How to make the 🍁 Perfect Autumn skirt 🍁 | beginner sewing project

Hello everyone and welcome to a new video!
I am high into the Autumn aesthetic, but unfortunately I can't really go anywhere to go and enjoy it, so I've been trying to bring it a little into my house! Warm tones all the way. I got this fabric a few weeks ago for a specific project (that did not go according to plan), but I had just enough fabric leftover that I thought I could squeeze out one skirt. I've been pretty successful in making vintage inspired everyday skirts; the last two I've made are my absolute favourites to wear.
I think this is a new favourite too.
I wanted it to be super simple as well, in case anyone starting out sewing needed some ideas. It's a simple rectangle skirt, pleated at the waist, and you can get away with *very little fabric*. I think the fabric choice really makes the difference. I wanted to photograph it somewhere nicer, but it has been raining ALL WEEK here and we had about 5 seconds where I could take a nice finished clip that wasn't in my living room 🤷♀️ I will be wearing it a lot though so I'll post more photos on Instagram!
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[@psiholog.matei.gabriela]

"shove this through the machine and pray for the best" is exactly how i sew zippers too

[@heliumowl1840]

This comment is precisely the face that I make when sewing on the machine which may or may not is the reason why I switched to learning hand sewing

[@lizzyscorner]

Me too 😆

[@rebeccap6878]

I killed a machine recently sewing on a zipper. I'm just going to hand sew them on now...😬😬😬😬😬😬 Update: I'm currently hand sewing a zipper right now. I tried sewing it by the machine again, but the needle snapped and cut my finger.😬

[@flapdoodlecacklberry]

It is strangely comforting to know that I am not the only one who dislikes sewing in zippers!

[@petrichor9417]

Zippers are the devil's work 😂

[@l.m.2404]

I am teaching my 9 year old , autistic granddaughter to sew and we love gingham and checks. I can hardly wait to teach her how to make this skirt. Thank you. :)

[@dcinrb8538]

How fun! Have you tried buffalo plaid?

[@l.m.2404]

@@dcinrb8538 , no but it's only because we have limited selection in local fabric stores. Good suggestion, though...thank you.

[@Marialla.]

FWIW, gingham is the BEST fabric for learning to hand-sew, because it shows you how to space your stitches and keep them on a straight line. Excellent to practice making pillowcases, curtains, tablecloth, etc. Best wishes!

[@l.m.2404]

@@Marialla. FYI... our first project was an apron, the second was a puffed sleeved blouse with pull string neck so this skirt will be perfect. We just purchased the fabric . :)

[@harryportfelikartakredytow8907]

Aww my grandma also taught me the basics of sewing, she went to a sewing school when she was my age (19) :) I love sewing now and I'm so thankful that she showed me how to do it! And it's such a useful skill, when I got my sewing machine the first thing I did was repair all shopping bags that had holes in them and shorten my family's jeans haha :) All the best for you and your granddaughter!

[@raraavis7782]

Ha. When I saw the thumbnail, I totally thought, this was a Rachel Maksy video, at first. I was like: 'huh, whenever did her hair get so long??'. It's pretty late here and the blue light blocker on my phone makes the hair look quite red in the thumbnail. Plus, the style and colors of the skirt....really funny! But anyway, lovely skirt, suits you very well!

[@julithewizards1358]

😂👍

[@laurapajamas612]

I thought so too!!

[@cabrics1985]

Same! Btw I've been seeing you in the comments of several channels I follow for at least a couple of years!

[@JustSaralius]

If you don't want to sew pockets of a contrasting fabric, but you don't have enough of the skirt fabric to make two whole pockets, you can make the visible top part of the pockets from the matching skirt fabric and piece the bottom parts with different fabric. That way, you still have two pockets that blend in with the skirt! :D

[@Bolshevik_muppet]

I was going to suggest this as well.

[@GoldStarWork]

Jennifer Parks I was too. Great minds and all that😆

[@dcinrb8538]

Also a very useful idea in order to enlarge a purchased or retro skirt pockets that were not designed for cell phones. Trace the pocket for a paper patern to create a larger bottom portion. Use a sturdy muslin. Only the bottom part is cut, leaving the skirt fabric still visible. My mom would frequently replace my brothers' pockets so she wasn't going to invest time replacing an entire pants pocket when only the bottom portion was ripped.

