"band of color" tutorial

I have put together a simple tutorial for adding a band of fabric to the bottom of a girl's skirt.  This will probably be the most simplistic little how-to you will find, and I almost considered not posting it for that reason, but I decided to go ahead and just do it!  Who knows, maybe someone can get some mileage out of this!

I discovered that photographs for tutorials should NOT be taken at night because the lighting available is terrible.  I apologize for the dark, yellowish pictures beforehand!

I started with an easy (super-easy, actually) skirt pattern (Simplicity 9854)and I simply added some co-ordinating fabric on the bottom.  I did it to add color, but you could also do it to add length like the Diva did here with some ribbon.  You may be able to get another season of wear out of your little girl's too-small clothes by doing this!

If you going to try this, be sure to let me know if you have any questions!

Step 1:  After cutting out my pattern, I simply cut two pieces of fabric equal to the bottom pieces of the skirt.  I cut the pieces 5 inches wide. 

If you are doing this on an already-sewn skirt, cut out your pieces equal to the bottom edge of the skirt, but add 5/8 inch of length for each seam that you will sew on the sides.  (If you cut one long piece, just add 1X5/8, but if you cut two pieces, add 2X5/8 inch).

Step 2:  Next I sewed my seams on the band equal to the seams on the skirt (5/8 inch) so that two pieces ended up to be equal in length.

Step 3:  Easy step!  Simply iron your seams open on both pieces.

Step 4:  Now you will pin the band to the bottom of the skirt with right sides together.  The pieces should fit nicely, but if you end up uneven, just add a little tuck or a small gather to make it fit.  Sew all the way around the edge with a 1/4 inch seam.

---As usual when it comes to sewing clothes, I had to rip out this whole seam when I discovered that I sewed one right side to one wrong side!  Practice makes perfect!?!

Step 5:  Another easy step! Iron your seam open with the seam pointing down towards the bottom of the skirt.

Step 6:  Turn up a small edge of the band (1/4 inch) and iron it in place.

Step 7:  Fold the band up and pin it in place to just cover the seam.  Iron before you sew to make sure that it fits well.  Again, if you need to, just add a small tuck or gather to make this fit.

Step 8:  Sew the band in place as close to the edge as possible.

You should end up with something like this:

Happy sewing!

Comments

[heidi]

very well written my dear! i suck at writing tuorials so you have my eternal envy! sending this to my sis who i can't seem to explain this concept to.

[Karyn]

I'm glad you posted this tutorial!! I've purchased fabric for three new pairs of pj bottoms and I think it would be fun to add a "band of colour" to the bottom of the jammies!!! Thanks a lot!!!

[Carrie]

This is such a great idea when my girls skirts get a little to short! Thank You!

[Marsha]

Hey, I need simple!!! Thanks for the idea-- even though I don't have girls, I have friends who have girls. Surely someone will be my guinea pig, er... willing participant.

[Amber]

How Cute! ....Thanks for the link love:-)Maybe One day I will venture into sowing something from the start.

[Silly Me (JoyfulChaos)]

this will definitely help me. i'm so new to sewing. and i've been thinking about doing this to some of my girl's stuff!

[Tracy]

Nice and easy tutorial...And your finished skirt offers much inspiration--thanks! :o)

[Elise]

Love this idea for extending the life of a skirt - and the modesty! :)

[Elise]

Love this idea for extending the life of a skirt - and the modesty! :)

[Janice]

Perfect timing! I am a pretty basic sewer and am making something for friends of ours who just brought their daughter home from China. I wanted to add a little band of contrasting fabric but wasn't exactly sure how. So THANK YOU!!!! :)

[Anna]

Sew cute! (Pun intended) :)

[Tammy]

What a great idea, Randi, and how simple to do! Right now I'm pondering all the skirts in my girls' closet and which ones I could do this to in order to lengthen them...hmmm!

I love your creativity :-)

Blessings,
Tammy

[lera]

Love that splash of color!

[erin s]

Thanks so much Randi, my daughter has grown so much this summer that a few of her favourite skirts no longer fit. You have offered an easy solution. Can't wait to try it.

[Pam in Colorado]

Rachel just asked me if I was going to "finally" sew the additional material to her skirt she wants to wear tonight. Guess I have no excuse now! :)