Sewing Circle: ModCloth lace-trimmed skirt

Sewing Circle: ModCloth lace-trimmed skirt

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• 12.06.2011

Sewing Circle again!  I've received a ton of sewing and pattern questions recently, and here's one of the latest!

I got this email from Win:

Q: I just love reading your blog! I saw your guest post on Grosgrain this past May (the tutorial for the Paper Bag Skirt, which is still on my to-sew list) and I've been reading Adventures in Dressmaking ever since. Our sewing machine has broken for a while, but we recently got a new one and I look forward to working on some projects during winter break. I saw this skirt on ModCloth and practically fell out of my chair. 

At over $100, however, I thought I'd try to make it first. I'm sure they have similar fabrics at my local store, but I was wondering if you had any pattern suggestions, since I don't have much experience sewing skirts. Also, do you have any hints for sewing cotton lace (I'm drooling over that lace) onto tulle? I was thinking of using a cream thread if it matches the color of the lace closely enough, or invisible thread if it doesn't. Please let me know what you think. :) 

A: Thanks for reading, Win, so glad you found me!  Hope you get your machine fixed soon, cuz that skirt will be a breeze to make!

You don’t even need a pattern, actually.  You can use any gathered skirt tutorial (like mine, just make your skirt longer), or you can buy a simple skirt pattern.


Materials: you’ll need for that exact skirt:

• Navy satin for the waistband (1/8 yard, probably)
• Ivory satin for the tie (1/4 yard, probably, cuz it’s so long)
• ¾ yard or so (depending on how long you want the skirt to be… 30”? up to you) of a nice, drapey navy.  I don’t think you’ll find that kind of net at JoAnn, but you may find a nice poly chiffon.
• Also get ¾ yard or so of navy lining fabric (I’m guessing your skirt fabric will  be semi-sheer).  A lightweight cotton would be most comfortable but poly lining would work, too.  If your skirt fabric is cheaper, get twice as much of it and use two layers.
• The ivory lace, of course! You’ll need as much as the skirt fabric is wide.  For 45” fabric, get 45”.  The JoAnn superstore near me has ivory lace kind of like that, actually!

As for applying it, absolutely use ivory thread that matches for both top and bobbin.  Zig-zag it on, following the pattern of the lace.  Pin it on very carefully first—or if you don’t trust yourself, spray some spray adhesive on the backside of the lace then press it in place and pin a little, then sew.

Does that help??  It’s a lovely skirt, hope it works out!  Happy sewing!

Readers, have you seen the perfect pattern for this simple skirt, or do you have any other tips for Win?  Thanks for your help on Sewing Circle!