[@NoriBearr]

Now all I need is fabric and motivation

[@julithewizards1358]

well... i DO have fabric... 😅

[@NoriBearr]

@@julithewizards1358 🤣🤣

[@julithewizards1358]

@@NoriBearr btw i am just doing a very fluffy petticoat. It will take me FOREVER.

[@JayaBuzz]

All about that ~autumn aesthetics~ Better one pocket than none, indeed! Anything with a pocket is a pro!

[@EmsIsFab]

The maths are rather simple IF you're going for a skirt that is pleated the whole way round! It's simply 3x your waist measure, and don't stack the pleats. The pleat is 3 layers of fabric so the x3 is simple for this :D

[@SingingSealRiana]

. . . not really, dependend on what typ of pleats you want to do and how many there is still stff to figure out. knowing you need 3 times your waist measurement on fabric does not tell you where to fold and if your count works out . . .

[@birdandcatlover5597]

much appreciated! i'd have never figured that out

[@nunyabusiness3582]

does this work with gathers too by chance? :)

[@tammyellison735]

I enjoyed the video it was relaxing. There is a much easier way to put a zipper in. If it is centered bast the shirt opening closed center the zipper over this seam then sew down one side and up the other. After you are done remove the basting stitches. I hope this helps. I have been sewing for 50 years.

[@mossmother64]

I'm 18 and I've always done this ☺️ eyyyyyy

[@CatsCostumery]

I've seen this method described on an 1940s pattern and tried it too! It is a good one :)

[@gblekkenhorst]

I figured this out on my fourth try trying to put in an invisible zipper in last week, wish I’d learned it sooner!

[@SkipperJane]

This is how my mother taught me to insert a zipper as well!

[@michellecornum5856]

Oh, Cat! Your zipper rant was priceless!! I think "mouth" is the perfect word for the opening for a pocket. Whether that is the correct term or not, that is what I will now call it. Thank you for this! What fun! Stay well!

[@vintagecameragirl]

i just found some lovely orange and brown plaid in my local shop.. was trying what to think to make with in in an afternoon.... this!!!!

[@kestrels.9189]

Thank you for this, I gained weight and even before Covid, I had trouble finding things in my size and the style I crave. I’ve decided even though I’m late into this year, and everyone has already made several project, but I want to make my own clothes!

[@sianc7235]

I've just started on making my first clothing item now too, it's never too late in the year! I'm making a plain and simple 17th century shirt - I mostly went with 17th century because I don't have a sewing machine, so I can only hand sew haha! I wish you luck on your first sewing project, have fun :)

[@Jessiebes]

Ohh I like your old Singer machine, they were so well made then. The skirt is lovely too :)

[@Vixenventures]

This was just the peaceful sewing comfort I needed today, thank you!

[@andreaary4845]

Such a lovely and practical video! Loved all the hand stitching, it is a lost art.

[@honestydavis2289]

Well thanks to quarantine it's being rediscovered. It will live on

[@annelogister4305]

I love the way you narrate your videos, it sounds so nice and calming :)

[@StitchAndNine]

damn girl, that invisible hem! Super cute skirt and a lovely video, as always (I especially enjoyed the music choices)

[@alexandria3583]

rotary cutters are so satisfying to watch. i don't /need/ one so i don't have one but damn they're cool.

[@TealVT]

you obviously have a lot of passion for your sewing and your video editing. this is a beautiful video and a great tutorial!

[@deniseyoung3738]

Ah zippers! I got a chuckle, as I feel the same way! Thanks for another great video!

[@rebeccap6878]

"And making sure your phone will fit in it."😂🤣

[@x1435]

I'm a beginner and this looks like a perfect project! Now I just have to find some good fabric 😁

[@Ella-iv1fk]

I was given some old curtains I think will make a good skirt, this seems like a good method, it I can get my head round pleats. What was the total length of the fabric, at the hem?

[@CatsCostumery]

around 2 meters!

[@mouseluva]

This was so relaxing right before bed I was struggling to stay awake! The technique that works for me with zippers is to sew the seam completely shut as one big seam, pin the zip neatly in place, top stitch it in, then rip open the seam above the zip. I guess this wouldn't work if you didn't want top stitching, but I'd rather have a painless zip insertion process and a neat finish with some barely-noticeable top stitching than throw my self esteem down the bottomless pit of crooked, wrinkly finishes!

[@rebeccap6878]

I love your choice of songs!😍 This is a lovely skirt!!! Can't wait to try it out!!!

