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How to Make a Bias Cut Swirl Skirt

A bias-cut swirl skirt gives your fashion look fluid movement and a fun flounce. This skirt doesn't just hang straight on the wearer; it flows and ripples as the cut of the fabric gives it more body. An article of clothing with this much attitude sounds like it would be hard to make, but making a one can be done without too much trouble.

Things You'll Need

Fabric of your choice, 2-to-4 yards depending on the skirt size and length and fabric thickness
Iron
Tailor's chalk
Scissors
Straight pins
Pattern
Sewing machine
Matching thread

Instructions

Making the Skirt
- 1
  
  A lightweight woven fabric works best for bias-cut sewing because it is less likely to become misshapen.
  
  Choose a lightweight woven fabric, such as silk, charmeuse or challis.
- 2
  Use a versatile pattern, such as Kwik Sew's KP-3097. This pattern is specifically designed for making a bias-cut garment.
- 3
  Find the bias of the fabric. If it is not clearly marked, then fold the fabric so the selvages are at right angles. Iron this fold so that you have a crisp marker for you bias. You can also go over the fold with tailor's chalk so that you have a marker.
- 4
  Pin the pattern to the fabric. Be sure to cut exactly on the bias or your skirt will hang lopsided. Even if your pattern suggests doubling the fabric when cutting, you may want to cut each piece separately, because working on the bias can cause the fabric to become misshapen. Cut all the pieces according to the pattern.
- 5
  Sew the skirt based on the pattern instructions. Decide whether you want an elastic waist or waistband closure. Finish accordingly.

Sewing