If you like this style but don’t sew at all (or just don’t have time), there’s a bunch of excellent small businesses who sell something very similar - and I encourage you to support them and their hard work and artistry!
Like meeee! Lol. I recently launched a zero-waste fashion business in Canada, LyndenTree Designs, and the main thing I have right now is 18th-century inspired skirts.
Yes, both modern pockets and historical pockets (the ones that are an extra tied on bag under the skirt) would be nice to see. I think this kind of skirt will be a great option for me as I tend to fluctuate between sizes.
Honestly, size adjustable clothes should be the norm. Not just because it will fit you for longer - also because it tends to look more tailored, and enhance your body shape better. And be way more comfortable to wear.
I feel obliged to mention the 18th-century pocket to go with the 18the-century skirt - you know, the thing that's a pouch on a tape that you wear under the skirt and reach through the side slits. Honestly very practical, as it means you don't have to put pockets into each individual garment. :)
I saw some very decorative large pear shaped, embroidered pockets in the Bath assembly rooms, bought a book, when on holiday in the Uk from Australia. They had a vertical slit in the front piece and a tie for the waist. Some had 2 pockets on one wide cotton tape so they were held at each side slit when worn, they can be loose on the tape in a channel, so you can move them around and replace the tape, thin tape can get into knots easier and sewn on pockets can be torn off. If the tape comes untied, you can lose your pocket/s. I made a gathered skirt on a set size waistband from rectangles years ago, my flatmates said they hated me, that was too easy. I like your idea very well, as my waist size changed over the years and I could no longer wear it. I have made a few with elastic in the waist since, no pleats or gathers, with 3 channels, the band does not roll up so much, if I get thinner, or the elastic fails, I replace it or just tighten the elastic. Modern styled pocket bags would work well here, cut them longer above the pocket space, sew one piece on each side of each slit, then sew pocket bags nearly to the top but not the last few inches, to leave room to get in there. Sew the top edges of the front ones into the inside of front panel, and the back pieces to the ties, next to the back panel. Or is this what you did already? I like your folded ties version, to enclose all edges in. You could put on the skirt, backwards, tie the first one, turn it around on you, tie the other and tuck ties inside the front. I will have to try this method, thank-you. With pockets in, if the slit opens you only see the pockets. Things can, fall out of these pockets, be sure you can reach the bottom of them. a small square pocket with a closer and tab or a zipper may be useful for a key, etc. Sewn insde the back or front of skirt or centred on the pocket tape.
I've started to wear workout shorts with elastic pockets under all my skirts, so now I just need a little slip opening to reach my phone in there. Not at all historical, but I'm in love with the practicality of wearing modesty shorts with pockets
@juliejegstrup9352 if modern fabrics aren't comfortable to some, old fashioned bloomers work well. Made in cotton, use the crotchline shaping from an existing comfortable pants pattern (add on two rectangles 30cm long, 7cm wide for the front, 13 cm wide for the back, mark where a 45°angle line would be from centre edge to upper rectangle line, then draw a curve to hit that line to shape crotchseam) if no pattern available. Pieces need to be several cms wider than hips plus seam allowance, the extra fabric is down the inside leg. Length can be anything from 5cm, 10 to 15 cm will take them beyond chub rub point. Join crotch seam and make up like the basic skirt.
I love to sew, but I'm a plus-sized person and sewing patterns don't always include my size. I love that this is a no pattern project and there isn't an excessive amount of math to do. I'm going to make like six of these, I think.
Me too I got a dress pattern at 5outof4 that someone on Reddit recommended and it comes with full bust adjustment pattern pieces I can’t wait to make it. They have plus sizes and I think it’ll actually fit
I like the reassurance that as long as it looks straight to you it’s probably fine. I often get into perfectionist modes and it stops me from feeling like I can do it
this has legitimately been a life-changing video for me: your clear and concise instructions had me saying “well, i could probably do that” and starting to sew. from there sewing has been an INVALUABLE hobby for helping my mental health, a way to quiet down my very busy brain that’s not lying in bed with my phone. it’s been so helpful, and i wouldn’t have realized it with out your video, so thanks!
