My New Favorite Wrap Skirt || Say HELLO to the KIRA SKIRT from Bhutan!

[@beccabbea2511]

Here’s a little fun story, when you are thinking you took too long to make a skirt. I used to work for a fashion group who produced some really beautiful clothes. (Thanks to the bean counters and those who knew the cost of everything and the value of nothing, they no longer exist.). I remember our group was making cotton lined gathered skirts of very lightweight, flower patterned cotton. The two seams were already serged with an opening for the zip. We inserted the invisible zip, then sewed the two pieces together around the waist, as the lining and skirt were the same size, gathering the waist to fit the size, added a stay tape, prepared the waistband then sewed it to the skirt. The lining was sewed to the sides of the zip. Then both hems were sewn. Total time allowed 10.001 minutes. I never, ever knew what the .001 was about, I was just told "that’s what time and motion made it. Did we do it? Yes easily. However, the thing is, sewing a garment is not how long you take, it it’s not a race (fortunately, those days are long gone) it is about how much you enjoy the journey and the pleasure of making something to wear and the satisfaction of a job well done. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to share your work with us.

[@terrig7006]

I have always been a fan of wrap skirts and I love the straighter look of these. My favorite wrap skirt is from the 60's and I picked it up about 25 years ago at a church rummage sale. I still get compliments on it every time I wear it! Like you, the maker sewed a series of buttons across the waist front and the two ties come around the waist from the back and you choose the buttons where the fit is most comfortable. Genius and attractive! 😊

[@KatieMakesStuff]

It's amazing how much those buttons help, and when you add the big pleat for mobility, they become really versatile pieces!

[@sheryllstarr7115]

Your skirt is so pretty. I enjoy learning from you making your wrap skirt. I would wear this skirt every chance I get.❤

[@evelyntanswell3311]

I had two outfits I got in Mauritius. One silver and one blue. Both really luxurious silk, embroidered in silver and gold. I wore them for evening wear. Best buy ever ❤.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

That sounds wonderful! I'm definitely going to start collecting textiles from all of my travels.

[@a_Hooded_Figure]

These skirts rock! (Which is too funny to me, because 'Rock' means skirt in german. Thanks I'll let myself out)

[@KatieMakesStuff]

These skirts skirt!!! Love it SO much!

[@nuria.l-l-9827]

😂

[@siobhancapell]

Love the presser foot and adjusting the needle position tip! Thank you!

[@IMOO1896]

Thank you for figuring out the hard work for us!

[@sibyllolson3237]

What an adorable skirt. I cannot wrap my mind around the pleat though…it’s me not your instructions. I may have to get a piece of fabric and play with it while watching. I just found your channel.

[@kiragarvie]

I am so glad I stumbled across this - my name is Kira and I love wrap skirts!!! ❤😂🎉

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Amazing! Welcome and I hope you find something you enjoy!

[@denisepettit8534]

I want to make this and watch more of your channel. I just checked out your skirt page, but I have other things I have to do. I am subscribing and ringing the bell and can't wait to get back to watching more. I have never heard of the Kira skirt and thrilled to find this my hips don't need the full skirt and I love wraps. Thank you, blessings.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I'm so excited you're here and I hope you can make your own Kira skirt soon!

[@jau2552]

Wow wow wow. Amazing job. First skirt my fave; love the fabric you chose. Shaping was perfection. No hem was genius. Final effect awesomeness.

[@normacooper6377]

That’s a clever design! I love how it doesn’t slide open and show anything private! Ease of movement in a skirt is crucial in my opinion. Girls gotta move.😊

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I totally agree!

[@Danielle-zq7kb]

If you don’t have anyone to teach you, anything you figure out for yourself is clever! My first machine didn’t have that capability, but I caught on to how to use the needle shift the same as you did! I really like how you showed your process of thinking through everything. Awesome!

[@michellelink7996]

Very nice!! Love the first print. Still watching for the second reveal!😊

[@kihntagious]

I made my own in the mid-60s out of (some of you will remember), Kettlecloth! I made all my own clothes. I sewed a lot and loved it.

[@wendyr3484]

I made one. I love it. Shared your video with my mom.

[@emihayashi7725]

@wendy, I would love to try sewing this, are the pleats difficult to iron?

[@avagrego3195]

I bought a couple souvenirs when I was in Burma - I love them. I also have a couple saris.

[@sally-anneshotter9174]

My 2 favourite phrases. I know I’ve got some Velcro here somewhere! and let me just uncover the ironing board !!! 😂 Love that fabric and short skirt looks great

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Uncovering my ironing board is practically my warmup at this point. If it's a flat surface, it's probably getting covered by something! 🤣

[@TheMediterraneanStar]

I really like the end result, it's both visually interesting and very practical 👍

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you! 😊

[@indiabilly]

Absolutely yay! I’m on a night shift so I get to see this still warm out the oven instead of cold in the UK morning. Fascinating learning how the Kira is constructed thank you xx

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I tried to time it just for you 😉 so glad you were able to see it so early!