[@kikihappy54]

I was literally JUST talking to my mom about making skirt for autumn as one of my first projects once she loans me her sewing machine

[@Quiv1s]

Lovely! And what a gorgeous sewing machine 😻

[@laurahayden215]

Excellent tutorial! Your skirt came out so cute!!! Ginny Di also has a great tutorial that taught me how to make zippers /mostly/ painless!!

[@TheKatelinn]

I've got some grey checked fabric, was planning to make an autumn/winter skirt with it. I am at work, but I am certain I'll watch this weekend. Can't wait to watch!

[@amandaklimock2229]

Your videos are so calming to watch! I love them :)

[@julithewizards1358]

You look lovely in your new skirt. 🤗💗 I just added lately a pocket to an eighties black and white gingham skirt from the thrift store. Since then I wear it quite a lot. 😊

[@Lilyheart17]

I liked your video. It's very calming 😊Definitely going to make that skirt!

[@empressofbuttons3478]

Ahhh this has immaculate autumn vibes, what a lovely skirt and video 💞✨

[@CatsCostumery]

[@believeinfaeries8713]

That fabric is beautiful! Great tutorial. I'm also feeling the autumn aesthetic and it's finally starting to feel like it here in Texas.

[@gerileemakes]

Lovely little video. The b-roll was so cozy and fall. The skirt turned out great. Wonderful job!

[@leyiseclipse]

Hahhaha I feel your pain. I hate zippers. I have done enough I feel like I should be a pro and yet I still mess it up. Even with praying and crying. 🤣 I love how this turned out!! Simple but very pretty!!!

[@janisi9262]

This is a lovely skirt. Honestly, I'm a little jealous that your project went together so nicely! Right now, I'm struggling with the bodice of a dress and I'm just so ready to be done with it.

[@ncalgal4699]

You always make it look to easy!

[@sheilagaleano365]

Love it and your tutorial so much. Recently subscribed. Thank you very much : ) I also love your best lines..in this video...."Shove it through the machine and hope for the best." : ))) Hehehe...we've all been there...done that : )

[@Zottanna]

what a satisfying video to watch. nice.

[@mjdc2533]

Excellent clear instructions throughout the video.

[@melissalovesgreen7240]

Thanks for putting captions on your video(s) I really do appreciate it!

[@lindahyatt3935]

It's a beautiful skirt and looks lovely on you.

[@Grace_x68]

I love your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You look beautiful in you autumn skirt.

[@crashofthemoons]

the method you use to finish your seams is called "felling" I've never tried it, but I plan to!

[@BeverleyButterfly]

Ooh I’m going to save this video to try making this skirt for sure xx

[@fabioferreiragomes]

.......ESPETACULAR......MAGNÍFICA.....INCRÍVEL........

[@winterdavis4919]

I love this skirt! I want to make another skirt now!

[@ellahornquist4803]

The skirt turned out great😊

[@ElizabethSuki]

i know this was posted a while ago but I just made a fall pinafore out of this exact same fabric!

[@munka214]

Such a cute easy to make skirt! Thanks so much. I love your videos.

[@lucamannstein2587]

Just in time! I just bought some black meterware (is there another word for that? You know, the fabric) from ikea and wanted to sew a pleated skirt and a pirate shirt out of it (i bought 4m that should suffice i think). Im sticking with black, but I love the aesthetic of the autumny plaid :3

[@susanrobertson984]

I made somethong similar in the summer using inverted box pleats. It took me three or four tries to get the waist measurement correct and i started wearing it and it is too big after all! One can also simply gather the waist down as well!

[@rachelunderwood4868]

Another nice project! I need more energy, and time!, to make nice stuff too...

[@desireehardin1728]

Lovely video!! Please, what are the songs you included??! Very pretty music!

[@Feelicitasy]

Ohh, it's so pretty! I love autumn too, though I like winter best. I'm still working on my first Keystone walking skirt (a perfectly autumny olive-green one), currently felling the side seams and fussing whether I'll put a facing from horsehair crinoline braid in. How was your week? I've been avoiding Instagram lately because it's been overwhelming, with the US elections and stuff going on, I just can't deal with it atm and (fortunately) I can choose to ignore it until it's over since I'm not American.

[@AragornElessar]

i want to try the keystone walking skirt pattern but the diagram and such seem a bit intimidating to me (so I found a different pattern diagram I might try instead).

