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How to Make Skirts With No Waistbands

When you want to make a skirt but don't want the hassle of inserting an elastic waistband, opt instead for making a simple wraparound skirt or a wraparound sarong. Even a novice sewer should be able to make this skirt with easy-to-follow instructions. Choose expensive fabric for a dressy look or cotton fabric for a cool skirt to wear on the beach as a bathing suit cover-up.

Things You'll Need

Fabric
Needle
Thread
Scissors
Measuring tape
Double fold bias tape
Straight pins
Sewing machine (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the person who will be wearing the skirt at her waist. Alternatively, use a skirt that currently fits the person and measure the waistline. Choose your fabric so that the length of the material will be 1.5 times the waist measurement and one additional inch. The width of the fabric should be whatever length you want for your skirt. Measure from your waist downward to the desired length and add 1/2 inch of fabric.
- 2
  Hem the edges of the material, starting with one of the long edges. Fold it in 1/4 inch. Iron and then fold 1/4- inch again and iron once more. Use a straight stitch to sew the hem. Repeat this step for the other long edge of the material. Fold one of the short sides of the fabric 1/4 inch. Iron, fold 1/4 inch more and iron again. Use a straight stitch to sew the hem. Repeat this step to hem the other short edge.
- 3
  Notice that one side of your double-fold bias tape is a little wider than the other side. Pin the side that is slightly wider to the wrong side of the material at the top of the skirt while aligning the edges. The bias tape should go about 1/4 inch above the material. Attach the double-fold bias tape all along the top of the skirt, leaving a tail on one end for tying and a tail on the other end about the length of the skirt.
- 4
  Use a straight stitch to sew the double fold bias tape to the material. Use a thread color that is the same as the tape or that coordinates well with it. Fold the double bias tape over the edge of the material and iron. Use a straight stitch to sew the bottom of the bias tape the entire length of the bias tape and all the way across the front of the material. Make a tight knot on one end of the bias tape and trim any excess material. Repeat this step on the other end of the bias tape.
- 5
  Iron the skirt if necessary. Wrap the skirt around your waist or around the person who will be wearing the skirt. Tie the ends of the bias tape together, making a knot and then a small bow on the right or left side of your waist. If you want to ensure that that the ties stay together, tie two very tight knots before making a small bow.

Sewing