DIY Stretch Pencil Skirt Block with Flat Elastic Waistband Tutorial

[@phylliscampbell2325]

This may be the best tutorial I’ve seen so far. You seem really comfortable speaking into the camera and explaining the steps. I love that you use the correct words for things like “selvage”. That seems to be a rare occurrence these days on sewing tutorials. This skirt is beautiful. Well done!

[@Stylesewme]

Thanks, Phyllis!

[@margaretandersen9914]

You are a phenomenal sewing teacher. I have a hard time focusing but I could follow everything you said from start to finish. Absolutely brilliant.

[@acunn90]

You give the best tutorials. Always so clear, detailed, and professional. Thank you for sharing your gift!

[@Stylesewme]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you find them easy to understand.

[@barbarastruhs3733]

Great presentation. Clear instructions on everything. Also, you have beautiful hands and nails!

[@paraboo8994]

I bought some colorful stretch fabric on a whim yesterday, thinking I'd make myself a easy summery pencil skirt only to realise that a) I've never worked with stretchy fabric like that and b) I have no idea how to adapt my existing skirt patterns for that. This tutorial is great, thank you so much ❤

[@isabellenimmo2382]

Thank you so much from Scotland! I can't wait to try this out. Your tutorial is very clear and helpful. Thanks again 😊 You have a talent as a teacher and communicator. Your lovely approach makes you distinguishable from the rest of the market. Keep it going!

[@fefemtshokotsha3013]

Thank you so much for this tutorial.I have been struggling making myself a stretch/bodycon skirt. This way makes more sense.👏

[@lkirk4493]

You are very good at this.. enjoy watching you keep up the great presentations... Trying to learn to sew

[@magnifiquekotoure3089]

I just stumbled across your videos and I must say I’m so glad I’ve found you 🤗🤗you get into great details by showing people like me (beginner😏😏) how to take our own measurements and how 1 must place fabric so happy I’ve found you 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾NEW SUBBIE 😝😝😝

[@cubajohnson6645]

Thank you so much. I’ve watched a lot of videos and you explain taking measurements so well.

[@Stylesewme]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@geoffjoffy]

Good job. You made a proper 1950s pencil skirt, unlike some other videos on KZbin.

[@amateurcookinghour4249]

I know this is an old video, but you explain the problem was very well and clearly 💕 I enjoyed watching this and look forward to this project

[@sherel1970]

Best tutorial I have come across👏🏾

[@adriannaflavin1837]

Awesome tutorial!!! Thanks so much! I love my coverstitch machine too and could totally relate to how happy it made you to even mention it!!

[@238apostolic]

Great video! This tutorial is very easy to follow. Exactly what I needed. Thanks so much.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@kahimbicharlotte7104]

Plainly explained. you have got teacher's qualities. thanks for sharing

[@Stylesewme]

Thank you! I'm glad you like it!

[@AmandaIsAwesome]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing! Totally making this rn!

[@jessiewest2029]

I absolutely love the way you did this skirt !!!! It looks so classic & chic. Is there a way you can show how to add a high waist band to this skirt ???

[@shunnicreations5899]

I absolutely love your videos...thanks for your time🤗..cant wait till im as good as you!!!

[@Stylesewme]

You've got this! Thank you so much for watching!

[@lauramalone9520]

Love it I’m going to try it myself thank you 🙏🏾

[@rebbyjesugbayi869]

Well done,slow and steady got it all

[@Stylesewme]

Great, that's what I like to hear!

[@blulou49]

Great tips! Thanks so much! 🦘🇦🇺

[@eileenhudelson7397]

This was so clearly explained. Thank you!

[@cori_bri]

Such good advice to measure the fullest part of your bottom my measurement was always a little off/small and I think that’s why!

[@rang....-._.-....0.]

This is fantastic. Thanks. Is there any way I can make it work with non stretch fabric ? Maybe by making it an inch or two loser at hip and down perhaps and incorporating a slit for leg movement ? I have a lovely block printed handloom cotton fabric that's unfortunately not stretchy.