[@petrichor9417]

@@AragornElessar The keystone walking skirt looks a little intimidating, but is actually pretty easy. Just make sure you read the entire instruction beforehand and you should be good... Don't worry 😁

[@Feelicitasy]

@@AragornElessar don't be afraid, it is very simple. There are also a lot of costubers out there who recorded their process on the Keystone skirt which is super useful. you can do it!

[@apphiabulkley7924]

I find it helps to hand baste the zipper in before going to the machine to sew.

[@SofaraStarfyre]

Your hem stitches were totally invisible. The skirt looks great. I would love to try my hand at this, but am not sure about the pleating. I've watched lots of videos where others had done them and they are certainly finicky.

[@rosaredondo1598]

Really pretty. I a beginner struggling with easy girls skirt pattern for my 5 year old granddaughter any advice?

[@mandylavida]

Lovely

[@constancelucas5478]

Maybe I’m just completely dumb but I didn’t understand everything you did... I think I’d need to write down the steps for it to be clearer... It’s a wonderful skirt and I wish I could do it ahah

[@raraavis7782]

Nah! Not dumb. Just a beginner (I'm guessing). This wasn't a step by step tutorial, explaining everything in minute detail. Because that would bore the heck out of more advanced sewers. Trust me, if you start with something a little easier and keep at it, you will be able to make something like this in a couple of months.

[@swish043]

You posted this 2 days ago but it is, for all intents and purposes, completely winter where I am already 😭

[@mimikyu_goddess]

Two words - zipper tape. It's a life saver, especially with hidden zippers.

[@averyt9600]

Such a cute skirt! I have some floral sateen that might work, I’m sorely tempted to make one.

[@phoebegodsmark56]

For the maths for pleats: Decide how wide you want each pleat and then divide your waist measurement by that width to get the number of pleats . Minus your waist measurement from the length of fabric that you have sewn together for the main skirt. And then divide it by the number of pleats you have. Measure the pleat distance and place markings there and then measure the distance you just calculated above. Bring the original pleat measurement to this marking and pin the pleat down. Repeat for the rest of the pleats and then continue as the video

[@phoebegodsmark56]

Hope this helps anybody who uses it

[@TekiKekai]

You mention cutting just to your desired length, but can you explain how you decided the width for the skirt fabric?

[@AragornElessar]

i suppose it's the waist circumfence plus some extra for the pleating. (or the width of the fabric depending on how much there is).

[@TekiKekai]

@@AragornElessar That's what I assumed mostly, that it would just be the fabric width in the hopes that it's wider than your waist measurement.

[@AragornElessar]

@@TekiKekai and if the fabric is too narrow to go around the waist I'd use the length of it.

[@CatsCostumery]

Sorry I hoped it was more visible from the cutting clip! I just used the full width of my fabric, which was 150 cms, plus the extra two small panels I added at the back. I wanted as much volume as possible so I used as much of my fabric as I could.

[@Ameia108]

Круто! Спасио, сошью. себе такую! ❤🌺🙏

[@pineapplepoppyseeds6607]

I'M super early yayyy😊, it's so pretty to

[@gracezielinska2279]

Hi, I was curious if that is a vintage sewing machine by Singer you are using when you sew? :3

[@CatsCostumery]

yes, it's from the late 1950s :)

[@gracezielinska2279]

@@CatsCostumery Oh gosh, I'm so jealous! I hope I come across one myself at a flea market or on ebay. My mother-in-law's friend gave me her used modern Singer machine and it's already giving me trouble. D:

[@elizabethzaske1242]

@@CatsCostumery It looks the same as the one I'm teaching my kids to sew on! I learned on it, too, and nothing can break it. I still use that one for my heavier materials. It goes through anything.

[@josefinebrannlund7297]

🍁

[@evaslana1274]

Hello! Does everyone know what to do if you pleat and the end skirt looks like a potato sack??????

[@youraddiction2283]

What is the title of thhenpiano

[@Lyu_55]

Молодец 🌹

[@rodentary]

I hate zippers. I have to baste them in place or it moves while sewing under the machine.

[@rodentary]

@@vickiejones9447 nope. Best idea ever is a placket with velcro or buttons and snaps. I avoid zippers as much as possible.

[@RhymingMime]

leave it to Cat to make a pleated checked skirt look painterly

[@maywenearedhel]

I've never understood the purpose of trimming down seam allowances when you can just sew a thinner seam.

[@briefisbest]

Getting a precise, even edge gets harder the smaller the distance you want at the end. I wouldn't want to try to sew a seam smaller than 1/4" on any sewing machine I own.