how to make the gathered white skirt of your dreams! (tutorial)

I've been obsessed with extra gathered, super twirly skirts for a long time now & it was time to add one into my closet! It's giving frolicking through fields, it's giving Pinterest chic & it's giving sustainably made (if you also use secondhand material!) Follow along for a quick & easy sew, suitable for beginners with a little experience!
What you'll need:
4m of lightweight material - cotton or linen is good-
or
2-3 secondhand bedsheets to patchwork together
0.125m of lightweight fusible interfacing
A button
a 5" dress zipper
Matching thread
Follow along for more tutorials & DIY content! Be sure to tag me if you make something from this tutorial!
Let’s be friends!
♥My shop: www.fromcarlyb.com
♥Instagram: / fromcarlyb
♥Tik Tok: / fromcarlyb
♥Pinterest: www.pinterest.com.au/FROMCARLYB/
Sewing on a Juki DDL 8700 & My Lock 644D overlocker
Fav domestic machine: Singer Heavy Duty
Snips from Fiskars
Sewing pump up playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/008...
Hi! My name is Carly & I’m a self taught creative exploring all things sewing, crochet & textiles! I’m especially excited by secondhand fabrics, using fabric scraps & all things wild, wholesome & delightful. Thank you for being here & if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment or shoot me a message. Lots of love.
For all business inquiries & collaborations: [e-mail]

[@smarty_4190]

I also got all of my grandmother’s buttons, she used to cut of all the buttons from clothes that were damaged beyond repair and kept them. I was so excited to receive them, it feels like a treasure to me. There is nothing I love more than finding the perfect button for each project, especially when there is already a story attached to each button

[@fromcarlyb]

I love that. Our grandmas are so resourceful! Buttons are the treasure of any garment for sure!

[@meiraloraduncan8953]

My Mom and Grandma both had their tins/jar full of buttons that they had saved from old clothes and extra buttons from when they made something special. I can remember all of the hours that I played with and sorted the buttons picking out my favorite ones. On the years we got to drive down to Florida to spend Christmas at my Grandparents home and with my 2 Aunts who weren't married it was always exciting to see her button collection because she always had some of the most beautiful buttons made in other countries that she saved from the clothes she purchased or made using materials that she purchased while on vacation or visiting family back in Belgium. She also had buttons given to her from family members and friends over the years. Back in the early 1900-1940s it was common for friends and family members to gift the bride with buttons to help start her button collection. They could be new or old depending on the family's economic level. There was also a time when young ladies/girls would make bracelets using buttons that they had collected and gifted or traded with their close friends. It's quite interesting seeing the different types of buttons people used and saved over the last hundred plus years and even older. I have been blessed with buttons from both my mother and her mother too. I have also been gifted a few different button collections from people that I have met over the years who know that I sew and that I have used buttons to create different crafts and ornaments with my students over the years. I just discovered your channel yesterday and I love seeing the different things you have created so far. Before I got married I either used my Mom's newer Singer sewing machine or I used her 1950 Singer featherweight portable sewing machine with its matching table that looks like a wooden folding card table. Mom gifted it to me back when I was a teenager because out of my 8 siblings I was the only one who was constantly creating and sewing not only my own clothes, but also curtains, comforters, pillows, stuffed animals, dolls and their clothes, gifts of all kinds and furnishings for both my bedroom and later my apartment and house. Plus I was the only one other than my mother who could use the machine without causing it to jam up or have other problems with the thread, bobbin or something else. I have owned a few different sewing machines, but I still have my first one which has every attachments they made along with the manual. A few years ago I was lucky and found a fully working Singer treadle sewing machine to add to my sewing room.

[@meiraloraduncan8953]

Another tip for sewing on buttons is to use embroidery floss without separating the individual strands so that you have a stronger thread to attach the buttons to whatever you are making. When sewing buttons on things like jackets and coats put a rounded toothpick underneath the button as you sew the traditional cross stitches in the four holes. When you have completed attaching the button and before you cut off the remaining thread remove the toothpick and wrap the tail of your thread around the thread underneath the button at least 2 or 3 times before you pull the thread back through the fabric and make your knot.After making the knot put the needle through the fabric on the inside one or two more times to help secure the thread. This allows the button to have less stress/pull on it when you button up the garment as you typically use thicker fabric when making coats and jackets. Plus it won't cause puckers or gaps when you button the item while wearing them.

