Ariel Wrap Skirt - Free sewing patterns

If you thought sewing a practical yet fashionable skirt with 1m of fabric was only the stuff of dreams, think again! Amanda Walker’s tulip design can be achieved with just one metre of jersey, and is a wonderful starting project for beginner stitchers as you’ll discover how to conquer pattern matching and sewing a waistband, plus we’ll show you how to attach hemming web – a miracle product which makes dressmaking that little bit easier!

Essentials

Jersey, 1m (150cm)
Elastic, 3cm wide
Fusible hemming web

Cutting guide

Front: cut one pair
Back: cut one on the fold
Waistband: cut one
Binding: cut two strips, 3cm x 82cm
1.5cm seam allowance used throughout, except on the curved wrap over edge where 1cm is used.

Dimensions List

Sizes 8-20

1 Download and cut the pattern, then fold three pleats at the top of each front skirt piece. Bring the two outer edges of each pleat together, and fold through the centre to lay them towards the side seam on the right side. Stitch the top of the pleats to secure.

2 Fold the binding in half lengthways and pin in place along the curved edges – do not stretch. Sew the binding in place with a 1cm seam allowance, then neaten it close to the stitching line. Press the binding to sit out from the edge of the skirts. Lay the front right side piece on top of the left to form the tulip shape, then pin across the waistline and stitch.

3 Neaten the base of the back skirt, then lay it on top of the front, right sides facing. The back skirt will be 3cm longer than the front pieces. Pin and stretch-stitch down each side, then neaten the seam allowances. Join the two ends of the waistband with a 1.5cm seam allowance, leaving a gap in the stitching line, then fold the band in half lengthways, wrong sides facing. Match the centre back of the skirt waistline to the waistband seam. Pin in place, stretch the band to fit the waistline and stretch-stitch together. Neaten the seam allowances.

4 Cut a piece of elastic that fits comfortably around your waist and add 2cm. Hook a safety pin to one end and thread the elastic through the waistband, entering and exiting through the gap in the stitching line. Overlap the two ends and sew together. Pull the elastic inside the waistband and hand slip-stitch the gap closed.

5 Fold and press a 3cm hem at the base of the back skirt, stick in place with hemming web, and machine-stitch it so that the hemline is aligned with the edge of the binding on the front skirt pieces.