[@amps8687]

Thank you so much for sharing! I had never heard of the Kira skirt but, i love it! I'm gonna make a long and a short as I have always loved the wrap skirt and i love the use of different fabrics! thankyou 💖💫

[@helendobby8040]

I always build in a "Shank" on a button, to allow the buttonhole to sit nicely., Even on the sewing machine, put a pin underneath the button at right angles to the holes, then stitch your button on. Give it a try, I have even balanced a button on a match stick if the fabric is thick!

[@judymarkel8029]

Cute skirt. I have never heard of a Kira skirt and even tho I do sew I could not understand your instructions 😂. As long as you like it it's a win🎉

[@Carina-Rose]

Same! I was hard for me to grasp, but maybe it’s something I’d need to follow along with while I have fabric in hand.

[@Danielle-zq7kb]

Really nice fabric placement on the red mandala print fabric!

[@stephanieb1196]

Hello, I have never seen a skirt quite like that, but a wrap skirt was my first project in my high school sewing class so this interested me. I can appreciate how the Kira skirt does allow for more ease of movement. I like your first one you made the best because that fabric is uniquely beautiful. I may try making one if I can find a similar print. Thank you

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you so much and I completely agree about the first one being the best. Maybe look at Indian block print fabrics for more unique patterns on lightweight cottons. I think that would be beautiful!

[@pesahson]

I love how they turned out and how they look on you. I'm not a huge fan of skirts, I prefer a dress, but I love wrap anything and those skirts look super chic and comfortable.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you! I was wondering how I could add a wrap top to the skirt to create an easy-to-wear dress, but I haven't figured it out yet

[@shineisland7447]

Waistband score is triumphant 🤣❤️

[@beccabbea2511]

The row of buttons looks great. In fact they are better than the 'monster' hooks, or should I say more secure. Thank you for sharing this with us. I love the idea and I have just the right fabric waiting to be used. 👍 Mind you I think a practice run is in order first.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

100% do a mock up, but the design is pretty dang snazzy once you've got it figured out! Good luck and I hope it turns out amazing!

[@tomokoichi]

Beautiful and functional!! The asymmetrical front flap is so stylish!! Thanks for sharing your problem solving with us.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@jcmhanel1]

I am new to your channel. I loved the skirts! I loved that you used the red buttons from your grand or great grandmother! Hook and loop tape…aka Velcro. The loop is the soft side. The hook is the rough side.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you for the correct wording! I often find myself stuck without words and it comes out as "let's scratch this and see what noise it makes!" Which isn't as helpful as my brain thinks it is 🤣

[@jcmhanel1]

@@KatieMakesStuff That is funny, but I totally understand.

[@sarahferrell5458]

I love it so much!!

[@robstrck8]

Very cute!!!! Great job 😊

[@MaryamBehairy]

I loveeee this skirt. The colors on the 1st one right up my bohoish alley 😊. Might give it a try...i love the long version. 🤗❤ I loved the buttons too.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you so much! I got lucky finding this tapestry. Definitely try a longer version and see what you think!

[@vhoov2218]

Reminds me of the Rip Skirt Hawaii (I purchased mine on EBay). Rip Skirt has pockets which I always need. I love the rear pleat on Kira skirt. This is going to be a great project for me.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Ooh, I'll look into a rip skirt because this definitely needs pockets! Maybe smushing the two designs will create The Perfect Wrap Skirt 😎

[@barbaraives4962]

​@@KatieMakesStuff I have several of the RipSkirts (apparently easier to find here in Australia than in the US) and while I like them a lot, I thinks this design has a number of advantages. The button finish is certainly more attractive, and that extra pleat and front panel looks like it gives better coverage and movement. Your final versions are lovely.

[@rosemarymonty5399]

You made to beautiful skirts using gorgeous fabric. I’m not sure I have the patience to work through it though.

[@trexapex00]

the second skirt! 😍 love that pattern, and think both of them are a great length on you!

[@courtenay4130]

Great information and looks really comfortable and attractive.

[@indiabilly]

Ps they look absolutely fantastic on and I love the way the side pleat looks like a split but isn’t, and the movement in it is phenomenal xx

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you! I love them SO much I'll probably make a few more out of different fabrics to see what works the best. I bet linen would be super comfy!

