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From: Brookey
Date: 01-04-2007, 07:58 PM (1 of 7)
Hi  I am a fairly new at all this and was hoping someone could give me some advice! I would like to sew a 2 piece skirt (with a zip and waistband), but the pattern has 'facing pieces' instead of a waistband piece. Can I use a waistband piece as an alternative, without having to alter the shape of the skirt front and back pieces? also, I am making another skirt with casing/elastic. The front and back is made up of 3 pieces, but I want to make it 2 pieces instead. could I use the back piece x 2? or maybe use the previous zip skirt pattern pieces (omitting the zip) and use the casing pattern piece added on? I hope Ive been clear enough in explaining myself ! Thanks very much, Brooke. |
User: Brookey
Member since: 01-04-2007 Total posts: 6 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-04-2007, 08:26 PM (2 of 7)
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Hi Brooke. I think I understand your questions. For the first Q, it depends. If the skirt is meant to sit low, slightly below the waist, then yes, it would be ok to add a waistband, which would then fit around your waist. But if you fashion a waistband and add it to a fitted skirt that was designed with a facing to fit at the waist, then the wastband will be too high, tickling your ribs. So unless that's what you're going for (think about those '80's!)... For the skirt with a casing for an elastic waistband: I'd avoid using the pattern for your fitted skirt--It's shaped already and in order to get it over your hips, you need to open the zipper. If you take away the zipper in favor of the elastic, you won't be able to get it on and off. You may like to use that 3 piece pattern, _if_ you are able to get it around your hips. If you prefer to do this in 2 pieces, then take that back pattern piece and trace it, leaving the center back seam allowance off, and making sure that center back side of the pattern is straight (not slanted and not curved). Now you may cut that pattern piece on the fold of the fabric, the same way your would with the front piece. The big question: Is this pattern shaped so that the waist portion will be big enough to go all the way around my hips when I pull it on and off? Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: Brookey
Date: 01-06-2007, 03:05 AM (3 of 7)
Thanks Andrea! I really appreciate your assistance  I am really glad I didnt go ahead and make a skirt reaching my ribs, or one that I couldnt even get on! I will take your advice and hopefully create something I can be proud of  Thanks, Brooke |
User: Brookey
Member since: 01-04-2007 Total posts: 6 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-06-2007, 11:06 AM (4 of 7)
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Sure thing. You know, depending on what you're going for, that elastic waistband skirt could be as simple as 2 rectangles, one in front and one in back. Measure around your hips with a tape measure, and while holding it around you, sit down. Your seated hip measurement is a good gauge of how big the skirt should be at the hips for comfort. I'd even add another inch for comfort so it's not pulling at the seams when I sit down. Divide by 2, add seam allowances to get the width. Cut the front and back the same. A simple formula for an easy skirt with elastic. For the length, be sure to add enough for a nice hem and for the waistband/casing.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: SmilieFace
Date: 01-16-2007, 02:49 PM (5 of 7)
| This will show how new to sewing I am, but what's a facing? |
User: SmilieFace
Member since: 01-07-2007 Total posts: 11 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-16-2007, 08:11 PM (6 of 7)
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FAcing (per msg # 2) is a piece of cloth on the inside of the garment that is used to enclose raw edges. You'd use this on a neckline or on a waistline when you choose not to make a waistband. Do you have a skirt or slacks in your closet without a waistband you could check out to see what I mean? CAsing (per msg #4) is the space that contains a drawstring or elastic. Check this out. (http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/KatePages/Learning/Useful-sewing-terms.htm) I just found it Keep em coming! Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: Brookey
Date: 03-05-2007, 11:58 PM (7 of 7)
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Thanks Andrea for the Info on how to do a simple skirt from 2 rectangles, and I am sooo Sorry it took forever to reply!! Brooke |
User: Brookey
Member since: 01-04-2007 Total posts: 6 |
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