In this post, you will learn how to sew gathered skirts and dresses with free PDF pattern.
Do you love the look of ruffles and pleats on your clothes? Do you want to learn how to sew a gathered skirt and dress that flatter your figure and add some flair to your wardrobe? If yes, then you will enjoy this sewing tutorial!
In this post, I will show you how to sew a gathered skirt and dress from any fabric of your choice. You will learn how to:
- Download and print the free PDF patterns for the skirt and the ruffle
- Cut and sew the fabric pieces together
- Gather the fabric using different methods
- Attach the ruffle to the skirt
- Finish the edges and hem the skirt and dress
This sewing project is easy, fun, and versatile. You can make a skirt or a dress in any length and style you want. You can also use different fabrics, such as cotton, linen, rayon, jersey, or lace, to create different looks and effects.
So grab your sewing machine and your fabric and let’s get started!
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What you will need:
To make a gathered skirt and dress, you will need the following materials and tools:
- Fabric of your choice (about 1.5 meters, depending on your size and the width of your fabric)
- Matching thread
- Scissors
- Pins
- Measuring tape
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Bias tape
- Free PDF patterns
- You will also need a magnetic seam guide or a magnet to help you sew evenly.
How to Download and Print the Free PDF Patterns:
The first step is to download and print the free PDF patterns for the skirt and the ruffle. The pattern consists of two pieces: a skirt piece and a ruffle piece.The patterns are available in different sizes, from XXS to 3XL. The patterns also include a 1 cm seam allowance.
To download and print the patterns, follow these steps:
- Click on the download link at the end of the post and save the PDF file to your computer.
- Open the PDF file with a PDF reader, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Make sure that the print settings are set to “Actual Size” or “100%” scale. Do not use the “Fit to Page” option, as it will distort the size of the patterns.
- Print the patterns on a regular A4 or letter size paper. You can use any color of paper, as long as it is not too thick or too thin.
- Cut out the patterns along the solid lines. You will have two pieces: a skirt piece and a ruffle piece.
The pattern is available at the end of the post for blog subscribers. Subscribing is free.
Pattern include seam allowances!
How to Enlarge or Widen Skirt ?
Example
full hips measurements 98 cm x 1.5 slim skirt = 147
full hips measurements 98 cm x 1.7 = 166.6 medium size
full hips measurements 98 cm x 2 = 196 full skirt
147 :4 = 36.75 cm 166 : 4 = 41.5 cm 196 : 4 = 49 cm
1/4 skirt width: 41.5 cm 1/4 skirt width: 36.75 cm 1/4 skirt width: 49 cm
Check out how to measure yourself to see what size is the best for you.
Check out as well:
How to print and assemble free PDF patterns
How to cut out sewing patterns with tips and tools
How to add seam allowance in sewing
Gathered Skirt Or Gathered Dress Pattern Drafting
The main steps of gathered skirt or gathered dress pattern drafting are:
- Measuring the body parts needed for the pattern, such as the bust, waist, hip, and length.
- Drawing the basic pattern block or sloper for the skirt and the ruffle, using the measurements and a ruler.
- Cutting out the pattern pieces from paper and testing them on a muslin or a toile.
- Adjusting the pattern pieces as needed, to achieve the desired fit and shape.
By using this technique, you can create a variety of gathered skirt or gathered dress designs, such as a wrap dress, a bustier dress, or a tiered skirt.
Recommended Fabrics
The fabric you choose for this project should be soft, flexible, and flowy, to create the ruffled effect. You can use any type of fabric that has these qualities, such as cotton, linen, rayon, jersey, or lace. The amount of fabric you need will depend on your size and the fabric width. For most sizes, you will need around 1.5 meter of fabric.
Learn more on fabrics and choose the best one for your project here.
How to cut and sew the skirt and the ruffle:
The next step is to cut and sew the skirt and the ruffle. To do this, follow these steps:
- Fold your fabric in half, right sides together, and place the skirt pattern on top. Make sure the grainline is parallel to the selvage. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut around it. Repeat the same for the other skirt piece.
- Fold your fabric in half, right sides together, and place the ruffle pattern on top. Make sure the grainline is parallel to the selvage. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut around it. Repeat the same for the other ruffle piece.
- Pin the skirt pieces, right sides together, at the side seams. Sew along the edges with a 1 cm seam allowance. Press the seams open and turn the skirt right side out.
- Pin the ruffle pieces, right sides together, at the short edges. Sew along the edges with a 1 cm seam allowance. Press the seams open and turn the ruffle right side out.
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How to gather the fabric:
The next step is to gather the fabric to create the ruffled effect. There are different ways to gather fabric, depending on the type of fabric, the amount of gathers, and the tools you have. Here are two common methods:
Machine basting method:
This is the most widely used method of gathering, and it works well for most fabrics and projects. It involves sewing two or more rows of long straight stitches along the edge of the fabric, and then pulling the bobbin threads to create gathers. You can adjust the gathers by sliding the fabric along the threads until you get the desired effect. This method is versatile and customizable, but it can be time-consuming and the threads can break easily if you pull too hard.
