I've been meaning to post this tutorial for some time, I figure late is better than never. Nearly 3 years ago, I refashioned a muu muu into an elastic waist skirt. I liked it just fine, but I felt like it poufed out at the waist a little too much for me. I never wore it and eventually donated it to DI; from whence it came. I figure I'm not the only one who's picky about the volume in clothing around my midsection. I don't like feeling 3 times larger than I am. Do you? Since that refashion failure, I've figured out my own little method that I have yet to share with you. I used it with my 2-second ruffle skirt, my housedress refashion and the skirt I made for Alt (which I still need to share) with great success. A few people have asked what my technique is, so I'm here to share it with you. Again, I'm tooting a tutorial horn that's been tooted MANY, MANY times before in many different ways. Check out the end of the tutorial for a list of my favorites. The reason why I'm posting my own version is to share my techniques for sewing the skirt and attaching the waistband. The way I attach my skirt reduces a lot of the mid-section bulk that you get with a typical handmade gathered skirt. I do hope you enjoy. Check out the tutorial after the jump.

• Flat Gathered Skirt Tutorial •

SUPPLIES: Sewing machine, 1 1/2 yard fabric, elastic, elastic cording, thread, pins, iron I would strongly suggest getting yourself some awesome elastic. I prefer the elastic from rufflefabric.com (this is in no way sponsored, btw). It's soft, it's comfortable, comes in many colors and it looks professional. I can't recommend this enough!! This tutorial would be perfect for a drapey jersey, but nothing thicker than a cotton voile. Thin, drapey material would be best.

1. Cut out your fabric. Cut four sections to 3/4 of your waist measurement at the desired length, plus 1-3 inches. Trim in top side side to 1/2 your waist measurement. like a trapezoid. Cut 4 pocket pieces (Susan has a great pattern in her tutorial).
2. Take one pocket piece, measure about 3 inches from top and pin. Sew right sides together. Each panel will have a pocket.Turn right sides over and press.
3. Match up the pockets and panels right sides together. Sew along the straight edge on both pairs. Open up and press seams flat
4. Match up the two sides together and sew along the perimeter. This will create the space for the pockets. Turn right side out. Press. Hem skirt as desired. No need to hem if you’re doing this out of jersey.

Measure the elastic around your waist and zig-zag stitch the elastic together. When measuring around my waist with elastic, I don’t stretch the elastic. This allows for the least amount of bulk and a comfortable fit. Turn your skirt inside out and zig-zag stitch about 1/4 inch from the top, encasing  elastic cording in the stitch. This allows for a more uniform gather and for a little fudge room if you gather too much or not enough. Turn your elastic inside out. Pin the gathered inside-out skirt 1/2 inch up from the bottom of the elastic. Pin the entire skirt and stitch the skirt to the elastic using a semi-short zig-zag stitch. Turn the skirt right side out. Iron gathers into place and wear. See how little this skirt poufs out? Here are some other great gathered skirt tutorials: Mama Elastic Waist Skirt • Covered Elastic Waist Skirt • Lined Elastic Waist Skirt • Elastic Paperbag Skirt • Elastic Circle Skirt Outfit Details:

• cardigan: old boutique in college
• bracelet: handmade
• top: Ruche
• skirt: handmade
• tights: H&M
• shoes: thrifted

Click the button below to download the printable tutorial.

This tutorial/freebie is free for personal use and should not be distributed/republished without the express consent of Melissa Esplin. I love getting shout outs from around the web, but please, link with love. Do not copy this post, publish more than 2 photos or outright steal this idea for commercial publications. If you would like to use this tutorial for commercial purposes, please email me. Thanks!