[@smarty_4190]

@@meiraloraduncan8953 I love this so much! There are few things I love as much as vintage sewing materials and these kinds of stories give me such a warm fuzzy feeling. How is it possible that there is so much history and creativity in something as simple as collecting buttons. Thanks for the tips! I will definitely try to up my button sewing game ;)

[@selina-marievoss8559]

Love that you share your process of tackling things you’re scared of when sewing instead of showing it once you have mastered it - takes away some of my own fears because I am pretty sure that our list looks pretty much the same 😅

[@fromcarlyb]

Ah haha I'm glad it's ok!! It's always a little nerve wracking wondering if it's gonna work out!

[@bandanarathore]

Those floral patches and lace peeking through. So beautiful.

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you so much!! I was so excited about the floral fabric when I thrifted it!

[@goodvolks2know372]

I have such a grin on my face from you saying - "every time you do a perfect buttonhole a star is born in the galaxy". so cute.

[@sarahthomsen5619]

The subtle patch-working effect of the lace and embroidered fabrics with the white is so gorgeous!🤍

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you so much !! :')

[@ratafruity]

Your energy and excitement for crafting is seriously so INFECTIOUS!!!

[@fromcarlyb]

I LOVE CRAFTING ! hehe

[@1sharewithu771]

I'm teaching myself to upcycle garments, and I must repair some linens. I'm doing my part to keep fabric out of the landfills. I come from a quilting background, and sewing wearables is so different. I love the way you share your fears and learning process. I'm also afraid of zippers😊. And I've never made a button hole. I also have Grandma's buttons. They make me so happy. I'll be watching all your videos. Thanks for sharing your gifts.

[@fromcarlyb]

you're AMAZING!! upcycling is the best!!! Good luck mate

[@hope_lynn]

I commend you for incorporating techniques into your sewing that intimidate you. It took me soooo long to do my first zipper (longer than it should have. Lol) I have come to understand that jumping in and just trying new techniques is truly how you grow your sewing skills!! Thanks for sharing your videos!

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you!! I still have to build my confidence haha. Jumping in is essential at some stage hey!!

[@helloemilymills]

Oh my gosh the floral bits! And the lacey bits! So gorgeous 🤩

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you Emily!!!

[@Jenc1396]

So good Carly! Thanks for taking us on the journey :)

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you my friend!! Thanks for watching

[@katerudy3466]

Carly, Just a warm welcome from Pennsylvania USA! It's exciting to see a younger sewist exploring the craft. Well done on the zipper.

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you!! and sending love all the way to Pennsylvania!!!

[@starn4561]

came out SO CUTE i love the fabric detail on the bottom and the little flowers 😭💕

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you so much!!! The flowers were a fav of mine too :')

[@ariverdreaming]

I love the patchwork elements!!

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you so much!

[@erincarter9995]

Pretty! What a dreamy looking skirt. You did a great job!

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you so much!!

[@Theonceurbanmermaid]

That's really beautiful and you made it look so simple. Thank you for explaining every step so clearly. I'm determined to have a go.

[@fromcarlyb]

Good luck!!! Thank you for watching!!

[@user-kx4cu6rb3f]

Thank you for this great video! I’m less intimidated to start! I love how you bring us along while you are tearing out new things out like zippers. You’re great keep it up!

[@fromcarlyb]

you can do it!!! and thank you!

[@mrsp5808]

you did great its gorgeous

[@ellensetchkopalmerlee6481]

This skirt has such a lovely nostalgic feel to it! 🤍🥰 Thank you so much for taking us behind the scenes of your honest journey with each piece! I feel so much better that other sewists like you figure pieces out as they go because that’s totally how I do it. 😅 Love your videos - they really are a bright spot in my week and totally inspire me to get going on my most magical sewing dreams! 💖🦋

[@fromcarlyb]

I felt like I was in Little Women or something!! A timeless style for sure! Thank you for taking the time to comment - i appreciate it a lot. Will always share the good and bad of my process - hopefully it's helpful! Thank you for watching & being here - happy sewing friend!!!

[@tres_frayse]

I've been wanting to make a skirt JUST LIKE THIS for a while, but I was soo nervous to start. This is perfect! I feel soo much more motivated now :D

[@fromcarlyb]

yayyyyy i'm so happy!! good luck!!!