[@monikadasgupta5177]

Hi mam very very nice pattern good work I like very much keep it up 👍👍👌👌😍💕💕💕💕💕🌹

[@LLLOTTE4]

Hi, First of all; love your video. Definitely gonna check out other ones as well. I have a question about the measurements. When you dived the circumferences by 4 and then minus 1, isn't quite a lot? I mean, in total that would be 4 inches off your original circumference measurement. And what about seam allowance then? Is it already in there or do I still have to add it? When you're drawing the markings on the fabric you say 'so that's hip divided by 4'; what about the minus 1 then? Last question; how would you finish off the raw edges in case I'm using a sewing machine? Thanks a lot!

[@Stylesewme]

I'm only subtracting 1 inch, not 4. Dividing by 4 is not taking away from anything. The division is to break your body up into quarters for drafting purposes. I took seam allowance into account when explaining the measurements. Most knits don't fray so you don't have to finish the edges, unless you want to for aesthetics. But, check your sewing machine manual for an overlock stitch and follow the instructions for that stitch.

[@lissa4306]

Good looking results for beginner to intermediate sewers to eventually move up to serging elastic to fabric, folding both over to "stich in a ditch" on both side seams to hide the elastic ...

[@MondesThreads]

Love it

[@gypsysoulikigai]

Excellent Tutorial. Thank You :)

[@GNeuble]

Thanks Erin, I'm gone give this a try!!

[@Stylesewme]

Hey Gretchen! Awesome!

[@jodieroundtree488]

Thank you so much. I've been wanting to try a pencil skirt for awhile but have an aversion to zippers :/

[@PSALMSOFSONGS]

Absolutely true. I have yet to try it. It looks so intimidating.

[@lindabrown7374]

I definitely want to make this skirt. How much stretch should the fabric have? Great video. Thanks!

[@Stylesewme]

Good question, Linda. My fabric stretched about 4 inches when I grabbed a handful and pulled. So, I'd say it should stretch at least 3 inches. Does that help?

[@kainatbaloch9131]

Thank u soo much for easy details ❤

[@PlnkWlntEr]

Thank you so much for the details instructions! Do you think I can do this with a sequin fabric? Xoxo

[@Stylesewme]

If it is stretch sequins, yes. I think that'd be so pretty!

[@sweetie271000]

Great Tutorial...Quick question; I'm overthinking the 2nd measurement...Waist to hip +1??? Thank you

[@Stylesewme]

Yes! The +1 is the seam allowance at the top for your waistband that we install. The waistband folds down so you want to give yourself that extra space at the top. Does that help?

[@marthinarauhut1876]

Great tutorial, thank you.

[@pookierose6]

Omg, someone with my body type! The size difference from my hips to the hem is way more drastic than 1 inch.

[@lisettegarcia]

👏👏👏 finally someone doesn't assume one single body style!

[@breekola]

this is exactly what i've been looking for! you are awesome, thank you for the video!

[@vivianalob7826]

Thanks so much for the video. I love the pattern. Could you clarify for the last circumference measurement, how do you calculate hem/4-1? So basically what measurement do you consider as hem? Thanks!!

[@Stylesewme]

Thank you! The circumference around your legs where you want the skirt to end.

[@MsWill8158]

Great tutorial. Thank you

[@dcharles7712]

Lovely and informative tutorial. What brands surger and sewing machine? Appreciate links if available. Thanks

[@Stylesewme]

Babylock Tempo sewing machine and Babylock Imagine serger

[@CorrieV]

Hi I'm in the middle of sewing this and am not sure about the elastic. Is the elastic the waist -1 for length?

[@CorrieV]

Ok, I went for it, and it worked perfectly! Yay! Thanks so much, I love my new skirt! This is the first time I've ever sewn anything without a pattern :D

[@Stylesewme]

Yay! I'm glad you figured it out. Sorry, I missed your question before you figured it out.

[@madziekman]

can you show how you would hem your skirt with a straight stitch machine please? I am hemming with the over locker machine and than manually because a straight stretch stitch breaks on stretchy fabric always.

[@Stylesewme]

Always hem skirts with a stretch stitch (zig-zag) or a coverstitch. A straight stitch will always pop up you because it does not allow the fabric to stretch around your body. Check your sewing machine manual to find the proper stretch stitch.

[@ebonyw5042]

Great tutorial. Would have loved to see it on you.