Many years ago my mom badly broke her ankle falling on the ice. She knew basic sewing but hadn't really constructed anything since we, her kiddos, left home. She was really in a mentally tough place and my stepdad had no idea how to help her... In steps the heroine of this story, my grandmother! She set the sewing machine on a solid makeshift table just next to the bed, had my mom lie down on her stomach and taught her how to make quilts! Wow! What an amazing skill she passed to mom and she, in turn, passed to my sister. Your determination to bring and keep your mind out of a dark place is commendable and encouraging to so very many!!! Your courage to be open about something so personal is a tough decision to make. I hope your openness helps others be honest with themselves about their own struggles and work to find a positive solution that works for them. ❤️
If I can get this down I'm going to make several of these, including for my wife... poor girl gets so dysmorphic from weight fluctuations and clothes not fitting is a huge trigger for her. This is such a brilliant solution 💕
“Friends, reptiles…” nearly killed me 😂 this video is so easy to follow, I bought a huge red tablecloth from the thrift store and I’m going to make myself a new skirt after work thanks to your great instructions!!!
My favorite method of pleating that doesn't involve math or any sort of gridded fabric: pin on the edges and the middle. Divide each section in half and pin in the middle. Continue until you're happy with the size and spacing of the pleats. Then mash down the fabric however you want your pleats pointing, pin, and sew in place.
Now that I've watched the entire video, this is basically how I make petticoats for historical re-enactment. I generally don't go with any measurements; I just figure out the length, make sure that an even number* of panels is big enough, and go to town. Honestly I sometimes don't even measure for the ties; I just wrap a ribbon or string around my waist to approximate a waistband and then use that as my guide. For some reason it never occurred to me to apply this to "real world" clothes. So, thank you! *my last historical gown I made using three panels and I was faced with the decision to either try to split one panel for the side opening, or to squeeze two panels into the back and one into the front. I went with the latter and HOO BOY trying to pleat 104" into a 12" bodice back is uh.. challenging. Especially on mid-weight linen. Even though it's technically pleated, I ended up essentially using a gathering technique, and it's sewn on um.. in a historical, not modern, fashion. (To be fair, I did that mostly on purpose so the bum would stick out without me having to make or use a bum roll sooooooo.)
I am a fifty year old woman who was taught to sew by her Mama and (RIP N lovest you always) I must say... You are a wonderful teacher! The way you address sewing in a simple and positive manner will definitely help encourage beginner sewing. I like to watch beginner sewing project videos like yours because you can always learn something new no matter your age. Sew...😉... Thank you! Subbed, belled and looking forward to watching your other videos. 👍🏻🙏🏼✌🏼💛
I'm Italian and in my village there's a yearly historical reenactment of the early 1800s (my village was built in AD 1000) and a bunch of people dress up with clothes such as these that the village hall arranges to lend out. I can say from personal experience that this skirt is honestly quite comfortable, I'd wear it in my every day life if I had one at my disposal lol
I love the 'if it looks good to you, it looks good to everyone else' because I'm a perfectionist and I love focusing on the tiniest details, no one except for me is ever going to see
Damn RU-vid has finally recommended me a new creator that actually alignss with my interests! Fantastic video ❤ I've gotten into sewing recently and have been obsessed with the realization I can make super full custom skirts easily. This makes it even easier!! You rock 😊 I recently found 100%, 70 inch diameter round table cloths at target. I cut out a center circle, gathered it, and made a super easy adorable circle skirt. No hem leveling needed!
THANKYOU! You’re the first person I’ve EVER heard address that our widest point isn’t necessarily our hips, & which one to use/why. I’ve sewn for a couple of decades & watched a lot of sewing content, and I’ve never had that explained. I would love to see a part 2 (& a sneaky part 3)
I am going to my first RennFaire at the end of the month. I'd ordered a costume and wasn't happy with it. This video was awesome. I thought it would take less time than it did, but I think that's operator-error 🤣. It turned out well and it was my first large-scale project on my own, my mother is now happy I've started making my own outfits for events and she doesn't have to do them.