[@melissadavey2131]

I am definitely learning something from every video! And getting lots of inspiration as well 🥰. Thank you!

[@fromcarlyb]

This is the literal nicest comment ever. I'm so glad!!!

[@averylnicole698]

Love love love 💕 Simply gorgeous 😍 I can’t wait to make one 🥳

[@fromcarlyb]

Happy sewing!!

[@kneeribbit8003]

OMG so CUTE!!! I'm following this tutorial now with an old curtain

[@loismcmasters4680]

Great job! The skirt is beautiful. You make me want to make one too.

[@zeynept7731]

Imagine her in the future having her own big atelier/studio with a lovely showroom. Maybe it's also her loft, she has 2 little pets and continuing to build her fairy world 🧚‍♀✨🌸🌈🍓🍭

[@fromcarlyb]

:') this is the dream

[@zeynept7731]

@@fromcarlyb looking forward to see those days 🥰🍬✨💛

[@eddy6124]

Literally let out a gasp during the reveal, when I saw the flowers and the lace... This ist so so beautiful 💐

[@fromcarlyb]

aw!!!!! This is so sweet!!!!

[@nostalgicreveur7166]

Your skirt turned out so beautifully! I adore your enthusiasm and also would have shown off my use of Grandma's buttons. I use reclaimed fabrics for my creations as well. It fills my heart to be able to give fabric another life

[@fromcarlyb]

Aw thank you so much! Grandmas buttons are the best. I love that. Reclaimed textiles are so special. Take care mate

[@Julie_sews_her_own_clothes]

Gorgeous skirt. Love the different fabrics complementing each other 👏👏🙌🤩👍

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you so much!!

[@lindalbishop7329]

Lovely skirt. You are such a pretty and happy young lady, such a privilege to watch.

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you for watching!!

[@hanaah1111]

O that’s the pretty! …trying to get back to sewing. It was one of my forte when I was a teen n I enjoyed it

[@meowzerzzz]

Thank you for explaining gathering! I will try it!

[@fromcarlyb]

you can do it!!

[@Sochul]

It turned out so cute I love it!! I would definitely recommend trying to use an invisible zipper with a good invisible zipper foot cause it's soooo easy to use for real and looks super neat

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you so much!! okokok i'm gonna try an invisible zipper next time!!

[@indiabilly]

I have all my grandma’s buttons too! I am 54 so they are from the 1930’s I love them xxx

[@fromcarlyb]

Now that is SO special.

[@katriina144]

Wow you are so pretty girl!! ❤

[@aauuddrreeee]

Came from tiktok, this skirt is absolutely gorgeous!! I'm an extreme beginner and currently learning how to sew and this will definitely be one of my future projects to work on

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you so much friend!! yesss you can absolutely do it - sending you all the good sewing vibes!!

[@lynnieblinnie1066]

Love the skirt. Looks great. Zips and button holes scare me too. Thanks for sharing 😀

[@fromcarlyb]

Let's conquer our fear together!!

[@connywei227]

Now I want to make a skirt 👉🏻👈🏻 loved the video!

[@fromcarlyb]

yayyyy!! you should!!!

[@fuzzles93]

Beautiful skirt I’m definitely making this and I love the lace see through patch that one is so cute

[@fromcarlyb]

Oh i hope it goes well if you make one!!!

[@Strahbaerie]

You are so damn adorable. Thank you for the tutorial! Really excited to try!

[@iseetheWAYVision]

I needed this rn

[@fromcarlyb]

[@susansharp112]

love this skirt Thanks

[@ohlookadandelion]

I'm gonna do this once my exams over in February and I'll have 3 months of holidays! I've been searching for so long but never came across a one I liked. guess what? gotta make my own :)

[@franarsenault5077]

I learned in school you saw the scene you press it flat you slay the zipper down face down on the and stitch the zipper in when you're done sewing the zipper on you take a seam ripper unfix the scene so you can see the zipper

[@dianaprice9182]

Your so cute. I loved the video. Great job.

[@fromcarlyb]

thank you so much!!

[@sunfvalley]

immediately subscribed

[@fromcarlyb]

awh!! HEY FRIEND !!

[@HiNinqi]

I really like how you've filmed this

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you so much!

