As the year draws to a close, for many of us thoughts are turning to what to wear to our New Years Eve celebrations. I’m such a sucker for dressing up, eating to excess and generally welcoming in the New Year with a sore head. What could be better than doing it all wearing something you made yourself? And when that something is a glittering, shimmering sequin maxi wrap skirt? It might just be the best night of the year. Definitely something you’ll remember long after the memories of that midnight kiss with a prince (fingers crossed) or a frog (more than likely) have faded.
You need:
– Sequin fabric measuring 1.5 x your waist in length (and 62in in width). It’s best to pick a sequin in a matte colour like bronze or copper for a subtle and less brassy style.
– Velvet ribbon
– Snap buttons
– Instant bond sewing tape (like this)
– Needle and thread
Click below to read more!
I’ve wanted to make a sequin maxi skirt for quite some time but haven’t had time to spend carefully sewing all the edges. Luckily I stumbled upon instant bonding fabric tape, which acts like double sided tape but had the necessary stretch for fabric. Usually I wouldn’t be into these quick fixes (preferring to sew where possible) but this one seemed too good not to try with tricky sequins, and so I used it to finish the hems and side edges. If you have more time I definitely encourage machine or hand sewing the edges of your skirt so it lasts longer, but if you’re working to a New Years Eve deadline, bonding tape might be just the ticket!
How to:
Below is the basic pattern for your skirt. It’s super simple and there are only a few basic steps – I took the sequin fabric, made sure it was the right length and width for my body, finished the edges with instant bonding tape, then added velvet ribbon to tie in a bow at the back and finally snap buttons so it all stayed in place nicely.
2. Once you’ve cut the piece of fabric to size (everyone’s body is different so play around and trim where necessary), run the instant tape along the hems and side edges of the fabric, about 5cm/2.5in in from the edge.
3. Remove the plastic backing the whole way along.
4. Fold the edge over and press firmly onto the tape. For best results, fold over twice so no raw edge is showing.
5. Do this all the way around the edges of the fabric, folding the sequins if you are dealing with the cut edge. The fabric should end up looking a little like the image below.
6. Now you are going to attach the velvet ties which will make sure the skirt is nice and tight around the waistband. Cut the velvet in half (run a lighter/match along the cut edge to stop fraying). Wrap the skirt around you and at the back pin the velvet ties in place, tying in a bow to check how it sits. Once you are sure they are sitting in the right place, use your needle and thread to sew the velvet ribbon on.
7. Each side of the velvet ties should look like this. I sewed a few lines to reinforce the two pieces.
8. Sew the snap buttons on using the needle and thread. The pattern at the top shows where I put the buttons, but it is indicative and the easiest way to check where the buttons should go is by putting the skirt on, tying the velvet ribbon and using pins to mark where the buttons should attach on both top ends of the fabric. Make sure to sew the buttons the right way up so they press together properly.
9. The back of your skirt waistband should look like this once it is done, with one side sitting over the top and one on the underside, both button down nicely.
And there you go! Such a simple piece for party celebrations, I love pairing mine with a silk midriff top or slouchy singlet and simple black flats.
I hope you all have amazing holiday celebrations that sparkle as much as the sequins you’re wearing!
