How to Make Crib Skirts

Take the mattress out of the crib and measure the length and width of the frame under the mattress. Also, measure the distance from the top of the frame to the floor.

Cut two rectangles of fabric twice as long as the crib is wide and 3 1/2 inches wider than the distance from the top of the frame to the floor. These will be the skirts on the short end of the crib.

Cut two rectangles of fabric twice as long as the crib is long and 3 1/2 inches wider than the distance from the top of the frame to the floor. These will be the skirts on the long ends of the crib. Doubling the length of the fabric will make a nice, full skirt.

Make narrow hems on the side edges of the skirt pieces and a 3-inch hem on the bottom.

Gather the top of the skirt pieces by sewing a rows of gathering stitches 1/2 inch from the top edge of the skirt. Gathering stitches are straight stitches with a long stitch length. Sew a second row of gathering stitches 1/4 inch below the first row.

Cut a rectangle for the top of the skirt 1 inch longer than the length and width of the frame under the mattress.

Pull the bobbin threads on the gathering rows to gather the top of the skirts to fit the sides of the rectangle of fabric. Distribute the gathers evenly. Pin the gathered top edge of the skirt pieces to the sides of the rectangle. The right sides of the fabric should be touching and the edges should be even.

Sew the skirts to the rectangle by stitching 1/2 inch from the edge of the fabric between the basing lines. Remove the pins as you sew.

Fold down the skirts and place the crib ruffle over the frame. The skirts will hang between the wooden sides of the crib and the metal frame.