I’ve been feeling the scuba trend for quite a few seasons now, and recently got my hands on some blush pink wetsuit/ne0prene fabric and knew it would make a great skirt. I experimented with this process and made the template from scratch, so it needed a bit of tweaking here and there, but I found neoprene to be a really simple fabric to work with, particularly given you don’t need to sew any hems, and it was stretchy enough to not have to put in a zip, yay!
Wearing: Gap Tee, DIY Skirt, Zara Heels, Dylan Kain Bag
You need:
- at least 2 metres ( 2.5 yards) of scuba/neoprene fabric around 0.5cm thick (1/4 of an inch)
- craft paper
- a pencil
- super sharp scissors
- pins
- a sewing machine
- matching needle and thread
How to:
1. Draw and up and then cut out this pattern onto craft paper. Note the pattern isn’t to scale as it will end up being bigger than A4.Just sketch it onto paper and make sure the dimensions are the same. You may also want to modify it slightly for length by adding a few cm/inches to the wider part of the template at the bottom.
2. Work out how many pattern pieces you need. They are 10cm (4 inches) wide at the top (the part that goes around your waist) so what you need to do is work out how many panels you need to go around your waist. Remember you will lose some room when you sew the seams so if need be cut an extra one. I cut 8 but ended up only needing 7 when I sewed it all together. Cut your chosen number of rectables out of neoprene bigger than the template.
3. Stack them together and pin the template on top.
4. Cut them out around the template.
5. Make sure to match the template carefully!
6. Placing the wrong side together, pin two pieces of neoprene together.
7. Pin the rest to the edges all the way around.
8. Sew all the edges together making sure to reinforce the beginning and end stitches.
9. Sew the final panels together, you won’t need a zip because you should be able to get it over your head due to the stretch in the fabric. At this point you will want to check where it sits on your and perhaps add or remove panels, I ended up removing a panel and sewing the last seam together because I wanted it to sit high on my waist.
Voila.
Btw, have to say I’m loving my new bag from Dylan Kain, a super cool brand created by my sister’s friends who live between Melbourne and New York. I have my eye on this backpack too, although, having two black leather backpacks would probably be a bit over the top (or would it…?).
Photography by Sarah Deutrom
Love this and it fits great!
vwhitneyfashion.blogspot.com
YOU’RE SO CUTE!!!
This is perfection!
So cute!
absolutely love this one!! just wondering how thick the material is and where did you get it? I don’t think I’ve seen this type of material in stores around sydney..
Where did you get the scuba fabric from?
super cute!!…
also love the heels!.
http://www.myclayexperience.com/
Super cute! I love a good DIY. I do a few of them on my blog-my fav is my Jimmy Choo DIY is called Tassel Sandal that I did last summer 🙂
This skirt looks amazing! Great DIY!
xx Nicole
http://npk-blog.blogspot.com
I love this DIY! I have to get a sewing machine
http://www.thefashionlotus.blogspot.com
OMG this is amazing – it’s absolutely gorgeous!
Oh I loooooooooooooove this skirt-DIY-project!:) It’s such an awesome and lovely fabric too – which you’ve used to create this powder-rose magic!:)
Wish you a nice day!
Bye,
NIKA Bittner
Wauw! Just amazing! I will try it this weekend! It looks so gorgeous
x
http://runfromthedesire.blogspot.nl/
Damn, what a great idea!! I’ve been wanting to make a scuba dress for ages, but the right fabric just never comes along….
xo Sabrina
Come over and check out the brand new and relaunched WHAT PIXIES WEAR!
That skirt is really beautiful. I love the color and the shape! muacks!
◈✾◈✾◈Outfit-Monas de Seda◈✾◈✾
cool DIY i like the fabric, it’s so original!!
DIY on my blog
http://www.stelstyle.com
I absolutely love this! I’m going to try it when I work out where to buy neoprene?
Lauren
livinginaboxx
Such an amazing idea, love the end result. Perfect! xx
http://www.creativityandchocolate.com
Oh wow, I’m no sewing lady but
this looks easy enough! Bookmarked!
Xx
HOO MYYY GOD!
this is insanely smart!
you’re so darn talented 🙂 it looks so cute!
xoxo, Jules
Visit my Blog Here!
amazing skirt, love it!
http://theartist-mona.blogspot.com.es/2014/01/delicious-skirt.html
This is adorable! I really must get my hands on some scuba fabric, it’s seems to be such a great fabric to work with 🙂
http://www.stainsofpaint.blogspot.com
This is such a cool DIY! Love the outcome 🙂
Beautiful! Thanks so much for the inspiration. x
This skirt is gorgeous! Great project!
