How to Make a Winter Skirt

Take your measurements. Using a measuring tape, record your hip and waist measurements. You will need these measurements to determine what size commercial pattern to purchase.

Choose a commercial pattern for a skirt. Use your waist and hip measurements to choose the correct size. Purchase the commercial pattern in your size.

Purchase fabric for your skirt, lining fabric (if desired), matching thread and notions (zippers or buttons). Use the instructions printed on the back of the commercial pattern envelope to determine how many yards of fabric and the notions you will need for your skirt.

Shrink the fabric and lining material. Place fabric and lining material into a washing machine, using the settings you will use when you wash the completed garment. Dry the fabric and lining material at a medium temperature. These steps ensure that the skirt will not shrink when laundered.

Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric (and lining) and cut out skirt pieces. Using the instructions and diagrams, lay pattern pieces on wrong side of fabric unless otherwise indicated. Pin the pieces in place and cut out each pattern piece.

Transfer pattern markings to fabric. Use tailor's chalk to transfer important markings, such as darts and zipper or button locations to the wrong side of the fabric.

Prepare your sewing machine. Thread the sewing machine and insert the bobbin with thread matching the fabric.

Sew the skirt. Follow the steps outlined in the commercial pattern. You usually assemble skirts as follows: make and press darts (small seams that give ease to the skirt), sew and press the seams, insert the zipper, attach the waistband, make and press the hem and sew on buttons or clasps by hand. When lining the skirt, sew and press the lining seams, followed by a hem (also pressed). Attach the lining to the skirt at the waist immediately before sewing on the waistband of the skirt.