[@LAsJourneys-AnuLimbu]

Wow….. I like it.

[@TheFineLinen]

You are so adorable 🥹

[@jordancontreras8004]

You did so good with that zipper! To get the look of that zipper on the blue skirt, you can baste in the area where the zipper will be then go to a regular stitch length for the rest. Then you lay the zipper teeth over that seam line and top stitch it on and rip open the basting stitches to reveal the zipper. Idk what the name of the technique, but you may like that method better. Your skirt came out BEAUTIFUL!

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you so much!! Ok this is so helpful, I appreciate it!

[@jordancontreras8004]

@@fromcarlyb No problem! I hope it helps. I was able to figure out that that is called a centered zipper. So if you look up sewing a centered zipper, you can probably find some good videos or visuals on it.

[@anjak.8183]

Uuuuh i love it! Om new here nbad ready to be sewing friends ❤️❤️❤️😍

[@madebycoral]

Thank you so much for this video! I’m going to be making a maxi skirt this summer as one of my first sewing projects;) excited to learn. Also, you probably get this a lot but u look like Rory Gilmore 🤭

[@fromcarlyb]

OOoh that is so exciting! I really hope it goes well!

[@twillett100]

You are precious!

[@Madebyroe_]

When making a waistband like this, usually put interfacing on the lining part of the waistband. This helps the waistband keep is shape when your wearing :)

[@fromcarlyb]

AMAZING!!!!!! THANK YOU

[@clemencina]

omg i wish i had a bunch of scrap fabric so i could make a tiered patchwork skirt it's so prettyyyy :((

[@esmeturner7607]

Thank you for the tutorial, I can't wait to make this! Do you know roughly what length each rectangle is as i'm unsure what length to make each one to get the same effect as your skirt :)

[@fromcarlyb]

I'm so glad it was useful! I kind of eyeballed each tier, but a great rule of thumb is making sure each tier is at least 1.5 times longer then the tier above it! I hope that helps.

[@_nuriamo]

I wanted to make a dress for a summer wedding and I think I just found the perfect one!!!!!!! Thank you so muuch🤍 the question always is... how gathered should I make it?😂

[@fromcarlyb]

Yayyyy!!! I'm so glad!! Oooh it's totally up to you how gathered! I kept my gathers in a very 'medium' place so it wouldn't get too heavy!

[@simonecarvallhoartes2614]

Excelente👍

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you!

[@sun_yu_lu]

what is the iron that you're using? i love your set up!

[@helenk.8787]

Wow, what an inspiring project. Thanks so much for making this skirt and documenting your process

[@Bluewaterpinessantarosabeach]

Another hint. After threading your needle , then cut thread off spool. Do not first cut thread. Before you knit the two ends, run your fingers down the thread, then knot. It is fiber.☀️

[@fromcarlyb]

Oooh I'll have to try this next time! Thank you

[@manuelapervorfi6598]

Hey Carly, loved the video the first time already! Came back to ask if you can link the website you got your glasses from? Love from Austria

[@fromcarlyb]

Hi there! Thank you so much! My glasses are from KIT eyewear - you can use code CARLY for first pair free!

[@brontaedubois2925]

If you add your pins on a diagonal instead of straight they will be easier to pull as you sew

[@ciciamanda.]

I'm in the process of making this and attaching it to the bodice of a different dress pattern, the other pattern is gorgeous but i absolutely love how this skirt moves and twirls!! And the other pattern is seriously lacking in twirlability

[@fromcarlyb]

Yay I'm so glad it's working well!!! Twirlability is essential.

[@user-pz8zo5lo1i]

Hi! This is so pretty, I would love to make this but could you tell me the measurements that you have for the rectangles?

[@fromcarlyb]

I just guessed the rectangle measurements but you a good rule of thumb is just making sure that each tier is as least 1.5 times bigger then the last tier

[@bno_wall5319]

does that include width? like for ex. if the first tier is 4in thick, the next tier would be 6in?

