DiY Fashion Tutorial - How to Make a Pixie Skirt

[@smarmyclothes]

*** IMPORTANT CORRECTION *** When I'm explaining how to cut the skirt in two pieces, the diagram at 11:00 is incorrect. The seam allowance should be added to the BOTTOM edge of the template in the diagram, NOT to the side as shown.

[@spicybeantofu]

Thanks for actually writing out the math for this. I have yet to see anyone explain it this well. I'll finally be able to make a skirt.

[@Redviolingrl]

This is one of the best tutorials I've seen - especially for people with little sewing experience. Very clear instructions and step by step explantations.

[@babalonzy2315]

I have been looking for a pattern for this skirt for a week now! Thank you so much! I know this is a really old video but if you ever see this know that I am so thankful!!!

[@sleepyspacegremlin]

YAY I FOUND YOU AGAIN! I used to follow your tutorials 10+ years ago. I'm trying to get back into sewing because it used to bring me joy. Glad to see you on YT. 🖤🥳😁

[@kiiwistu]

I’ve used this tutorial for SO many projects. Thank you so much!!

[@smarmyclothes]

That's awesome to hear!

[@elliottkane1519]

Currently using this right now, super easy and helpful instructions and I love that I can physically see what I’m supposed to do. Thank you!!!!

[@spicybeantofu]

Yes I'm a visual learner. I needed to see her do the math on paper and explain it. No one else does they just gloss over it.

[@aldenfloyd9524]

This is probably the best explained and most thorough tutorial I've ever seen! I'm still learning basic sewing and cannot wait to try this! Thank you!

[@ThinlyVeiledInsanity]

I'm working on a massive satin & chiffon skirt with multiple layers and a 3" elastic waistband, and literally nothing I have read or watched so far has helped me figure out waistbands as well as this video. Thank you!

[@Mommy22Es]

+Lieutenant Starbuck I am doing the same thing! I am going to use it for my wedding dress. How did yours turn out?? BTW This has been the best tutorial I've found as well!

[@deniselauffer8577]

Great project! This would look good for many applications, not always costume. Thanks for sharing this tutorial.❤

[@smarmyclothes]

Thanks, and it's true! Everyone needs a pixie skirt!

[@janicegeorge7476]

I've watched so many of these and while they are all basically the same, yours, using "visual math" and drawings made all the difference for me! I used to sew a LOT but it was with traditional patterns. This is great and I need the step - by step. Thanks so much!

[@smarmyclothes]

Thanks, Janice!

[@Nakira2000]

This is the best tutorial I have seen. I don't have sewing machine, I don't know how to sew and I don't fully understand the terms BUT I visually understand everything that was going on and I'm ready to tackle my Renaissance fair skirt. Thank you very much, here goes nothing 😆 💕

[@Nakira2000]

My circle hole is way to big, I watched your explanation 6 times and followed it when I felt comfortable enough. Now I don't know what to do or where I went wrong 😭

[@graciegirl7556]

If you put a piece of elastic in your waistband with a slit cut in so you can fish the elastic out, you can gather the fabric to fit your waist at different sizes by tying a knot in the elastic. Think like how you cinch a hoodie Hood with the pull cord but with a hidden elastic inside of the waistband.

[@dawnswensen6624]

This is one of the instructional videos I’ve seen. Nice job!

[@stefaniaponitz5738]

Fantastic video. I've been looking for this for a long time. I naturally understood that these skirts had some kind of triangle point that made it fall and flow as beautiful as it does but after that I was kinda lost lol. I'm going to make a million of these in all colors with tons of layers. Love it!!! Thank you.

[@icegypsy99]

Wow you couldn't have made this any more simple to follow. I've been wanting a skirt like this for such a long time. Now I want one for a witch costume. So difficult to find in plus size ...at least one that's affordable. Now that I see how simple it is to make. Will be heading to the fabric store instead of forking out $100 on a costume. THANK YOU!! :)

[@rachaelautera5150]

I've used this tutorial several times to make fairy skirts for renfaires, and I'm about to modify it a little to make an interesting fall leafy cloak. Thanks!

[@kimberlybullock3299]

I just found you! Been sewing for awhile but your way of not assuming the viewer knows each step that other channels will skim over was refreshing. I’m working on a Ren faire price right now but you just got me so excited for Halloween!!!

[@smarmyclothes]

Oh thank you! I'm the kind of person that needs *everything* spelled out if I'm doing something new, so I try not to skip steps in my tutorials.

[@BlackMidnight19]

Best tutorial I've ever watched! How you explain everything makes it so much easier. Wish I had found you sooner because I would have saved much time and several projects that failed because I couldn't get the waist band right.

[@TheOriginalCosplayPrincess]

I am so grateful you have this tutorial! I found it easy to watch and follow along to make a pixie skirt for my renaissance wardrobe. Honestly I was so stumped earlier on how to make one but I found after watching your video it was very easy going.