If one can't cut the waist ties on the strait grain, or wants to use a premade bias tape - the stretch can be eliminated by tucking a piece of any non-stretch fabric cut on the strait grain - including a piece of branding printed selvage from quilting cotton, or a piece of ribbon or twill tape in a colour you'll never use - in between the layers and sewing it in there to stabilize.
Totally i have old curtains that I always use for this cos theyre pretty solid sometimes even use two layers its nice to have a solid waist ..so long as I have extra closing for the bulge! 😂
I haven't attempted to sew clothes for over a decade, but I made this today for my 12-year-old daughter. It turned out awesome! I made a giant front tie, so she has what she describes as a "big ass bow on a twirly-twirly skirt." She loves it so much, and now I have to make historical pockets for her. *sigh* I'll do it next weekend.
Ooooo! This is so exciting to see! As someone recovering from an ED something that fits no matter what size I get to is something I really need! Please can you make more videos like these with clothing items that are size adjustable? Thank you!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
As a fully recovered bulimic, recovery is possible. I love my body and am no longer triggered by certain clothing, or trying on clothes. It took many years and therapy. I can honestly eat and exercise without an extreme thought of weight loss , and thinness being my goal. Yes, having clothes that fit well definitely have also helped me get past my illness. I made it out. I wish you nothing but the best in your journey! 💕💕
I'm in the same boat. The first thing that makes me conscious of my body is when clothes don't fit the way they used to. I think having an adjustable garment like this will take a lot of stress off my mind
As someone who struggles to get my hems straight, that adjust-from-the-waist trick using an elastic is going to be revolutionary! Can't wait to make one of these skirts in a cozy flannelette for winter :D
I've always had to use belts to adjust the droopy hem on my stretched out waist costume skirts with edge deco. I never thought about adjusting the length from the waist permanently!
this is also very similar to hanfu skirt construction, reminiscent of the Tang dynasty under the skirt/dress layer, depending on the dynasty in question the ¨skirt¨ construction would be worn as more as a dress or a skirt which was under other outer jackets and other garments.
You're giving 'responsible-ish experienced chaos goblin' and I love it. YOLO sewing is my favorite; happy to find someone else who sews with the 'eh, it'll still do that I need it to do' mindset. Love it!
You have turned sewing into something... not absolutely terrifying. You attitude towards teaching makes me feel so capable, like 'hey! If its not perfect, it'll still be wearable, don't stress!' Thank you so, so, so much. I have just completed the pleats on this project and my seamstress friend said they look good! Sewing had always been something I have desperately wanted to do, but it has always seemed too complicated and precise and intimidating. Thank you for bringing things back to basics, and making me feel capable! Edit: I just want to stress, i was so nervous about doing pleats. They sounded so tricky!!! And then you just were like 'if it looks even to you, it'll look even to everyone else' and i relaxed. I still measured them out, but i wasnt nearly as worried!
You actually said penultimate. Love great vocabulary! I don't even sew but I'm willing to learn just because listening to you makes me feel smarter. (Not something I can say for many people on RU-vid. )
You're the first person I hear making clear that the widest part of our hip may not be exactly your bum, but your thighs, which is my case, so I'm glad to know I've been measuring correctly taking that into account and measuring my butt not exaclty at the center but a little below still catching it as it's widest + the top of my thighs due to cellulite. Thanks!
I've been considering making a skirt like this since I saw one online (can't remember now, who made it). I think one in wool, that is at least ankle length would be great to wear over my uniform trousers in winter to help keep my legs warm from the drafts that blow in the door of the school bus I drive. I'd be interested in a second and a third episode on this skirt - the getting weird one sounds particularly titillating.
Ah, I never minded winter drafts, ol Bessie had a great heater. It was summer heat w/ no AC that killed me. But then, I was driving my bus in Georgia (US). Also, they make you wear a uniform?!?! Ugh, that's naft.