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Quick gathering on sewing machine method:
This method of gathering works great on thin and delicate fabrics, such as lace or chiffon. It involves setting up the machine with a long stitch length and a high tension, and then sewing right at the edge of the fabric, lightly gathering the fabric with your finger at the back of the foot. This method is fast and easy, but it can be difficult to control the amount and distribution of the gathers.
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To gather the fabric for the skirt and the ruffle, follow these steps:
- Choose the method that suits your fabric and preference. You can also try both methods on a scrap of fabric to see which one you like better.
- Gather the top edge of the ruffle piece, using the method of your choice. Pull the thread ends to create even gathers along the edge, until the ruffle piece is the same length as the bottom edge of the skirt piece.
- Pin the ruffle piece to the skirt piece, right sides together, aligning the bottom edge of the skirt piece with the gathered edge of the ruffle piece. Distribute the gathers evenly and adjust them as needed. Sew the ruffle piece to the skirt piece, using a 1 cm seam allowance. Press the seam down and finish the raw edge with a zigzag stitch or a serger. You will have one skirt and ruffle piece.
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Check out my detailed post on how to gather fabric for beginners.
How to finish the edges and hem the skirt and dress:
The final step is to finish the edges and hem the skirt and dress. To do this, follow these steps:
- Pin the bias tape to the waistline of the skirt and ruffle piece, right sides together, stretching it slightly to fit the curve. Sew along the edge with a 1 cm seam allowance. Trim the excess fabric and press the seam towards the skirt and ruffle piece. Fold the bias tape to the wrong side of the skirt and ruffle piece and pin it in place. Topstitch along the edge of the bias tape. This will create a casing for the elastic.
- Cut a piece of elastic that fits comfortably around your waist. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and insert it into the casing. Pull the elastic through the casing until it comes out from the other end. Make sure the elastic is not twisted inside the casing. Overlap the ends of the elastic and sew them together with a zigzag stitch. Distribute the gathers evenly along the waistline.
- Try on the skirt and ruffle piece and decide how long you want it to be. You can make it as short or as long as you like. Mark the desired length with a pin or a chalk. Cut the excess fabric, leaving a 2 cm hem allowance. Fold the hem allowance to the wrong side of the skirt and ruffle piece and press it. Pin the hem in place and sew along the edge with a straight stitch or a twin needle. Press the hem again.
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Create Your Own Gathered Skirts and Dresses with My Free PDF Patterns and These Easy Tutorials
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How to Style Gathered Skirts and Dresses?
Here are some general tips on how to style gathered skirts and dresses:
- Choose a fabric that suits your style and the season. For example, you can use quilting cotton for a casual and colorful look, or cotton sateen for a more elegant and shiny effect. You can also use fabrics with prints or patterns to add some interest to your outfit.
- Decide on the length of your skirt. You can make your skirt as long or as short as you like, depending on your preference and the occasion. For example, you can make a mini skirt for a fun and flirty look, or a maxi skirt for a bohemian and romantic vibe. You can also vary the length by adding a hem or a ruffle.
- Make a waistband that fits your waist comfortably. You can use a simple rectangle of fabric, or add some interfacing for more structure. You can also use elastic or a drawstring to make your waistband adjustable. You can also embellish your waistband with buttons, bows, or lace.
- Gather your skirt evenly and attach it to your waistband. You can use one or two rows of basting stitches to create your gathers, and then adjust them to match the width of your waistband. You can also use a gathering foot or a ruffler attachment to make the process easier. You can also experiment with different amounts of gathers to create different effects.
Choose a top that fits well and complements the skirt or dress. A fitted top, such as a t-shirt, blouse, or sweater, can balance the fullness of the skirt and accentuate the waist. You can also tuck in your top or add a belt to create more definition. Avoid tops that are too loose or bulky, as they can make you look shapeless or overwhelmed by the fabric.
Pick the right shoes for the skirt or dress, depending on the length, fabric, and occasion. For a casual or daytime look, you can wear flats, sneakers, or sandals with a gathered skirt or dress.
For a more formal or evening look, you can opt for heels, pumps, or boots. The shoes should match the color and style of the skirt or dress, and also be comfortable and appropriate for the weather and season.
Accessorize the skirt or dress with jewelry, scarves, hats, or bags, to add some interest and personality to the outfit. You can use accessories to add some color, contrast, or sparkle to your look, or to highlight your best features. For example, you can wear a necklace to draw attention to your neckline, a scarf to add some warmth and texture, or a hat to add some fun and flair. However, don’t overdo it with too many or too large accessories, as they can clash with the skirt or dress or distract from the overall look.
You have just made a beautiful and trendy gathered skirt and dress from any fabric of your choice! You can now wear it with any top and accessories and enjoy the compliments. I hope you enjoyed this sewing tutorial and learned something new. If you did, please share this post with your friends and leave me a comment below.
Don’t forget to download the free PDF patterns for the skirt and the ruffle from the link below. You can also check out some example tutorials where you can sew a dress or skirt using the same pattern, such as a wrap dress, a bustier dress, or a tiered skirt. Happy sewing!
In this post , you have learned how to sew gathered dresses and skirts with free printable pattern.
Free Gathered Skirts + Waistband Sewing Pattern
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