end of the elastic lengthwise

12. 12

    Step 12: so that it stays in place next to the interfacing.

13. 13

    Step 13: Sew around the bottom of the waist band along the interfacing side

14. 14

    Step 14: but above the 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) folds.

15. 15

    Step 15: Place the gathered front rectangle underneath the front waist band that has the elastic portion.

16. 16

    Step 16: Gather the back rectangle of your skirt at the top.

17. 17

    Step 17: Attach the back of the folded skirt to the back of the waist band with the interfacing.

18. 18

    Step 18: Try on your skirt.

19. 19

    Step 19: Move the elastic through the waist band

20. 20

    Step 20: giving some extra length if you need it.

21. 21

    Step 21: Sew through the bottom of the elastic waist band with a loose straight stitch.

22. 22

    Step 22: Sew the side of the waist band closed by hand or by sewing machine.

23. 23

    Step 23: Align the open sides of the rectangles so that they are directly below the edge of the elastic portion.

24. 24

    Step 24: Repeat on the opposite side.

25. 25

    Step 25: Fold in a 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) hem at the bottom of the skirt.

Detailed Guide

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