[@shallandoshallan2638]

Great video..thanks so much

[@Stylesewme]

You're welcome!

[@SweetDimepiece]

Thank you very Explaining

[@robrenee]

Hey Erin if we had to fold our fabric the traditional way because we are plus size, would we then use the same formulas since we’re cutting out piece by piece? And would we still be cutting how 2 pieces or more?

[@Stylesewme]

Yep, you'll use the same formula so that the pieces fit you. You'll still cut a front and a back piece. The only thing that changes is the amount of fabric.

[@rhondarobinson5290]

Hi Erin great video, what kind of serger did u use.

[@Stylesewme]

Babylock Imagine. Check out my last video of my Sewing Studio Tour for details!

[@etherealbarbie8305]

Hello, great tutorial, i want to give it a try but how many yards of fabric did you use? For reference we are about the same size

[@Stylesewme]

Hi! The amount of fabric you need depends on how long you want the skirt as well as your circumference measurements. I show you how to determine how much fabric you need in the video.

[@truthdelight6320]

Hello, I'm confused when said the elastic band should be 4 inches less than your waist. I was thinking, how would it be able to fit?... And When you sew the waistband by itself how much do sew? Thankyou. I hope I didn't confuse you! 😊

[@Stylesewme]

So, the elastic will stretch ALOT. It will fit. But, if you'd like you can wrap it around your waist snugly and then cut it to your liking. I don't follow the question about the waistband, can you clarify?

[@Yeshuasown]

Very easy to understand. Please how do i measure the elastic for my waist band?Thanks so much

[@Stylesewme]

Hi! I covered that in the video. Just wrap it around your waist comfortably and cut it.

[@Yeshuasown]

Style Sew Me Thank you

[@4vrceltic]

Great video! Why is the waist measurement marking divided by 4 if the material is folded in half? Shouldn't the waist measurement be divided by 2? Also, it would've been great to see your skirt ON after you completed it.... 🙃

[@Stylesewme]

Because the fabric is folded. Pics are on the blog post linked under the video.

[@laurasilvera3766]

I loved this skirt pattern, thanks for sharing it! I'm pregnant, can i adapt this pattern somehow?

[@Stylesewme]

Congratulations! I actually made a skirt exactly like this while I was pregnant. I took the "Waist" measurement at a comfortable point above my belly and did everything else the same.

[@laurasilvera3766]

Style Sew Me thanks! I’ll try it and let you know!

[@angieb43]

Erin could I use a zipper instead of elastic.

[@Stylesewme]

If I were doing it with a zipper, I'd draft it differently with a waistband (or facing).

[@lthomp1971]

Enjoyed your video. What type of sewing machine is that?

[@Stylesewme]

Thanks! It's a Babylock Tempo.

[@bunncheese1327]

If I wanted to make the skirt high waisted, should I just make the waist higher?

[@Stylesewme]

You'd make the skirt longer. When you're measuring length, just raise your starting point.

[@nvaranavage]

With stitching the elastic closed my machine does not like sewing it. Is there a certain needle I should use?

[@Stylesewme]

I've used ball point or universal needles with no problem. Make sure your needle isn't dull.

[@diamantebonita]

I have the Babylock Imagine as well. How did you determine the stitch width that would correspond with the 1/2 in seam allowance?

[@Stylesewme]

Good question! I measured 1/2 inch from the left needle. There is a notch on the machine for that. I use that notch as my guide.

[@uadidani]

thank you! you're awesome!

[@ljiljanaize]

Thanks very claver and usefull

[@reddssladee]

Hello In your worksheet you have Hem /4-1 that does mean the opening at skirt bottom correct?

[@Stylesewme]

Yes, correct!

[@reddssladee]

Thanks so much for the quick response. Have a great day.

[@aayadabas2669]

Thanks

[@shouryajain271]

Loved it

[@ServitricediCristo]

Hello please can you make a video on how to take measurements please for beginners!

[@jashrina_shira731]

Hello ma'am. If my waist measurement is 30 then depending on the fabric grain like how much it stretch if it stretch 3 then have to calculate 30÷3 ? really confused help me

[@Stylesewme]

I don't consider the amount of stretch since that would be different for every single person. You can use my tips as recommendations and fit accordingly if it's too big.