It does. Use wool if you can . I used an old wool blanket (with check I had to match up thats as hell sp I advice pláin!!!) And it is my go to for winter cos I can throw it on over my pants ..mine is almost circle skirt type...I made another shorter less full one as well out of a fluffy wool blanket and they are just so cosy...I had lined with silk but the lining kept ripping so I ripped it out. I want to make a similar wrap cardigan that I can throw on too like a shawl but more fitted around the waist kinda.
@@thevirtualtravelerI got suspended for wearing leggings on the public bus and " defaming the school name" we had a short skirt in IRELAND in winter and I was travelling from another country at 6am in the morning! Hate school!! I also got suspended for " leaning on" the radiator ....while standing next to a radiator to not freezer to death. Jeez!
I'm in the process of loosing weight, but still want to have cute handmade vintage looking clothes. I always refrained because I didn't want to buy fabric and make it just to have it not fit me anymore in a few months. So this is such a life saver, thank you so much !!!
Loved the video and your easygoing attitude. "If it looks even to you, it will probably look even to everybody else." My kind of girl! I've got a bunch of fabric that I "need" to use. I definitely feel a skirt project coming on!
In the 1970’s there was a new fashion item nearly every week. I remember a full length A-framed woollen tartan skirt being in fashion and it was so elegant and warm in winter. 50 years later I think this skirt would be a great tartan full length skirt, particularly for bigger ladies plus it would be so comfortable. And it could be a new fashion. It would also be good to show how to make a full length waisted petticoat. 👍
The way you talk would be enough to make me subscribe to a funny, witty channel; then the tutorial itself was very good and down-to-earth and I liked this as well :-) Thank you and please consider your content to be clicked twice!
This is the best tutorial for making this skirt style! I have to add that vintage Mexican circle skirts also use this form of waistband, using a half circle for front and one for back.
Yup I made a petticoat base on the American Duchess book. Promptly made a second and wanted to know why I would ever make skirts a different way! These are so freaking comfortable!
I’m obviously not going to do this as I live in jeans, but I would just like to congratulate you on your historical acumen, craftsmanship and excellent taste. There should be more people like you.
If you just do one side, selvage to selvage, would make an excellent apron. Heavy duty fabric, add some patch pockets and tool loops, kapow - good gift for any gender
Excellent explaination. Probably the best and simplest I have seen. You can make the pleats with a fork btw and as somebody with wide hips and a butt, I recommend starting with a back panel that is 3-5 cm longer than the front.
Glad to come across this. Please don't bother with imperial; I'm a disgruntled American who was soooo excited for metric as a kid. Just to be disappointed, just like the rest of my childhood 😑 The more things are in metric, the better! Bring it💪 Please😁
This is exactly what I was looking for! I want to start sewing a skirt, but was overwhelmed with all the patterns and the mock ups and all … thank you so much!
Fantastic idea, I do love an easy skirt. Now I'm off to see what material I have in my stash, another skirt coming up. Oh yes, part two and three please.
I like you. You explain shiz the way my grandmother used to. (I promise this isn't intended as an insult) You're very matter-of-fact, systematic and cover all possible contingencies.
I have a couple sweat pants with an adjustable tied waist, they always fit. They tie on the inside. I find a skirt/dress is easier for bathroom breaks without exposing female parts. Since abdominal surgery, I no longer wear my former clothes, this looks just the ticket. I already drew a little picture, piece of cake. Thank you for your instructions.
I was today years old, when I found myself watching this gem of a video. sassy, snarky, and quite lovely, while sharing this genius approach! I like you, lady! thank you for this video ❤
I never knew what kind of skirt this was until I saw your video. When I was a girl, my mother gave me a beautiful black skirt made like this. It had a Mayan sort of pattern painted in white all around from the hem to about 8 inches below the waist. My maternal grandfather had brought this skirt back to my mother from a trip, and she’d worn it all her life until I came to the age that I could wear it. I then wore it until it became quite worn in my late 20s. There was a white cotton peasant blouse with handmade lace ruffles around the neck. I loved both! I think I’ll make one now. I remember how nice it was to be able to wear it at different ages and sizes. Thank you so much for your easy-to-follow video.
