Pleated skirts have, for years, been the type of project I would avoid – all that maths seemed way too hard to deal with.
Not because I didn’t like maths, but more from the perspective of ‘why would I do maths on my weekend’ sort of situation. However, recently we took some time out in the studio to figure out a way to do pleats as easily as possible, and we came up with this approach – it was actually very simple. Shock horror! It takes a little bit of precision, which frankly isn’t something I enjoy, but the result was well worth it, trust me.
Stay tuned to my instagram to see how I wear it at Sydney Fashion Week today!
Wearing: J Crew tank and heels, Khaki skirt, Dylan Kain bag.
DIY Pleated Midi Skirt
For this project, we wanted to created a piece of pleated fabric that would go all the way around my waist, so all we had to do was put a zip at the back, rather than sewing three pieces together. This may not be the traditional way to do it but we found it much easier. SO when you buy your fabric make sure it is around 3 times in length (and suitable in terms of drop or width to be midi) of your waist size so you can make the pleats. For the cotton fabric, I found I needed at least 3m (3.3 yards).
1
First we're going to create the pleats in the fabric. Take your piece of fabric and fold it in half length ways to find the middle - this is the mid point which all your pleats are going to face towards.
2
So we have chosen 10cm (4 inches) as the pleat size, but you can use any size you like. Using your chalk, mark 10cm on either side of the centre point and then continue these interval marks all the way along the edge of the fabric.
3
To make the pleats, take the second marked point, (20cm/8' from the centre point), fold it over and line it up with the centre point to create your first pleat. Pin it in place.
10
Fold the skirt in half with the right side facing each other and pin in place. Start from the bottom and sew along the open edge leaving room for a zip at the top.
13
Hand sew a hook and eye to the top of your zip. Lastly, hem the bottom of the skirt by folding the edge under by 1cm and sewing along the edge.
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Outfit photos by Nicola Lemmon
it’s so cute!
http://hashtagliz.com
This is so cute. I really wish I was experienced at sewing so I could do this. Did you learn on your own or take any classes?
-Amanda
http://www.blissfulgal.com
Cannot believe you made that skirt! Love love love everything from the fit to the colour; thanks for sharing! <3
http://chezstella.com
you are so talented and your DIYs are beyond amazing! x
Marveling-Mind☀
Stunning skirt!
Ahhh….you make it look so simple! Great piece!!!
Laura
http://www.24-7style.com
love this! if I wanted to make it floor length how many yards of fabric would I need?
I would have bought it right off your hands if you’d been selling it.
I can’t believe you made this skirt!! You make it look so easy! The last time I tried to use a sewing machine it was a huge failure, they are really hard!! Great job, I love this!!
Wow! It looks great. Might be time to dust off my sewing machine 🙂
Jacqui | Effloresscyon
WOW this is gorgeous! I could never do this my self! Great post Xo
I love this! Putting it on my list of things to sew. So classic. Very Audrey.
Sooo… can I pay you to make a skirt for me??
Wow, so talented! Love it, specially the color 🙂
http://www.aconstellationjournal.com
Very pretty 🙂
http://thejoycediaries.blogspot.com
the skirt looks amazing! great work!
http://jeansandroses.blogspot.com/
The skirt looks great, you looks great! I can remember a picture of Babe Paley in a similar skirt.
The color fits you very good. Skirt is elegant as well as casual, depending on the styling.
I will try to do it for me, it is a must have piece – thanks for sharing it.
Beautiful 🙂
http://sbr-fashion-fashion.blogspot.com/
Wow what a gorgeous skirt, and so easy. Thanks for a great tutorial, definitely trying this one 🙂
Came out GORGEOUS!! <3
xo
Maggie A
http://www.lovemavin.com
I can’t believe you made this, it looks so AMAZING! The color, length, the whole outfit is just perfect :). And you make it look so simple, I wish I could sew like that.
gorgeous skirt
kisses
Ewelina
chiclifestyleofewelina.blogspot.com
OMG! You are GOOD at this….wish I were…
Wow, perfectly done! The skirt looks so pretty.
