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How to Make a Skirt That Flares at the Bottom

Making a skirt that flares at the bottom is easier than you think. If you like the style of flared skirts, but can̵7;t find one in a style or size that fits, it̵7;s time to break out some very basic sewing supplies and get to work. With the right supplies, all of which you can get at your local sewing or craft-supply store, you can make a skirt that flares at the bottom in just one day.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape
Pattern paper
Chalk
Scissors
Pins
Sewing machine and thread
Zipper
Iron

Instructions

- 1
  Measure around your waist and hips. Write down the measurements.
- 2
  Figure out the number of panels needed to complete the skirt. Each panel will measure 3 1/2 inches at the top. Take the measurement from your waist and divide by 2 1/2 to determine the number of panels you will need (this takes into account a 1/2-inch seam allowances on both sides of each panel). You will have the opportunity to try on the pinned skirt before stitching to make any adjustments in the waist.
- 3
  Draw your panel pattern on pattern paper. Start with a 3 1/2-inch line at the top. Measure down for the desired length of the skirt. Make your side lines going down this length, adding 1 1/2 inches for seam allowances. The bottom of the panels should measure 5 1/2 inches wide. Your length measurements will be the connecting lines on the sides that will connect the top and bottom of the panel. Your pattern piece will resemble a triangle shape, being wider at the bottom than at the top.
- 4
  Lay your fabric out on a flat surface. Trace around your pattern piece using chalk, until you have the desired number of panels.
- 5
  Cut out the pattern pieces along the traced chalk lines, using fabric scissors.
- 6
  Pin all of the cut pattern pieces together. All pattern pieces should be pinned with decorative sides of the fabric facing each other. Pin 1/2 inch in for the seam allowance. Continue to pin the pieces together until they have all been pinned.
- 7
  Decide where to place the zipper and remove the pins from the two panels in that area.
- 8
  Stitch in the zipper between the two panels pieces and re-pin to the other panels.
- 9
  Stitch all of the pinned panel pieces together. Iron all of the seams open.
- 10
  Fold over the top of the skirt 1/2 inch and sew along the top of all the joined panel pieces to form the top edge.
- 11
  Make the bottom hem by folding over the bottom edge, twice, and stitching along all of the joined panel pieces.
- 12
  Pin the two end panels together and stitch a 1/2-inch seam allowance to join together and complete the flared skirt.

Sewing