Kisses
Silvia
http://bornineightytwo.com
Oh amazing, I am loving scuba fabric at the moment x
x
http://www.shades-of-style.com
Those details are gorgeous. The colour and shape are so feminine. Love it!
http://love-your-ego.blogspot.de
Your blog is truly amazing, I feel so inspired right now ! Thank you for sharing your creativity, it’s rare to find a blogger that try to inspire instead of make reader buy stuff ! I’m really happy I found your blog and hope you’ll keep update diy, you’re great ! With love
I love how simple and straightforward all your sewing project are. It makes me feel like I could actually do them. And the result is so chic!
http://www.fullbellywornsoles.com
Amazing!! I will surely try this maybe trying something longer… like 50’s style!
Thank you!
http://www.gucki.it
Totally feeling you on the scuba/neoprene, I bought a load of it in black for a project I’m working on – I love the stuff and want it in every colour! C x
http://letmeseeyourwears.com/
where oh, where did you find the neoprene? having so many issues buying some!
love this one! the texture of the neoprene and the way you shaped it are just perfect. so, do you not have to stitch the hem?
xo
n
This skirt is gorgeous, the colour and texture are perfect. Going to search for this fabric to make my own! Great post.
Little Black Russian
x
Wow, it’s beautiful, you’re an artist!!!!
http://tarragonain.blogspot.com.es
So so pretty!
I love it! ♥
This skirt is heavenly! Actually all your DIY skirts are beyond fabulous. I have plans to make my own Balenciaga inspired ruffle skirt. Thank you for so many inspiring DIY posts.
I really want this outfit, the skirt is such a nice colour but those shoes are lovely!
The stuff you’re looking for is called NEOPRENE or commonly referred to as wetsuit material, which you can purchase online if you can’t find it at a fabric store that specialises in unique fabrics. Happy sewing!
What a beautiful color!
love your blog and what you do is great.
http://blog.kathlou.com/
So pretty and a very nice idea!
I LOVE this! and the styling is perfect too!
This is so cute!
Oh my days!!! This is so cute! I really wish I was good at handicrafts and sewing. You will just have to make me one!
Love from Marbella x
http://busyburt.blogspot.com
I can not believe you made this, it is SO pretty!
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
Love love love this skirt! You are so talented! If only I could make this x
http://bffbestfootforward.blogspot.co.uk
This is so gorgeous! Such a flattering outfit for every girl! Where did you get your scuba fabric?
Can you say “too short”? Yowza girlfriend!!! We can almost see your sweet cheeks…
Hahaha it may be too short for some, but I figure as long as I’m able to wear shorter things I may as well! I’m sure in a few years the hems will started creeping down out of necessity. 🙂
It’s also very simple to make it a bit longer, all you have to do as add a few cm/inches to the bottom of the pattern. xx
Where did you find the fabric? I am having so much trouble finding it!
It looks absolutely pretty and oh so flirty!!!
that is so pretty. def gonna try it.
Where did you get the scuba fabric?
great DIY!! the skirt turned out beautifully 🙂 just as good as any high-end scuba mini
Always love your creations, Geneva, and this is no exception! Stunning, and that pink is such a beautiful colour! Thanks for the inspiration x
ohmygilded.blogspot.com
Adorable skirt! Check out http://www.withloveragan.com.
With Love Ragan offers adorable skirts just like this at great prices!
Geneva, it is official. You are a genius! This is the best DIY that you have done!
The skirt looks amazing!!
http://Www.trythisdiy.com
this is amazing! love the pale pink skirt and how you styled it! lovely outfit!!!
http://www.miouprincesslovespink.blogspot.gr
You did such a great job! Love the shape and colour and the way you styled it!
Greetings from London,
chrissabella.blogspot.com
Oh, so really cool! got to try this
This skirt is just so super adorable !
I love the structure of the fabric. When I come over something like that, I defenitely know what to do with it .
xx Julia
http://www.followthefashionrookie.blogspot.de/
wow it’s beautiful! love the shoes too! xx. gigi. http://www.gigikkitchen.com
Absolutely love this tutorial (although I don’t think I could make it look so easy!) thanks for the inspiration! Meabh
http://www.peachparade.com
where did you find this fabric!? and I dont understand how it works to put it on and off if there is to zipper! is it strechy?
I love this! Awesome DIY!
OMG! Just have to make that skirt!
[…] attempt to do this because Tammie’s sewing skills . . . well quite frankly suck! Any who this DIY tutorial for a Scuba Mini Skirt is very tempting! How cute is it […]
This skirt is soooo cute! And the color… <3
http://ladykfashionparty.blogspot.com/
Hi!, I´m from Colombia!! this Blog is just great, i love all the manual work to wear and do, Congratulation, and i like your words, now i gonna follow you sorry you are so good Ja ja. Good Luck!
This D.I.Y. I find very easy to make. I love the pink color you’ve chosen. I would wear this SCUBA mini skirt all the time in many color variations. In my opinion it would also go with flat shoes, but with high heels it has that extra edge look. I’ll definitely try it!
Hi, did you buy the material in HK? I’m here in Sheung Wan for the weekend and would love to try this DIY – if you can recommend somewhere in HK to get the material that would be so appreciated (I would love the specific stuff that you bought :)) And also, if you can recommend anywhere to buy rhinestones/jewels for DIY projects too!