Yes, please do a part two! I would love to see pockets and maybe also different pieces of fabric used together. Also, how about a circle skirt with or without pleats? But I suspect that will not be zero waste anymore
I saw someone say use a round tablecloth for a circle skirt. That would be very little waste and the circle cut out could be made into a placemat, potholder or something I'm thinking.
Love, love, love this! Have been wanting to make a similar skirt since I saw Shannon Makes' version. Your explanation is elegant and fun. I was thinking split skirt/culotte (secret pants) might be a good variation if the crotch seam is low so it doesn't need a lot of fitting. Also, the option of "take the basic form and get really weird with it" is always going to get my vote!
This is very like some fisherman's pants I wanted, but which didn't fit me when a friend made them. Your way of adjusting the hem would probably have made all the difference.
Havent sewn in … (😂) (probably more years than you have lived! Jeeeeez i’m ooooold! 😂). in 40 years! Back then i sewed 16:23 MY clothes and occasionally a matching shirt for my 5 kids. THIS is so Simple! LOVE IT! And yea, a second one about pockets wud be Great! (I am a functional kinda person, why i marry folks who can decorate )
Just WOW !!!! 🤩 Your knack for articulately explaining sewing procedure is amazing - your ability to keep it straightforward and concise is outstanding !!! So often advanced sewers forget the struggles of the novice - or just don’t know how to coherently lay out the problems & solutions. Where have you been until now? Video is clearly your forte - I anticipate Determined Sewers of the World to flock to you!!! 🙌🏻
Thanks for spreading the word about the split side skirts! I’ve been making and wearing them for a couple years now. My clothing is 18th century inspired, I make my skirts about mid-calf length, I always wear two skirts and wear an 18th century style pocket in between, I find that 10 inch long openings on the side work great. I tie the back panel to the side a bit, not right on my belly, ‘cause I already have more belly than butt😜 Getting the pleats juice right is the most difficult part.
I have no idea how or why this video popped up in my feed, but it was absolutely what I needed. I have minimal sewing skills and I'm trying to figure out how to use the 1950s era sewing machine I inherited. However, I'm confident that I could actually make this skirt, because im unable to find anything in the stores or online that I like. My ears perked up at your comment that one "could add a train." What an absolute genius idea to hide an uneven rear hem! A rear panel, not quite the width of the skirt, could be added to the back and drape down 6-8" or more. A contasting color, pattern or even fabric could be extremely intriguing.
This is great! I'm not really comfortable wearing skirts anymore but I'm thinking of making a pair of very ✨️extra✨️ fancy trousers with this kind of waistband situation. I'd like to add that it might be easier to get the look you want by deciding the width of your pleats instead of the number, just because it's easier to visualise a small measurement than mentally dividing a larger one. It might take a little more math but here's what I would do: 1/2 of waist measurement / pleat width = number of pleats. You may have to do some futzing since you're unlikely to get an exact and even number of pleats but the extra can go into the knife pleat at the center (very historical) and/or to the sides as overlap. You can also make the width of your pleats slightly bigger or smaller to see if you get closer to a usable number. Then you take 1/2 the width of your skirt (minus any extra that you've put at the sides or center) / your even number of pleats = length of fabric going into each pleat. And there you go!
I’d love to hear how the trousers turn out! I have some fabric I’m thinking of making into either a skirt or loose pants. I’ve never tried making pants, so it would be nice to first try a less precise method like this one!
My brain is also trying to think how to make trousers out of this waistband concept. I mean, I've made jeans 'jogging' pants before with a drawstring waist, but this might be easier!
Great Tutorial! I love 18th Century fashion, but I am not someone who would dress in historic clothing. This skirt looks so easy to make yet so full and femine. I love it! You explained all the steps so clearly and showed so many different options!
