In this video, i’m going to show how to take the simple A-line pattern and turn it into a skirt with a waistband on it. It’s super easy to do, you will wonder why you have it done it yet. They are fun, easy, and casual. Just like the A-line pattern, you can change the length. I personally love mine long, but you can make it t-length, short, or sassy. You won’t have the pinch of elastic that some people do not like, so let’s begin!
Supplies:
1. A-line Pattern
2. Scissors
3. Sharpie
4. Ruler
Directions:
1. Mark the Band Line and Cut
To begin, take the base A-line pattern that I already showed you how to make in the previous video, or you can buy one at the store and we will modify it. On this pattern, you have room for a hem on the bottom. You have measured how you want the hem to be. The material has to be something that stretches, I personally prefer working with cotton jersey. I am going to have a 3 inch band so I will put a dot marking it. We need to allow seam allowance, not including the elastic line. Then we go back up, I like to go with a half inch when you are using a regular straight stitch machine. If you are using an overlock, you would want to use about a quarter of an inch. So now I will measure at 2 ½ inches to show you on a regular stitch machine. Now draw a line on there straight across. We will cut that off now without ruining the pattern.
2. With Fresh Piece of Paper Begin to Make Marks and Cut Pattern Out
Now we are going to work with the top piece. I like to work with half of it, not the full length. Don’t forget to always mark your patterns (A-line bottom, A-line top). If you want 3 inches, then remember you are actually going to need 6 inches plus seam allowance on both sides because you are going to fold that in half. You can do 6 or 8 inches, it is whatever feels comfortable for you. I would suggest stitching the first one together in a loose stitch so you can try it on and easily take it out. So now mark the line on the fold. Mark 6 inches at the top and bottom of paper, and make a line straight across. Add a seam allowance as well. Let’s say the waist line is 20 inches. You divide it in half and get 10 inches. Now mark the 10 inch line. So we are going to need a half an inch for seam allowance. Cut around the marked areas.
3. Use the Pattern to Create the Band
With the fabric you are going to use, fold it in half. Make sure it is straight and not at an angle. With the cutout pattern paper where it says cut on fold. Place it down right on the fold, and cut around it. I prefer to use weights over the so it allows you to cut right next to your pattern. So we cut it on the fold, and that is the waist line. It will be sewn together, folded down, and then sewn on to the skirt to create a nice band!
