Pillowcase Skirt - A tutorial

Ever wonder what skirt we make in kids camp?

This quick and easy skirt is a staple project in our kid classes at Five Eighth Seams. It is also a skirt my daughters love to wear.

The measurement for this skirt is simple.

2 pieces

Cut 1 piece for the skirt & 1 piece for the band at the bottom. 

WIDTH- both pieces

For the width of the pieces I usually just use the width of the fabric to make it easy. Plus, the smaller and younger you are, the more gathers you should have in your skirt, right? If you do not want to use the width of the fabric, use at least 1.5 x the waist measurement. For a 20" waist you would need at least 30" for the width. You only need more then the width of fabric if the waist is over 30" then cut 2 of each piece instead of 1. This is also true if you are making an adult version of this skirt.

BAND Height

1. Decide how wide of a band you would like. ( I always use 4" for anyone 6 and over and 2-3" for any one younger, just to make it easy). ______________

2. Take the number, double it and add 1" ( 4=9, 3=7, 2=5) ________________ This will be the height of your band piece.

For 6 and over I always cut 9" just to make it a simple quarter yard of fabric. This will make a 4" band.

SKIRT Height

1. Measure from the waist to where you would like the skirt to end. ___________

2. Subtract the first band dimension (-4 for example)  ____________

3. add 1.5" for elastic and seam allowance. , 2.5" for adults _______________ This will be the height of your skirt piece.

For most 6-8 year olds I always cut 12" just to make it a simple 1/3 of a yard of fabric.  For older kids I use 3/8 or 1/2 yard.

Attaching the Band

Now that you are cut out there are 2 ways to make a pillowcase skirt: hotdog method and a regular seam. This is a personal preference. I will be honest, usually I do the hotdog method when I am giving them as gifts as the seam is concealed, but for my girls or when I really am in a hurry I just do a basic seam.

Here is a picture of how they look different on the inside of the skirt.

Hotdog Method. - Concealed Seam directions

1. Right Side up lay down your band fabric. If you are using directional fabric, lay it so that design is upside down, right side up.

2. Lay down your skirt fabric right side down, bottom raw edge matching the raw edge of your band. You will not be able to see your band any longer.

3. Starting at the top, roll the skirt fabric down until you can see half of your band fabric.

4. Fold the top of the band fabric down, matching the raw edges together. You will have 3 layers of fabric. Pin the three layers together, make sure you do not catch the rolled fabric (your hotdog).

5. Sew a 1/2" seam all the way down the raw edge. Make sure you do not catch the rolled hotdog.

6. If you would like to finish the edge you can however, it will be encased so you do not have to.

7. Pull the hotdog out of the bun (the skirt out of the band).

8. Press.

Regular Seam-  directions

1. Press your band fabric wrong sides together down the long side.

2. Lay down your skirt fabric right side up, lay your band down matching the raw edges. Pin

3. Sew a 1/2" seam and finish the raw edge. Press the band down.  That's it.

Sew the side seam

1. Folding the skirt over, right sides together, match the side seam. I suggest making sure the bottom of the band lines up. I like to fold the bottom corner over. Sew inside the selvage - any seam allowance will do.

2. Finish the edge, making sure the bottom corner is folded. I like to use Fray Check on the bottom of my serge.

Create a casing

1. Fold over the top raw edge about 1/4". I just eyeball this, just trying to be consistent. Press.

2. Fold the edge over a second time about 1/2" or a little larger then your elastic. If I am making an adult skirt, I fold it over an inch. Use your elastic to measure this.

3. Top stitch the casing down using a little longer stitch. Make sure you stay close to the bottom folded edge. Leave an opening to put the elastic in.

4. Cut your elastic. I cut 1" shorter then the waist measurement. (If a 20" waist, I cut 19")

4. Thread the elastic through using a safety pin. Sew the elastic together at the end. (I use a zig zag for this). Pulling the skirt flat, sew together your hole shut.

That's it!  Your skirt is complete!

Three cute skirts made in 6-8 year old class by three even cuter girls.

Fabiana showing off the skirt she made in her first real sewing class

The final 2 skirts