Categories: sewing

Make a Maxi Skirt from a Bed Sheet

I love it when I see something really inspiring, and everything comes together. A while ago, I came across a post by Mimi G. for a maxi skirt with a sash and I loved it.

So I set out to find a pattern similar in shape to the one she created. What I came up with was an awesome vintage pattern from the 80’s that, although it was a tea length, was the right shape. I also had this awesome king-sized bed sheet that I’d found for $2, and I knew that it would make a great skirt. I also knew that even if I messed up, I wasn’t out much. 🙂

I laid out my pattern, and since it’s a really full skirt, it took most of the sheet to make my front and back pieces. You can see how full it is in this shot.

I had to lengthen the skirt by quite a bit to get it to hit the floor, but it was so worth it.

After sewing up the basic skirt, I wanted to make it look more like the inspiration photo so I went back and created a long sash and big fat belt loops. Adding them to the skirt made a big difference, and now I was almost done! Just one problem–look at that hemline.

It’s a huge (really long) curved edge. I pressed a hem all around and tried hemming it, but it was a nightmare! With that much curve, I had puckers and folds, and it just looked horrid. I only made it a little way around the skirt before I remembered a secret for hemming curved edges perfectly. It saved my sanity!

Once the facing was on, hemming was a breeze, which is saying a lot for how big the circumference of that skirt is!

So what do you think? Other than the fact that ironing this puppy takes FOREVER, I love it.

 

Lisa

Lisa Mabey blogs at Mabey She Made It about DIY, Crafts, Home Decor, and Sewing.

View Comments

  • So pretty! I knew right away what your inspiration was before scrolling down, so mission accomplished! :)

    • Yea! I love it when you can see the inspiration in your finished work (when that's the intent). It's such a great skirt I wanted it to be as close as possible. :)

      • Can you share the pattern with me? My oldest daughter is getting married in October and she wants this full skirt on her bridesmaids ... in a burgundy or dark plum. I sew and have a serger so I am ready to tackle them :)

        Julie

        • byhandlondon.com has a calculator for circle skirts that might help you with the measurements, you just plug in the person's measurements and how long you want the skirt and it puts out a template. Hope that helps you! Congrats to your Daughter!

  • You did a fantastic job on your long, flowy skirt! The big bow is my favorite!

    I would love for you to share your creativity at my Show-Licious Craft & Recipe Party! Join us on Saturdays at 8:00 am EST!

    ~ Ashley

  • You did an awesome job on the skirt, and from a sheet no less! I'd love to see a picture of the pattern you used, or even the line drawings from the pattern envelope.

    • Hi Faye, thanks for the suggestion! I'll work on getting the pattern name/number and a picture added to the post when the girlies aren't sleeping (in the room with the pattern).

  • Clever ides to use a bed sheet. I really want to make a mxi skirt, but find most of material too heavy. A cotton sheet would be the perfect weight.

    • The sheet is a good weight, especially considering how much fabric there really is in this skirt. Thanks for your comments, Susan!

  • I recognized that skirt from Mimi G! Her webpage is open on my cell phone's browser. Can you share the pattern that you used? I would love to make a skirt for my SIL wedding. You did a fantastic job! :)

  • That's beautiful. I wish I knew how to sew. I've sewn one thing ever in my adult life - just so I could say I did. Your skirt is lovely!

    • Ha, Kristin! Isn't it funny how intimidating sewing looks? I'm self-taught and I remember those first projects...each one gets a little better though. :)

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