Jules x
Always love your tutorials. They’re so detailed! And once again a great end result 😉 xx
http://www.creativityandchocolate.com
your skirt is so beautiful and amazing, you make it look so simple, i will try to make mine too and i will let you know if i succeed. thank you so much for sharing!
oh girl you are a genius making DIY!!! love this
https://aspoonfulofnature.wordpress.com/
Love this outfit I have a very similar skirt and always looking for new ways to wear it especially now with spring
This skirt is just gorgeous and looks so elegant on you! Your instructions are unbelievably easy to follow, even for people like me who have a somewhat tense relationship with the sewing machine. I’m seriously considering making this for myself in a pretty floral fabric — voluntarily sewing a garment for myself is not something I ever thought I’d consider!
tallgirlsfashion.no
That seems gorgeous! Sewing seems to be of high quality work and the cloth is a very elegant one 😉
I adore the length of this skirt and the color! You have such a fabulous eye for design.
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
Amazing tutorial!
Love,
Your Silk & Salt Team
http://www.silk-salt.com
Instagram is for pictures, YouTube is for videos, Silk & Salt is for blogposts
This is just gooooood!
Wonderful!
Really nice
SO beautiful!! Perfect color of material! 🙂 Love love love your DIY projects!
http://www.julitastefashion.com/
Keeping this one for future reference!
[…] DIY PLEATED MIDI SKIRT, by A Pair & A Spare […]
Wow you are so talented! this skirt looks high fashion 🙂
http://www.liveshoptravel.com/bright-pattern-heels-and-statement-top/
What sewing machine do you use?
Great outfit. I love this midi length.
skirt is stunning, doesn’t sound too difficult. It sounds like less math than the silly fully skirt I made at the weekend!
Lauren
livinginaboxx
I’m in love with it!!!
thank you for sharing ideas… i will find time to do this…
that skirt is so awesome! its incredible how you made this skirt from scratch! I think dressmaking needs to become a new hobby of mine because I am blown away with the skill involved to make this beautiful skirt! it looks amazing on you! 🙂
http://lavinyaroyes.blogspot.com
[…] This DIY pleated midi skirt is gorgeous and looks so professional. Maybe this this can be my uniform […]
You look stunning sooooooo beautiful and sophisticated! I just want to go and start sewing again. Great job!
Wish I could do this (but I don’t have a sewing machine with me now *sigh*)
Emily
http://www.monodays.blogspot.com
Love it & love your simple instructions! I have Ankara fabric and plan to use it for my own pleated skirt!
Can I hire you as my in house designer?!?!
DIY LUSH BATH BOMBS + DEMO // ROSE, GLITTER, NEBULA + COLOR CHANGING
What a lovely skirt! I wish I knew how to sew! I was thinking of acquiring a sewing machine but I have no idea how to get started on learning the art of sewing. Do you have any tips? Is there a way to self-learn or should I look for some classes?
Just wondering if you think this pattern would work for this material? http://www.happilygrey.com/personal-style/reading-fortunes/
Wow, you are so talented! I think whilst all girls love clothes, so few can actually make something themselves! You’ve done it beautifully!
x
http://unasrandomfashion.com
[…] So impressed with this DIY pleated midi skirt, looks amazing […]
The perfect skirt! Definitely
Lots of love, xx
http://www.marysreturn.com
http://www.marysreturn.com
Omg I just love these ideas! They are so cute 🙂 and fashioned!
[…] This skirt […]
This is awesome! thank you for sharing:)
[…] Pleated Midi Skirt // A Pair & A Spare […]
That is such a beautiful piece!
If anyone wants to know how to make a pencil midi skirt check out my youtube channel AzuraTv!
Heres the link to the midi skirt video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sF4Jmo1hKI
Happy Sewing xxx
Wow, I didn’t know that the plated skirt is easy to make. Many thanks for the helpful post! I’m gonna make one for myself. xx
I like this skirt but long to the floor and more pleats and pockets on both sides maybe and underlined patticoat
cool
Gorgeous!
you make it seems so easy. but i will try although im a zero in sewing, lol. thanks for sharing
This is so nice and very explanatory.
[…] Get tutorial […]
This is beautiful! How long should the zipper be? And how wide should I make this, same measurement of my waist?
How would this work if your fabric already had pleats
This is elegant. I am sure the fabric exchange has so many choices of fabric for this kind of project.
Are the pleats only in the front?