[@stellasi8632]

Thank you so much for your video! This is by far the prettiest tiered skirt I have seen. Just one question about what you did. Could you explain how you closed the loop of each panel? Did you cut the panel first, closed it, and then attached it to the skirt above? How did you match up the length to the one above and what type of stitch did you use to attach them? I am really new to this so I need the dumbed down version haha

[@fromcarlyb]

Awh that is soooo sweet. Thank you so much!! A great question. It would probably be the smart thing to do, cutting it & closing the loop before sewing the tier. But I just sewed it on until I got to the point where it met the other end & sewed the ends together then. (you need to leave a 10cm space or so for this method!) It's lazy ... but it works! The gathering is what helps match the skirt to the tier above it! Say the skirt is 2 times the length of the tier above it ... you'll do two parallel lines of gathering stitches ( sew with longest stitch length & then you pull those threads to gather), and gather it so it now fits the measurements of the tier above it! And you keep repeating! I hope that helps a little! Happy sewing! You can do it!

[@stellasi8632]

@@fromcarlyb Amazing thank you so much! I am very excited to try it out. I can't wait for your future projects!

[@promisestarxd9487]

How did you attach that ikea spice shelf to the peg board?

[@Bluewaterpinessantarosabeach]

Thank you kindly for this tutorial. So so pretty. May I please ask you what model sewing machine you are using and the price point? Sewing all by hand takes a very long time.

[@fromcarlyb]

Hand sewing is a task for sure! You must be so patient! I have two main machines I sew on. My domestic is a Heavy Duty Singer (which I love & have been sewing on for about 3 years), and I recently upgraded to my Industrial Juki DDL 8700 which is game changing but is a much higher price point.

[@Bluewaterpinessantarosabeach]

@@fromcarlyb Thank you kindly for responding. I am quite adept at all forms of hand work and can run any sewing machine very well. I’ll certainly look into these models.

[@slyyyboyyy]

This is good content to have on while making songs

[@fromcarlyb]

I'm so glad!

[@emeliemarx]

Hi I love this skirt! I have a question, how long where your squares? I love how it looks but I can't really figure out how long I should do them? Thank you 😊

[@fromcarlyb]

Thank you so much! They weren't a set length unfortunately - I just made a super long rectangle, gathered it & used that strip for all of my tiers! If you want to calculate each tier, a good measurement is making sure each tier gets at least 1.5 x bigger!

[@user-je4eh9ht1k]

omg you're as cute as a button

[@ZuneraAli-uf4ix]

I found your channel very helpful 😄😄😄❤️❤️❤️ You are a very good teacher 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 Sending Love from Pakistan 🇵🇰🤍✨

[@fromcarlyb]

Aw thank you for watching!!

[@chriskvande8900]

you look wery alike to Saffy, the daugther in "Absolut fabulous".

[@aleamajz]

Do you make the rectangles/tiers longer as you go? _ __ Kinda like this. Don’t know how well this is turn out in the comments.

[@fromcarlyb]

yes!! Exactly like that! Amazing!!

[@CarinaDeJesus1]

Thank you very much for this video 🤗🤗❤❤. I'm the first time watching you... I'm sure you heard this plenty of times before but I have to say it 😊... If Natalie Portman and Ariana Grande had a baby, your pretty pretty face would come out 😍😍. Very beautiful ❤️❤️

[@fromcarlyb]

hahaha i love it!!! Thanks for watching!!

[@karleighbauer8618]

Where is your T-shirt from? I've been watching your videos and My BF mentioned he loves your shirt 😊

[@fromcarlyb]

The Salsa shirt? I love this one! It's from Everpress and is a print by an artist called Daukante Subaciute or Daukantedraws on Instagram!

[@whiteseawolf457]

I was curious to know how long you made the skirt panels? I thought i missed it but you never say.

[@fromcarlyb]

I didn't say! Sorry! I actually just made a really long rectangluar piece, gathered it & used it for every layer... so not helpful at all! I don't often measure these things (oops). A good rule of thumb is having the next tier be at least 1.5 x the measurement of the above tier! I hope that helps.

[@Laura-kv7bl]

What iron is that??

[@mahseenaaktermeem7973]

Please share the measurements of those 4 tiers!

[@PremitaSingha-ep9qz]

Which fabric?

[@elenastennett8660]

Op nvm its fine

[@Finny_finn_finn]

The way an Australian says "soooo," like the sound comes from under their tongue, is a dead giveaway. It's the strangest sound 🤔

[@fromcarlyb]

gday mate!!!

[@Finny_finn_finn]

@@fromcarlyb hi there 😁

[@elenastennett8660]

Is it just me or is there no audio

[@sabtecaallen2969]

You