How to make a twirl skirt

I made up this tutoral a couple years ago. I did not understand my camera so well then so the pics aren't the best and there aren't enough, but if you have some sewing knowledge, even a beginner should be able to do it, I was just starting out when I made it (I had some help from another sewer who talked me through it)! I was planning on redoing it, but never got around to it. I had promised one, so until I get to redo it, here it is!

Twirl Skirt

Here are the directions that I wrote up for making a twirl skirt. You can make these skirts any size, any length based on these directions.


*Measure your child’s waist. Example 20"

*Decide how long you'd like the skirt to be: 15"

*Decide how many tiers you would like: 3

*Divide your length by the tiers and add seam allowances:
15 divided by 3 = 5.
Example:
If using 5/8 seam allowance, add seam allowances of 5/8" remembering that the top piece you will need to add enough to allow for a casing for the elastic size you choose + the 5/8", so 5+ 5/8 + 1"= 6 and 5/8". On the middle piece it will be 5/8" on both top and bottom so you add 1 1/4". On the bottom, allow for whatever hem you like to do, I like to add 5/8" and do a narrow hem, so I've added 1 1/4.

*You will be cutting and/or piecing fabric into strips that are 1 1/2-2 times the width of the strip above it.
Example:
Waist size 20", top tier is 30-40" wide
Middle tier is 45-80"
Bottom tier is 67-120"
I usually round up my numbers depending on the fabric. You can add seam allowance to this too.

The cut strips




*I usually make the skirt starting at the bottom/longest strip. It seems to be easier than starting at the top. Sew the strip ends together right sides together. remember to press your seams. Mark the quarter marks to help ensure even gathering.


Hem the bottom.


Gather the top edge. I zig zag over fishing line, dental floss, or string to make the gathers. I prefer fishing line, but am using crochet cord so you can see it better. You can also do 2 lines of running stitches to gather, I find that a pain in the butt, but that is just my opinion ;)




Pin to bottom of next tier right sides together adjusting fullness and matching quarters.


Sew together,


press, trim, and finish your seam if desired. You can also topstitch if you want here.




Then repeat the gathering on the top. Matching the raw edges with the next strip and the quarter marks, adjust fullness, and sew.


Once you've sewn on the last strip that is your waist band, it is time to make the casing. Fold over the raw edge, press. Then fold over again leaving enough space for your elastic and edgestitch. Leave an opening to insert the elastic.


*Cut elastic to fit comfortably around waist, insert into casing sew ends together and close the opening. Adjust fullness on the elastic. Stitch at the sides to keep the fabric from moving around the elastic while worn (stitch in the ditch if you have side seams)

Here it is finished on my daughter (3yo at the time). It wasn't my best one, but she had picked out the fabrics and I made it quickly. Next time I'd cut the squares shorter so it looked more patchwork like.


Here is another one, Punky was about 2.5


and another for fall. See how you can get creative with the size and lengths of your strips?


Also, if you want to add it to a tshirt, don't make the casing. Cut your tshirt allowing for the seam allowance. Gather the top of the skirt, match the raw edges and adjust the fullness. Sew using a BALL POINT needle using a stretch stitch. Either a narrow zigzag or if you have it on your machine, it looks like this stitch number 2 on my machine.

For your summer vacation!

Going anywhere magical this summer? Thought this set would look so cute going to meet a certain mouse! Or are you like us and won't be going anywhere this summer? That's ok, it still would be an adorable set for a lucky little girl! The Spikey Bow can be mounted to either a ponytail elastic or a clip.

one of my clippies are featured!

I got a lovely message at Etsy last night before I went to bed! Carnival has a blog and put a pair of my clippies on one her posts! Check it out here! Take a look at her shop too at carnival.etsy.com, it looks sooo yummy!!

Spikey Bows

I've got a new bow I've loved making! I'm calling them a "Spikey Bow". Cool thing about them is that they could even get wet and not worry about loosing shape! Just air dry and rearrange as needed! I made a mini spikey bow for pigtails, but only finished one matching Punky's dress for her preschool graduation. I thought it looked cute as a single too! And just for fun, I included a picture of Punky at her Preschool Graduation Ceremony. How cute does she look in that hat??? :)

International Shipping is now available!!

Everyone tells me it is easy to ship internationally. I've decided to give it a try! I listed shipping prices, not sure if they are accurate. I will eat the cost if I've undercharged and I will refund any shipping I've overcharged by a $1 or more as always. If you are an international buyer, I'd love for you to give my shop a look and see if there is anything you'd love to have :)

Birthday Giveaway!!!

My children's and my birthday are all coming up soon! Punky will be 5 May 21, I will be *cough cough* on May 23, and Munky will be 2 on June 1!!!!!!

In honor of our birthdays I'd love to giveaway a set of cupcake clippies!!!

To enter visit my shop here, then come back and tell me your favorite item in the comments. If you don't have a blog that I can contact you through, please leave me an email address to use to contact you with should you win!! The winner will be chosen once all of our birthday festivities are complete on Monday June 2 in a random drawing (Punky or Munky wlll pick a name out of a hat).

Good luck!!

Summer Celebration!!!

I am co-leader of the new Etsy Team "Hip Girls Design Team". We are having our first team promotion starting tomorrow May 12 til May 14!!!

I am offering free shipping store wide. Plus receive a free summer clippie with purchase of items titled "Summer Celebration". I will be listing most of the items through out May 12, and will add a few through out the 3 days. Pictured above is just a few! Visit my shop to see what is there and check back often!!
punkyNmunky

Puttin' On The Glitz

I made this set for myself and Punky was so sad that they weren't for her, so I made her a set too. I then decided to make a set to make available for you! Little girls love glitz, so do older girls! I wore one in my hair today and it lasted all day! Sorry, I didn't model for a picture :)

Sample Sets!

Not sure if you need a no slip grip? Not sure which is best of the two I offer? Here is your chance to find out!

One is plain, made without a no slip grip.

Another one is made with a clear silicone lining applied, perfect for all hair types! Really keeps them from sliding and helps them stay put!!

The last one is lined with a thicker foam rubber that is perfect for that super thin barely there hair. It acts as kind of a "filler" to help it stay in place.

All ends are sealed to prevent fraying. They measure 1 3/4".

I have set the price of these clippies low so you can test out my clippies with out much investment. This item will ship free with purchase of another item in my shop in the same transaction(If the shipping doesn't total correctly I will refund the extra shipping). Also, with purchase of this item you will receive a discount code to use on your next purchase. So you can't go wrong!

Currently available in the pinks and purples, other colors may be available too!

visit my shop to see what's there!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

It's mine!!!

I just purchased my own domain name :) I don't have a website yet, but I might someday. For now, if you type www.punkynmunky.com into your browser it will take you to my Etsy shop :) How cool is that??