[@smarmyclothes]

You are so welcome!

[@betsysansby]

Best instructions yet. You made it so much easier by telling us only what we needed to know. Thanks.

[@wolfsangeleyes]

Excellent tutorial. Easy to follow, you didn't skip a beat, good close-ups and no distracting music. Thank you. And thank you for the template.

[@jack.e_bee]

if only i'd thought to hunt down this video BEFORE i cut the fabric lmao. on the plus side, now i understand what i'm meant to be doing, and i can use a seam to repair what i just did

[@CryptidLarklin]

your way of explaining things is so good, I've never done an elastic waste band before so this is so helpful

[@yourlocalxartist2153]

This is the best tutorial ever. The way you showed the math!

[@stvnixrcks]

Finally!!! An easy to understand tutorial on how to make this type of skirt! Thank you!!!

[@BeckyLynn1986]

Thank you SO much! You did such a great job explaining everything...I have some lace curtains I'm wanting to use to make a dress. This is perfect!

[@thenighttimegroup]

this was such an amazing tutorial! I had to stitch everthing by hand so I wanted a simple process that would yield good results, and this video gave me both!!! thank You

[@RachelHershberg]

Thank you for the tutorial! I am planning on making a A-line skirt with this elastic waistband for my daughter. (She found some weave fabric she likes.) Wish me luck. Also, good for you for actually including real live math.

[@woof1002]

Loved how you showed how to prepare/use the waist band

[@danitasdzine1]

I LOOOOVE that spider web fabric! Wish I could find some myself.

[@lyokogrl]

Clear, concise, no distractions, a wonderful tutorial. And you made my life a whole lot easier with this years Cheshire cat costume. Thank you! Could you also do a corset (no boning) tutorial?

[@jamilebouef4397]

This video is a lifesaver! I've been looking to create a petal skirt with varying lengths and this was super helpfull!!! Thanks!

[@jesseewikk3665]

This is a really well done tutorial I haven't sewn in years, bar a little hand sewing, and I totally understand what I need to do!

[@juliabrooks1203]

Perfect timing! I'm planning on making a dress with this awesome multi-colored thrash fabric I just got and wanted it to have a pixie skirt, so this was extremely helpful! Thanks!

[@cherylgale703]

Excellent tutorial. I’m making one of these tomorrow!

[@MystiDawn]

I'm here again lol with better fabric (hopefully). This skirt is everything I've ever wanted in a skirt lol I'm so excited to make this. Thank you so much for such a comprehensive tutorial that beginners like me can actually understand and follow!

[@smarmyclothes]

You got this!

[@MystiDawn]

@@smarmyclothes thank you!! So far, its going much better than the first attempt lol

[@CosmicKristen]

You (and Toxic Visions and Shrinkle) were my first big inspirations to start sewing. I used to have folders and folders on my parents computer of inspiration pictures and would beg my mom to teach me how to make patterns and use her sewing machine.

[@smarmyclothes]

OMG, that's awesome! I miss those days!

[@shaylengould4807]

Thank you so much for making such a straight forward easy to follow pattern!!! I'm a complete novice!

[@luciwilson6085]

This was perfect! I did one pixie and one circle using your tutorials and 2-yd Halloween precuts from Joann’s. Perfect!

[@dogcrazychinamom]

Thank you so much for posting this video! I have been tasked with making a pixie skirt for my daughter for Halloween and had found your earlier explanation and was terrified to wing it with that. This makes ALL the difference. Awesome video!

[@smarmyclothes]

Thanks, Melinda!

[@georgianorth9795]

Best tutorial I've found yet. Thank you. So easy to understand!!!

[@ashleymacabrequeendunlap881]

Thank you. This is the best tutorial I've found. I'm new to the sewing machine and have no clue how to do measurements. This was perfect. Now I understand a little better what the patterns are saying. I need to make a skirt without elastic, I want to do a button fasten so it's open on one side. Gonna see if I can do that with this tutorial. I'll practice on a spare curtain I have first just in case 😂

[@shaylengould4807]

Practice for sure! I'm completely new at this too, I've upgraded from staples

[@lachewy29]

i love your designs and your tutorials, thank you so very much for sharing. hugs from quebec canada!

[@danzorena1]

This tutorial is excellent!!! Thank you!!

[@Whitney_Sews]

Great tutorial!

[@TheOren1025]

Thank you...thank you...thank you... For making this video!! As a sewing beginner... I can actually understand this!!

[@karencantor6409]

What a wonderful tutorial and funny.

[@DS-oopa]

Great video. Everything was clear and concise, even the maths!

[@kyarascontortion4454]

Thank you for this great tutorial!!! You explained things very well and were also funny! Thanks!!!