This was brilliant! I have one, and it was indeed very easy to make and it is very comfortable. From an old duvet cover, the stiffness of the fabric helps it look nice and big. And now I want more. For mine I only made the pleats towards the hips, so the front is flat, back as well. I find that most flattering on my figure.
It occurs to me that many duvet covers are made with different fabrics front and back - so if you kept the double layer, with a little attention to the finishing details, you could have a reversible skirt. Hmm, I think I have a couple of thifted duvets in my stash ...
Great video! I will definitely be making at least one! I would love a part 2 for some advice on pockets, and would also enjoy whatever weirdness you can think of.
Ash, I hope I can call you that if it's to familiar please forgive me, but your tutorial for these skirts is honestly amazing. You are a good teacher and I appreciate the effort you have put into this tutorial in specific and your channel in general. Pocket is hilarious to one who has made tie on pockets so stupid easy. 🤣 ❤ Fantastic job
Thanks to the great algorithm to show me your channelt! As a seamstress I always tend to overcomplicate my projects. I really love your "the simpler, the better" vibes!
This is so good! As a sewer from childhood as my mum laid a frock on the floor and cut around, then sewed on my grandmothers aunts treadle machine from the 1860s, I learned needlework and pattern drafting at 13 at school, specialising in collars, neck measured by tape, folded in half for half neck, the intelligent sewers approach, and in sleeves, loving the proper set in sleeve head and all the variants. Now as I have slimmed down from 17 years of steroids back toward my athletic leaness plus curve, I can made a pencil skirt this way in tweed or fine wool or linen to cope with my reversion from current 34” waist on the way back down. A higher waist skirt made this way just uses a wider ribbon, being somewhat preppy that will be fine, as well the ties from the ties can be tapered if need be if the fabric is thick. If tied in front as feature the front tie could be lined and stiffened , then slit with a buttonhole and the other end put thru and folded round like a Marant leather belt. This would give a designer tweak. Your mentioning pockets gladdens my heart. A pencil skirt should have pockets. A wide delight needs pockets. So pretty, love the silk skirt with the big bow. Thank you for posting this, it’s wonderful to hear dressmaker talk which other RU-vidrs on sewing don’t do.
Despite my first attempt being made in a rush the night before my visit to the Renaissance Faire, it turned out pretty well! Watching the video again without being in a rush showed me exactly where my mistakes were, and I’m so excited to make a whole bunch of these-this time without a rapidly approaching deadline! Thank you so much for this video! Every step is so clear and approachable!
I absolutely love this! I love that everything is "eh, measurements dont really matter". I am currently looking up some fabric. I think a red one and I have some black fabric with unicorns that needs a purpose. Thank you for this. Looking forward to your next vids
Omg, THANK YOU. I've been looking for any kind of reference/tutorial to make this kind of simple "apron-front" type skirt ever since I learned this was an easy way to make a skirt that was both eternally adjustable and allowed for access to detachable pockets.
A new subscriber from Ireland. I have a couple of metres of lovely wool fabric and I might just make this design for my skirt. Saves a lot of cutting out and arithmetic. Much quicker and winter is on it's way.
Yes, definitely Part 2, please ❤ I’d like pockets and a circle skirt. I’d like some cottage core mid century type additions to my wardrobe, but fluctuating waist measurements isn’t making it practical or budget friendly. Thanks for your video, some excellent info to be getting on with ❤️
I would love a part two with anything. And a part three if you think of something. Plus a boxy top with sleeves and straight lines of the Chinese labourer style that made in black linen works really well with soft skirts.
New subscriber here, would love a part 2 please! I’m fed up with things not fitting me but I’m an absolute sewing beginner and don’t have the confidence for anything too advanced, but I reckon I can do this. Thank you!
The nice thing about sewing is you can keep ripping it out and trying again. As a somewhat experienced sewist, I'm very good friends with my seam ripper. Good luck on your journey, you can do it!
