Monday, October 27, 2008

Affordable Clothes: Easy Sewing Pattern for a Simple Elastic Waist Skirt (Beginner Friendly)

A beginner-friendly sewing pattern I've used for years.


One of the easiest ways to stretch a clothing budget is to learn a few basic sewing skills. Over the years I've made countless skirts and pants using this simple pattern because it's quick, easy to sew, and comfortable to wear. If you're just learning to sew or want an inexpensive project that comes together fast, an elastic-waist skirt is a great place to start.

I've had several friends show an interest in making their own skirts and slacks. This is a pattern that I've been using for years. I've purchased about 4 of these patterns all together. The last two, I've worn out. The two most recent are for myself and Pamela.

I love this pattern. No frills, no fuss, quick and easy!


One piece of fabric became multiple sewing projects.


The full skirt consists of 1 pattern. You place it on a fold --- Cut an identical piece again and sew both sides together. Hem the bottom, sew over the top for elastic and you're finished! I use a serger on all my clothes, so once I run it through the machines, I'm finished in less than 20 min -- this includes hemming and elastic!
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The picture above is the skirt I made for Pamela today. I used a really fabulous fabric (cotton/polyester blend - brown with mini pink polka dots) that I had found on the DOLLAR TABLE at Walmarts. I purchased 3 yards.

For $3, I made 1 full sized skirt, 1 pair of slacks, and had enough fabric for Pamela to make doll clothes for her 18" dolls.

Finished elastic-waist skirt.

You just can't beat a dollar an outfit!

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Pattern

Some sewing patterns are beautiful but take an entire weekend to complete. This one has remained one of my favorites because it's simple enough for beginners while still producing a comfortable everyday skirt.

A few reasons I love it:

  • Easy elastic waistband—no zipper required.
  • Uses very little fabric.
  • Great for beginners.
  • Perfect for everyday wear.
  • Can be dressed up or kept casual depending on the fabric.

One of my favorite money-saving tips is to always check the clearance fabric table. You never know when you'll find a beautiful fabric at a fraction of the regular price. That little bargain can turn into several handmade projects for just a few dollars.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

She looks so cute in her new outfit.. great job mommy.
I'm jealous of your dollar tables.. ours @ucks.

Patty said...

How exciting! Are you teaching your friends how to sew?

Helen Ruth said...

I've been asked to teach sewing classes, but many of those interested like to dress conservatively and I was wanting to point out how EASY it is to make long skirts.

Some people think they can't sew and will spend a fortune online to buy long skirts. This is the pattern I would teach a beginning sewer with. I like it for myself because I can whip up a whole wardrobe in one day.

Sunny said...

I need a new wardrobe. I have been pricing sewing machines lately too.I am kind of tired of borrowing my moms old treadle machine.

Tiff said...

Wow...crafty...I wish I could do something like that..I would love to save on clothes...I do remember my mother making skirts for me in high school..and all the girls at school wanted to know where I got them from...we had picked out really funky patterns and I got tights in all wild colors to match..I have to say I looked hot in those homemade skirts...LOL....