[@angieb43]

Can you explain what the /4 means in the circumference (ex. waist/4 - 1 inch) can you expain not understanding this I really want to make a this pencil skirt but not understanding what the /4 means.

[@jrpayne0914]

Angela Hill (your waist measurement ÷ 4 )

[@Stylesewme]

It means 'divided by'. So, your waist measurement divided by 4, minus 1. Hope that helps!

[@ymw08]

You make it look so easy, girl dont make me buy a sewing machine! My daughter said she wants a skirt like this! We watched oir video together.

[@Stylesewme]

Hey Boo! Doooo it!!! Lol

[@TanijiaGennae]

Since I️ don’t know how to sew with a sewing Michene can I️ hand do I️t?

[@Stylesewme]

Yes, you can!

[@lauricehubbard9415]

I enjoyed the video. I like your white jeans who's the designer.

[@Stylesewme]

Thank you, Laurice! They are from H&M.

[@rizgul5851]

Hi, could you please let me know why we need to minus 1 for the circumference? I understand why we need to divide it by 4, but I'm confused about the minus 1? Thank you

[@Stylesewme]

Good question! It's so that the skirt is slightly smaller than you and it will stretch around your body.

[@lynetterene]

Hi....how are you? I'm watching this again, as I have gotten better at sewing 😉.....Question: When you drew the line for the length, what measurement did you use to draw the line out from the length.....Just didn't catch that part...hope this makes sense....great tutorial. I think I'm gonna do a pattern for this first, since i'm learning pattern making....can't wait....thanks again

[@Stylesewme]

Measurements for length are on the screen around minute 4 in the video.

[@aayadabas2669]

Awesome

[@tiyanuwagboe7498]

Hello. Great video. Uhm... What's the length from waist to hips? Thanks :)

[@Stylesewme]

The distance between your waist and hips, along the side.

[@tiyanuwagboe7498]

Style Sew Me I hear the regular measurement is 9 inches. Yes?

[@whitneysmall9177]

Hello i'm new to sewing and recently found your blog as well as this channel. i saw that you have a tutorial for the faux fur black and clutch that i love, i was wondring if you have a tutorial or pattern for the bright shell colored flowy vest you wore with it in the januray 2016 for tallnnatural article its a photo on you instagram that i'm absolutely in love with

[@Stylesewme]

I remember that picture. I made it from a pattern. It's on the blog about a year back. I can't recall the pattern number off the top of my head.

[@shanicerodriguez3175]

Hi! Is the elastic same measurement with the waist?

[@Stylesewme]

No, smaller so you get a snug fit that stretches across your body.

[@shanicerodriguez3175]

@@Stylesewme I got through, my skirt looks perfect...thanks to you! 😘

[@Lisamakes]

Brilliant! Great tutorial. I just posted a tutorial on my channel, too!

[@queenkiyonna9543]

How do I find my circumference for the bottom of my skirt?

[@queenkiyonna9543]

I measured out 27in but how would I cut it on the fabric?

[@Stylesewme]

It's explained around the 4:15 mark

[@simonecarvallhoartes2614]

Linda saia gostei👍

[@andreasmith3867]

Can you share the dimensions of your cutting table?

[@Stylesewme]

I have a new one now, but the one in this video was 35 x 63 inches.

[@xuanquycuoihoi3844]

bạn cắt may giỏi quá

[@shanayedillard2959]

what kind of sewing machine is this?

[@Stylesewme]

Babylock Tempo

[@shanayedillard2959]

i think i love it lol its looked so easy. I want one. I am a beginnger.

[@babydollie3]

In the fashion industry, "plus size" is a term for models who are size 8 and up. But in the real world, most people would never think of a size 8 as plus size - most plus-size clothing doesn't evenstart until a size 16

[@Stylesewme]

Wow, size 8?! Well, then I'm plus size according to those ridiculous standards! I really even hate the term plus-size. Women are women and shouldn't be categorized by those standards! Thanks for sharing that info, Dolly. I will try to find a better way to communicate that in my videos. :)

[@JMaria-j4c]

So long and so confusing !

[@yarrow.111]

Thank you. Very well articulated instructions.