[@IndigoSew]

Oh Katie, the skirts look great and I love the first fabric but I did not understand any of that, sorry. As soon as I heard left and right, my brain said “nope” and vacated the building. 😳 I am a deer in the headlights. It wraps and has big pleaty bits but I don’t even understand where both ends of the fabric are! Arrrgh! Deep breath - maybe I could start with how much fabric to use: compared to hip size, approximately how much fabric did you need? Two times? Three times? More? Thanks for your patience 🐌

[@KatieMakesStuff]

It's strange how something so simple was so difficult to explain, but I didn't want to use exact measurements because everyone is a different size and mine may not work for others. Here's what I did for a starting point. I started with fabric that was 80" long by 27" wide. Whatever you use needs to be long enough to cover your hips at least 2x. - one end of the fabric needs to snuggly fit the front of you from right hip to left hip. The opposite end needs to snuggly fit your front from left hip to right. You should have two layers of fabric on your front side. - whatever fabric is leftover becomes your big pleat. When you make that, the exterior fold should be on the left hip. Not sure if that makes ANY sense, but hopefully it gives a starting place.

[@corinnegrealish6651]

@@KatieMakesStuff I'm also still a bit confused like @indigoSew 🤔 Do you have a sketch maybe? like "place velcro 2 inches from edge, dart at this distance, hip width between here and here....etc"? it's hard to know where "here" is when I can't see the fabric edges 😮‍💨

[@IndigoSew]

@@KatieMakesStuff Thanks for trying 🙂. No shade (at all!) but I still didn’t get it (je ne comprends pas - my brain needed a visual). I found this kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaCsiJlnq62Ejckfeature=shared nice demo video on how to wrap a half kira (half being a skirt, full being a dress) which helped clarify eventually (I watched it AT LEAST 20 times) for me how it works. It looks like she has nearly 3 times her circumference in fabric length and she put the pleat on the front instead of the back but it’s such a neat design for style and function. Thanks heaps for showing us🌟

[@KatieMakesStuff]

@IndigoSew I'm going to keep trying to find a way to explain it and I'll check out that video!

[@margitwes6495]

@@KatieMakesStuff Thanks for the mount of fabric needed, it's a good starting point. I'm not a fan of skirts, but this one I really like.

[@robintate998]

I love this skirt, it's by far my favorite wrap skirt!! Thanks for sharing. I am new to your channel. I will try snaps in place of velcro.😊

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Ooh, I wonder how snaps would work? I feel like I'd snap them open every time I slouch over, but maybe on the inside they'll hold better. Let me know how it goes!

[@marthamalone9791]

Great skirts.

[@BeachPeach2010]

I'm tickled to pieces to have found this video! I've had a beautiful teal silk sari that has been yelling at me for a skirt for over a decade. This is going to be perfect. I'm trying to wrap my head around the folds. Is there double fabric on the backside? Thanks for this design. It looks comfortable as heck! ❤

[@msullivan3531]

Wow. Those are amazing!

[@amys3168]

I had a wrap skirt that didn’t have that extra large pleat, but the smaller pleats were at the sides. The Velcro spot was one of those bigger hooks and the wrap part was done with buttons. I like the way the bigger pleat adds some interest. I might have to see if I still have that skirt.

[@kimrussell7952]

These turned out so well! The fabric on that first one is just 🔥🔥 For buttonholes you should keep an eye out for a vintage Singer buttonhole attachment. They'll still work on short shank modern machines and you just drop a cam in and put the pedal to the metal. Beautiful buttonholes every time!!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

My Singer came with a buttonhole foot and it's the BEST thing ever! I couldn't imagine doing buttonholes without it

[@geezer.hockey]

Looks great! Love the buttons!

[@claudiakitchen8094]

I like what you did and enjoyed seeing your progress. The only thing I wish for is pockets. Is the a way to put in at least one?

[@christinevanzyl5951]

Solution for dart my dear. Try making the dart a small dart taking both sides and sew down about 6cm. Like a narrow on both sides at the end and only dipping into waist at about 2cm from waist more at back than front its got to feel natural. ❤

[@hestererlank8354]

Gorgeous fabric.

[@aribella6913]

Wow, I love this.

[@HugsXO]

Perfect for skinny people without hips.😂 I love the design and fabric. Well done.

[@AuntNutmeg]

Cute skirt, but I'm a pockets gal! 😂 I'll stick with my adjustable waist skirts.

[@Leslie-wb8cb]

Love love love! They're like culottes and a wrap skirt had a baby.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

OMG you're right! I'm absolutely in love with them!

[@jomarielopez2229]

Cute!!!!!

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Cool!

