Handkerchief Skirt

Isn't this super cute?  How about my cute models Ella and Abby?  One of the things I love most is that it cost me less than $5 to make!  This is made with the same basic design as a circle skirt.  Note--this only works for little girls, babies, or really big handkerchiefs.  Are you ready?

Materials/Supplies

• Scissors
• Thread & sewing machine
• 1 inch wide elastic
• 2 handkerchiefs
• Pencil
• Measuring tape & calculator (or math brain)
• Pins

Directions

1. The first thing you need to do is measure the waist this skirt is going on.  The two cute sisters I made these for both have a waist measurement of 22 inches.  From there, I add 2 inches, so my number is now 24.
2. Take the new measurement and divide by 6.28.  This makes my new number 3.82.
3. Round down to the nearest quarter inch, so my final number is 3.75 inches.
4. Fold your handkerchiefs into quarters (half and half again).

5. Tie some thread around the pencil.  Measure out a length of thread matching your final measurement (remember mine was 3.75 inches) and hold that point at the center point of your handkerchief.  Trace a semi-circle on your handkerchief using the pencil attached to the string.
6. Cut out the part you just drew.  I have this nifty little circle cutting tool, so I just put the point into the center point of my handkerchief and rotate the blade to cut out.  When you are finished, you should have cut a circle out of the center of your handkerchief.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the other handkerchief.
8. Open both handkerchiefs and place one on top of the other (both with right sides facing up) so that the points alternate.  I actually took this picture after I had sewn them together because I forgot to ahead of time.

9. Pin together and sew using a sewing and binding stitch.

10. Sew your elastic into a waistband fitting your original measurement (22).  Make sure to sew edges flat so they don't poke out.

11. Pin the waistband to the skirt.  First pin two opposite sides.  Then split the middle and pin.  Continue until you have the entire skirt pinned.

12. Sew waistband to skirt.  Be sure to stretch the elastic to fit the fabric as you sew.  Stand back and admire your work.

I will be linking up to these link parties.