Introducing the "fat quarter baby skirt"

Remember the fat quarters from this post?  I was sure that they were destined for some napkins or an apron.  As it turns out, nothing even vaguely kitchen-y eventuated.

I was trying to think of how I could dress up Miss Wink's standard outfit of jumpsuit/onesie in the easiest way possible and came up with the "fat quarter baby skirt".

Although simple and obvious as a project (aren't all the good ones?) it rates a mention because if you cut it the way I've outlined below there's absolutely no fabric wastage.  Exactly one fat quarter makes exactly one baby skirt.  And as much as we all love generating those tantalising little scraps of fabric sometimes it's nice to be all business-like and finish a sewing session scrap-free.

How to:

• Cut the fat quarter (usually 18" x 22") in half so that you have 2 rectangles measuring 18" by 11".

• Pin the rectangles right sides together and sew or overlock/serge seams down each short (11") side.  If you don't use an overlocker, finish the seams with a zig-zag stitch.

• To make an elastic casing for the waist fold the fabric down 1/4" at the top and press and then a further 1/2" and press again.

• Sew around the bottom of the casing leaving a gap to thread the elastic through.  Cut some elastic to a length that is a tad smaller than your bub's waist size and attach one end to a safety pin to thread it through the casing.  Pin the ends of the elastic together and adjust as necessary before sewing together.

• Sew the gap in the casing closed and hem skirt or trim with some ribbon.  That's it!

       

I'll leave you with a couple of links:

How cute is my little doily clock in the top photo?  It's from a very lovely etsy seller, andfurthermore.

Plus, as bloggy serendipity would have it, Sew Mama Sew is hosting a February Fat Quarter month so head over there for lots more FQ inspiration.

Comments

[Cindy]

I think that this is such a super lcever idea and no wastage is always a winner I think.

[Norma in NZ]

An ideal skirt for the little ones to have... perfect for dance or play. Great idea and no fabric wastage is a plus!

[Kathryn - Mama Loves to Shop]

What a super cute idea, love them!

[lera]

Super cute!

[Lisa]

What a sweet idea. I bet Miss Wink looks super cute in her new attire.

[Designers Emporium]

Your work is soooo lovely!

Would love to do a feature on you on our blog if you are interested - just email me.

I've added you to our blog roll so I can keep up to date with your lovely work.

Rachael

[Cathy]

great post, I will store that one away for when I need a little skirt!

[Bethany]

Great idea! I'm a new sewer, so maybe there is an obvious answer to my question, but what size of a baby is this for? I'm assuming I could make it longer/shorter depending on the size of the baby, but just wondered where to start. Thanks!

[michelle johnnie]

I think these are so cute. I love that all I need is a fat quarter. I'm linking!

[Sara]

So cute! I added it to my favorite tutorials on http://my-fabric-obsession.blogspot.com

[Bron]

thankyou so much! I am a very new sewer and I made this today and I love it!
http://coopsnpeps.blogspot.com/2009/06/skirtsewing-and-separating.html

cheers
Bron

[Samantha]

I would like to make a skirt like this for my grand daughter , who is five yrs. old. Do you have an average length for the elastic of a child this age, to make this skirt with out knowing her waist measurement? I would like it to be a surprise, so I do not care to ask and have her measurment taken, for my daughter would take forever to get around to it,, and both are living in another state.

[Puma Shoes]

This really is an great written article, Thanks for yet yet another insightful post, as continually!

[Margie]

Hi, I love your work, can you tell me what age this skirt fits.

Thanks so much

[Brooke]

Thanks so much for the idea and instructions! I made one for a friend this week and everyone loves it! You can check it out here: http://apt345.blogspot.com/2010/09/baby-skirt-reveal-play-date-fun.html

[Elyse]

Fantastic - just what I was looking for and with the same aim - to make the old babygro look a bit more interesting. Will give it a try ASAP.

[Nicole]

I just made this skirt, and it turned out beautifully! You can see the finished product at: http://www.patchworkduck.com/2011/04/baby-fashion-show.html

Thanks for the great pattern!

[Valley]

I'm a beginner and for some reason having a problem with the elastic. Making the casing and putting the elastic in and then where to sew. My first skirt, could anyone explain a little more in depth for me? Thanks so much!
[email protected]

[Priscilla]

I had an idea to make a 4th of July skirt for my niece and I actually bought a far quarter nut had no idea how I was going to make it. I am so grateful I found your post. Thanks!

[Account Deleted]

This site is excellent and so is how the subject matter was explained. I also like some of the comments too.Waiting for next post.

http://www.candy-lyts.com

[Belinda]

Anyone know where you can find the standard size waist measurements for babies to toddlers?

[The Black Night]

I am so glad to see this. Meat definitely needs to be cooked to a certain point. This is not good for you when it is not cooked to this point.

[Show Plates]

Nice blog, I really appreciate the way you are sharing your experiences.

[RussiesMommy]

http://www.childrenssizechart.com/

[ebookzdown.com]

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