You literally inspire me! I just bought the fabric to make it!
Where did you find the fabric?
[…] runway look / For Love and Lemons lookbook (check out the whole thing – no words.) / DIY Scuba mini skirt / DIY Brass and leather teardrop […]
Just Great!!! Well done!! 🙂
Kisses!
http://sherryvintage.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/b-r-u-s-s-e-l-s-d-y-1.html
This skirt is awesome. I love it sooo much! I don’t know if you can answer my question, but do you know where to buy Neoprene fabric. I cannot find it in stores in the Netherlands, but maybe you know a online store that ships to the Netherlands.
Thanks in advance!
Carlijn
it’s a beatuful skirt and look it easy
i’ going to try
Muy linda me gusto.
[…] and the innovative mind behind APairandASpareDIY. I can’t take my eyes off her “DIY Scuba Mini Skirt” post. Though the project appears to be a bit advanced to some, she sums it down step by step on […]
Nice color ! Lovely idea ! <3 Lovely photos ! Great post <3 🙂
ℓα ℒιcσrηe – ℒa vie est ℓa petite ℓicorne.
* GIVEAWAY *
I love this!
Stunning skirt silhouette! Think I may have to make this one.
http://www.tornnlife.wordpress.com
a x
I love it! Really want to try it in the next days 🙂
Wow, this is my kind of skirt – love it!!! I know it wouldn’t have the same effect, but would it work with normal fabric? Thanks 🙂
This is so cute, I’m going to think about making this in black/navy!
Regards,
Miss Eliza WonDerland
http://www.misselizawonderland.com
[…] ways to incorporate neoprene into your wardrobe, whether you’re a DIY queen trying out the homemade Neoprene skirt, a splurger ready to purchase a Louis V bag and call it a day, a TRIANGL bikini enthusiast or a […]
Can you do this with regular cotton fabric?
oh my god! you are currently my favorite human being! your diy’s are so amazing!!! love this so much 🙂 definitely going to try it
[…] DIY Scuba / Neoprene Mini Skirt […]
Would this skirt work with a different fabric as well?
I love your skirt couldn’t find the fabric would leather work as well?
Cute! It looks like wearing a little cherry blossom. Since it’s not a fitted skirt, that should allow much more breathe-ability for your skin as neoprene doesn’t tend to breathe.
Do you have an industrial machine? If not, do you know how thick this neoprene was? I’m curious as I’m planning to do some sewing w/ Neoprene.
Hello, i am not sure it is neoprene. Neoprene is not fitting in other machine than the professionnal’s one
. But it is very nice, congratulation.
This seems to be a pretty darn good tutorial. Thanks for your help and I can’t wait to try this.
I have to laugh and wonder about the making sure it fits over your head part. Why would you do that instead of making sure it fits over your hips? It also has to fit over your shoulders LOL Just how good does this stuff stretch?
As always, excellent tutorial.
[…] Falda […]
You are seriously amazing! You have inspired me in so many different ways, Thankyou! Xx
Such a pretty and easy skirt. You look gorgeous in that outfit.
Is that Suede material??
it’s pretty, so on step 6, did you pin the two piece on both sides? so, the skirt will be like, 2 layers?
[…] After a google search, I found this DIY blog with the pattern that would be able to make this skirt come alive! Check it out here. […]
Hey ! Great pattern 🙂 Took me 3 hours today to make the same, though I used a crepe fabric. I’ll make another one but much longer like a midi skirt. So nice !!! THANKS from France 🙂
Wow superb
HELP!!
I can’t find that fabric anywhere! (Scuba/neoprene)
Where did you get it??
Beautiful! Can’t wait to try it!
This website was a lifesaver for my AS level exam! I couldn’t find anything until I found this! Amazing!
Do I have to use neoprene?
[…] rigidi e sostenuti, ad esempio per una gonna a ruota o per realizzare questo modello a telini del link del tutorial di A pair and a Spare. La struttura molto rigida della stoffa fa sì che resti molto […]
[…] shopping bag. Given it’s stiffer nature, I had intended to use for a circle skirt inspired by A pair and a spare’s scuba skirt, but then opted to test out a second mesa dress this time with a midriff cut out. Tadaaaaa, you […]
Hello! I’ve linked to this and used 1 photo with photo credits & link in my DIY blog post on best no-sew DIY tutorials. Hope that’s ok! You can view the post on hapinesswherever.wordpress.com – hope that’s OK, thought this was too awesome not to share 🙂
looks like you didnt hem skirt right
I really wanna do this! I just need a sewing machine, the neoprene, and some other stuff but… Where did you get this pastel pink neoprene?!?!?!
Love it
[…] but this is a simple DIY that we could do with her, which is a bonus. Get the directions from a pair & a spare. Original image from […]
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I will most definitely be making this! i just wanna know how you would make these into shorts?