[@KGlena-kx1df]

🤩🤩🤩 a straighter fit wrap skirt I can spontaneously do high kicks with and not show off my underwear?’ 🤯 Brain is not braining though, could you make a line diagram kind of explaining the pleats (like you see in sewing books comparing box to accordion to knife pleats etc)? I’m so excited to try I just can’t quite wrap my head around the back one, or is it 2? 😅

[@KatieMakesStuff]

It really only has one giant pleat which allows for movement, then a few darts along the waist for shaping. You said it perfectly, my brain is not braining when it comes to giving a coherent explanation. I'm going to keep trying though, maybe someday I'll get it!

[@carolinestagg6807]

Thanks on how to sew this !!!

[@tinarytting3799]

About how much fabric to start with? Double hip circumference? 2.5? Loved this thank you!

[@tanasuesews]

Great use of that round pattern. Beautiful! Don’t we love flexible waistlines? My first visit. Not my last!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I've been making a lot of elastic waistband pants lately, but for some silly reason they're not always seen as the most 'professional' so at least this skirt gives some flexibility and looks like office wear. 🤣

[@randylls5341]

Cute

[@fetakmiller]

This skirt looks interesting. Would appreciate info on amount of fabric used. Also, maybe a smaller version to show how it is done, as the video was kind of confusing to me 😢

[@mariephenix7168]

I love it, do you think it would fit plus size?

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I absolutely think it would work for just about anyone. The key is to start with fabric that is 2.5x the measurement of the widest point on the hips/butt. For me, that's 40" so I started with an 80" x 27" piece of fabric. I'd love others to try it and see how it works for them!

[@copperfalls2417]

@@KatieMakesStuff Thank you for that measuring detail/formula :). Those two skirts are great on you, you will love wearing them.

[@julierahn6932]

Darts over the front hip bones ? Thanks

[@lbrowning2543]

Pleats for hooks?

[@Gwalanation]

I was thinking you could look in your closet for pants you don’t wear and steal the hooks 😅

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I did!!! But the only pants I found them on were ones I actually love but that led to the buttons and I think those are just so much better.

[@DorisPeacock-wo1jx]

My question is how to get the pattern? New viewer and subscriber!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I haven't put together an actual pattern yet. I think I need to figure out how to better explain the construction too. I am working on it though!

[@ritasmith9553]

I have been sewing forever, but I can't get my head around what this is supposed to be or look like. I wish you could put up a line drawing of it, and what you did where. I wouldn't have to do it that way, but that would be very helpful. It seems to me like it would be heavy on one side, and not balanced, with that pleat the way you describe -- so I must not be seeing something right! I just don't understand that pleat. More info? Or a pattern # I could look at/evaluate?

[@whateverislovely8654]

This looks super cool. The part that looks most confusing to me is the big pleat. Not sure where that goes. Also I may have missed it but did you mention how long of fabric you used? Just for a general idea. I love learning these cool techniques from other cultures. I have a hanbok wrap skirt from Korea and I loved it so much I copied the design just like you and made it reversible.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

It's strange how something so simple was so difficult to explain, but I didn't want to use exact measurements because everyone is a different size and mine may not work for others. Here's what I did for a starting point. I started with fabric that was 80" long by 27" wide. Whatever you use needs to be long enough to cover your hips at least 2x. - one end of the fabric needs to snuggly fit the front of you from right hip to left hip. The opposite end needs to snuggly fit your front from left hip to right. You should have two layers of fabric on your front side. - whatever fabric is leftover becomes your big pleat. When you make that, the exterior fold should be on the left hip. Not sure if that makes ANY sense, but hopefully it gives a starting place.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Also, handbok skirts are on my list of projects! They look amazing!

[@whateverislovely8654]

@@KatieMakesStuff Thank you for that explanation. I know everyone has different sizes but a general idea is great. Also for the hanbok skirt I had my own to reference but I used Sewing Therapy's Hanbok Skirt sew through to understand the process of making one

[@Lptka]

Very nice skirt and video. Unfortunately the music during your narration makes it hard to understand you. No music during narration is preferred

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Sorry about that. I'll work on it for the next video

[@maggiepatterson7949]

can NOT wear straight shaped skirts, dresses....NOT WITH MY BUTT, BIG ROUND HIPS. it seems that wrap skirts are made for straighter shapes..not me! i woukd LOVE TO SEE ONE FOR ME!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Have you looked into circle skirts or Hanbok skirts? Both flair out so much you'd have lots of room for hips and booty, and the toughest thing about circle skirts is hemming the bottom so it doesn't fray. It's not difficult but it seems to take forever. Hanbok skirts are more difficult construction-wise, but they use so much fabric that's pleated into a waistband that I think it would fit well on any shape.

[@sbender3787]

I worry that the buttohole will stretch.

[@marymeyer8185]

Darling, love the buttons.