DIY: Dress to Skirt

Measure and chalk out where you would like to cut the skirt, making sure you leave 1 inch for seam allowance for when you attach the elastic. I cut higher than the desired length, and made adjustments just so I got the exact end length right. Once you are happy cut away.

Measure and cut the elastic to where you would like it to sit on your body. I went for the waist with mine but you could go lower or higher. Remember to allow for a 1.5cm crossover for when you sew it together.

Sew, using a zig zag stitch, the 2 ends of the elastic together to create a loop overlapping about 1.5cm. Go over the stitch a few times to make sure it holds together.

 
STEP 4. Dividing the Elastic

Divide the elastic into quarters and place a pin at each point. Do the same with the cut edge of the skirt. Depending on your size you should find that the elastic is a bit smaller than the circumference of the skirt.

Attach the elastic to the inside of the skirt matching the pins at each quarter of the elastic and skirt.

Using a straight stitch, place the foot at the start of one of the pins, then you will need to stretch/pull the elastic so that the fabric sits flat against it. Keeping the fabric on top of the elastic, you may begin sewing doing each quadrant at a time. Make sure you run the edge of the foot along the edge of the fabric and elastic. You can use an over-locker for this process if you have one.

Once complete you can then fold the elastic over once onto the inside and pin down, making sure the fabric stays even and doesn’t slide.

 
Step 8 The final step

You can now sew the elastic down so it sits flat. This is similar to step 6 however you will need to make sure you leave the right allowance to catch the elastic to the fabric 3/4 inch is perfect for 1 inch elastic, putting a pen mark on your sewing machine as a guide to run the edge along can help. Stretch the fabric as you are sewing to make sure the fabric doesn’t buckle. You may want to guide the other end through to allow for smooth even sewing.

Trim back any loose threads and you are done!