I’ve had a crush on tulle skirts for quite some time now. They’re flirty, fun, and look great paired with a casual t-shirt and leather moto jacket for a stylish twist. However, they are often more expensive than I’m willing to spend. So, I decided to make one myself, customizing the length and layers to fit perfectly. Making it myself was also much less expensive. Ready to make one with me?
Supplies Needed
- Tulle
- Matching lining fabric
- Craft paper for pattern
- Fabric scissors
- Elastic for waistband (1”-1.5” thick)
- Straight pins and marking chalk
Creating the Pattern
First, decide on the length of your skirt (let’s use 22” as an example). Measure the fullest part of your hips and divide that number by 3.14. Then, divide the result by 2. For instance, if your hip measurement is 40”, the equation would be 40 ÷ 3.14 = 12.73, and then 12.73 ÷ 2 = 6.36. Round up to the nearest 1/4″ to make it easier.
Cut a large square from craft paper. From one corner, measure out your hip measurement, pivoting the ruler to make marks, and then connect the dots to create a rounded edge. Repeat the process to find the bottom of your skirt line, adding the waist measurement to your total skirt length. For example, if your waist measurement is 6.5” and your skirt length is 22”, measure out 28.5” from the same corner. Cut out the pattern.
Cutting the Fabric
Cut squares of tulle large enough to fit your pattern when folded in half twice (to make a smaller square that is 1/4 the original size). For the example dimensions, you’d need a square that’s 57” wide. The number of squares you have will determine the number of layers your skirt contains, so buy your fabric accordingly. If you can’t find tulle wide enough, sew two pieces together before cutting your square.
Fold your large square in half, then in half again. Place the pattern so the corner of the middle of the square is near the waistline. Use fabric scissors to cut along the waistline and bottom hemline. Unfold the tulle, and you should have a large tulle donut.
Assembling the Skirt
Make as many tulle donuts (layers) as you want, and cut one extra from the lining material for the bottom layer. If hemming your lining, cut it the same size as the tulle so it’s shorter when hemmed. If using a serger or fabric that doesn’t need hemming, cut it shorter to begin with. Stack your layers with the lining as the bottom layer and pin them near the waist to secure.
Creating the Waistband
Pin the elastic around your natural waist so it feels snug but not too tight. Wiggle out of the elastic and sew it together at that point. Trim the ends to 1/2” long, fold them down, pin in place, and sew to flatten them.
Mark four equal sections on the waistline of your tulle circle with marking chalk. Do the same with the inside edge of your waistband. Align the marks and pin the waistband to the top of the fabric layers at each mark.
Since the elastic waistline is likely smaller than the fabric opening, pin the middle of each gap to the middle of the elastic section, so you have eight pins holding the layers together.
Sewing the Skirt
Turn the skirt inside out and sew a few stitches near each pin holding the layers together. While the needle is in the down position, pull the elastic toward you until the fabric gap straightens out. Sew along the waistband with a 1/2” seam allowance on the fabric layers. Continue pulling the elastic and fabric straight and sewing until you’ve sewn all the way around the waistband.
Final Touches
Make sure all layers are pinned before sewing the waistband to avoid having parts of layers unsewn. If you miss any layers, you’ll have to either tack them by hand or remove the waistband and start over. Double-check to ensure all layers are properly pinned.
You can add as many layers as you want without much added cost. For my eight-layer skirt, I used 14 yards of tulle, which only cost $10.36 because it was on sale. Walking or twirling in this skirt is so much fun, and it’s a clothing item that instantly puts you in a certain state of mind. I hope you decide to make your own too!