Hello Everyone! Today’s post is all about my DIY gathered maxi skirt tutorial. In the tutorial I give two options for the skirt pattern. The options include using McCall’s pattern M7355 or I teach you how to draft your own skirt pattern pieces. I had a great time making this tutorial, it challenged me to push myself as an instructor. One woman reached out to me and asked if I could demonstrate how to sew skirts for women of various sizes as some pattern companies are limited in size range. After viewing that the McCall’s pattern only goes to a size 37″ waist and 47″ hip, I decided to create the option of drafting your own pattern pieces. I include different options for drafting the pattern pieces so that the tutorial is inclusive for women of all sizes.
Below you will find Part 1 of the tutorial and next week I will be posting Part 2 so stay tuned. If you decide to make your own pattern pieces you can follow along with me using the Gathered Maxi Skirt Measurement Guide. This PDF along with the pocket pattern can be found in the Free Resources tab. If you’re a VIP, you already have access to the PDF. If you’re not subscribed to the blog, subscribe now and get instant access to my free sewing resources.
How to Slay the Look
Skirt: DIY ~ Tutorial can be found below
Top: Body suit and cami from Forever 21
Fabric: Ankara/African Wax Print ~ House of Mami Wata
Hi Montoya, The skirt is perfect. You have made me love Ankara more. I have this print in a lighter yellow shade and i will be making this skirt soon. Thanks for the great tutorial.
Author
Hi! Thank you so much! I just can’t get enough of Ankara, I love it so much. I can’t wait to see your skirt, send me a picture when you’re all done.
Hi!
How many yards would you say I’d need for such a long skirt? I’m 5’4 1/2!
Author
Hi there! 3 yards will be a good amount.
Hi, Im new here and wanted to know if you have a printable version of the Gathered Skirt Measuring Guide that you used in this video?
Thank you.
Author
Hello. Yes, I do, it’s listed under the free resources tab. Have you signed up to be a VIP yet? If so, enter the password and you will have access to the guide. If you’re not subscribed yet, sign up here: https://montoyamayo.com/vip/
Hi Montoya I love your work and your tutorials are easy to follow. Do you have a separate measuring guide for girls skirts?
Author
Hello Ginger! Thank you for the compliment. At the moment I don’t. I like this idea though, I’m going to start adding that to my measuring guides and will update my other guides. Thank you for the idea.
I think I need to sew one of these for me ASAP. Do you think I could sew the entire thing with my serger?
Author
I haven’t tried it out, but I think you may be able to, the zipper might be tricky though, depending on your machine.
When will you post part 2
Author
I posted it on my YouTube channel, but I forgot to update the blog post. I’ve updated it now and have added part 2. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.
Hi! Absolutely love your tutorials. Do you think this would still be a great skirt made from, say, a cotton blend? I’d like a solid color.
Author
Hello! Thank you for the compliment! Yes a cotton blend will work well for this skirt. The fabric possibilities are endless for this design
Thank you for putting together such a comprehensive tutorial. It’s very appreciated.
Author
Hi Michelle. You’re welcome!
Hey I love this skirt and the tutorial is so helpful for me since I am a beginner but I do have one question. Can you get the fabric at a store or is it only online because the only place I can find it in online stores?
Author
Thank you! I don’t know of any fabric stores that carry these types of prints, so I buy all of my printed fabric online.
Omg. I made this skirt and it’s perfect. Love your tutorial. I am a novice and this was brilliant especially dfating the pattern. Do more. Thank you thank you thank you.
Author
Hi Yvonne! I’m glad you found the tutorial helpful. I have a few skirt tutorials coming this year where I’ll show you how to draft your own pattern, stay tuned!
hey! I was wondering if you think I would need a sewing machine to make this because its so beautiful but I do not have a sewing machine
Author
Hello, I haven’t tried making it without a sewing machine. However, Nancy Zieman sells no sew ‘Fuse and Gathers’. This can help you with that step.
Really great tutorial. You made it very easy to follow. Made the skirt (my first with pockets!) for a wedding, out of the same material as yours, and got so so many positive comments.
Author
I’m glad you enjoyed the tutorial Lucky! Yay to your first skirt with pockets!!! Pockets are the best!!!
Hi there, I noticed you used a serger to sew around the edges of all your skirt pieces. I do not have a serge machine and wondering if it is a necessary step? Thank you!
Author
Hi Lindsay. If you don’t have a serger, you want to have some technique in place to finish the raw edges. Before I got my serger I used pinking shears.
How can you modify the gathered maxi for a person with 44 waist and 52 hip?
Author
Hi. You follow the measurement guide the same as in the tutorial. Sewing the waistband is slightly different. I demo this in the tutorial.