[@linlupin]

awww yessss this is my favourite skirt style, I bought a skirt in this style a few years back at a RenFair that had 2 layers, and the underside has literally like the most sensitive fabric ever, so it has a whole bunch of holes in it! (and I'm nice to my things, no pulling, hanging them up, hand wash, etc) and it has this weirdo stitching pattern going on so I never had any idea how to replace the underside layer...... until now!!! :'D

[@sydneycollins9099]

wonderful! just finished a skirt with this tutorial and it looks great :) super excited to wear it

[@yessi6802]

Extremely helpful and detailed thank you

[@akshathalokesha6336]

This calculation helped me so much..! Loved your tutorial..❤️ i was easily able to make a skirt.. Thank you so much❤️

[@sharpaloss]

Are you supposed to line the squares up with each other or make it so that one of the fabrics corners are in the like middle of the edges of the other? I couldn't see in the video so if you see this please let me know :)

[@smarmyclothes]

The squares should be offset from each other. Otherwise, if you line them up, the bottom fabric will be hidden.

[@sharpaloss]

@@smarmyclothes okay thank you!

[@valclements7092]

Thank you, I will do this far a fairy skirt. Very clear helpful tutorial.

[@jfye10]

Here years later and this is a great tutorial!!

[@michelleneill2323]

fantastic tutorial! Makes me feel like I could do this! I may need to try one of these for my daughters. Thanks so much!

[@Blendtherainbow]

LMAO we have the same measurements, so manking this and learning made it a lot easier xD - also LOVE THE SPIDERWEBS

[@ellemoss4359]

Thank you so much for this simplified tutorial especially doing the maths.. Think may use this as the base for my bridal piratey mermaid skirt for my evening do.

[@lyricwritertoo]

Great video and instructions. You left no details out including how to figure out the template. I’m just an old mom but was looking for more details to make a hanky hem tee by adding voiles I saved. I have sewn all my life and made circle skirts but sometimes it takes someone else showing you live to think how to do it! Thanks so much! Just a note if you don’t have a decent waistband elastic you can sew a strip of folded fabric on the waist and insert any elastic even if white etc. or a drawstring into it. Allow more inches for elastic if inside fabric though because gathered fabric will make it tighter around waist. You can also not gather the waist and add a zipper but cutting the skirt all the way down and sew back a seam.but this would be if cut to waist measurment.

[@ElizabethMuellerNovelist]

I love it!!! Thank you!!!

[@CraftyAuntSally]

I love it, This tutorial is so wonderful. Thank you for sharing

[@cholarosa7482]

Can't wait to share this on FB. Thank you!

[@bgrizwilson]

Thanks so much this really helped me out!

[@smarmyclothes]

Glad it helped!

[@GAD_2024]

Will you please do this square style with denim and plaid fabric 😮❤🖤

[@kincsojozsa5931]

Amazing tutorial 💕

[@birkit1133]

Your teaching skills are superb, esp. the math! This video has answered all my questions for how to proceed except one: what needle to use for sewing elastic? I'm using a vintage Kenmore machine and can't seem to be able to stitch on elastic or anything stretchy for that matter.

[@smarmyclothes]

Thank you! Have you tried a ballpoint or stretch needle? I also like a heavier weight needle (like a 14) when sewing with thick elastic like this.

[@birkit1133]

@@smarmyclothes I think I tried the ball point for knits. I've used a #16. I'll try a 14 and see. Thx. Yeah it pulls up snags of elastic thread when i try machine sewing.

[@theveronicas6478]

Is it the same if you don’t add an elastic to the west and instead a zipper ?

[@Take-A-Hike]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@Jinaum]

Exactly what I was looking for :D Thank you!

[@amberalexandra9871]

You’re hilarious! I love you!! 🤣🤣

[@saltlifegull4091]

Excellent demonstration, but I can't for the life of me get that math right, so I just guess, make it larger, and depend on my elastic to make it work. Works fine for me:)

[@sallychandra3]

Excellent clear tutorial! Can i know what fabric do you use?

[@smarmyclothes]

The bottom layer is a burnout rayon jersey knit. The top layer is a flocked organza.

[@renaquagrrl]

Entertaining and informative !

[@smarmyclothes]

Thanks, Lauren!

[@golgohta]

great Tutorial! I'll defenitely try it ! :))

[@sultansulyemankhan7556]

Golghata hii

[@rebeccaguzman295]

I'm about ready to cut! Nervous about it. I'm gonna have to cut in two pieces because my skirt is too big to cut in one piece. So, I don't fold fabric in half and then in half again as shown on the circle skirt tutorial. I just fold fabric in half and cut and then take another piece of fabric and do the same then sew them together?

[@lifeslegund]

this skirt is also know as a 4 point skirt due to the four points. do you know how to make it an 8 point without having to layer two 4 point skirts together?

[@smarmyclothes]

+lifeslegund Yes, if you go here, it's Variation 3: whatthecraft.com/circle-skirt-variations-tutorials-pixie-skirt-and-more/

[@amethyst42]

Helping my daughter make this. Would serging the seam on elastic be alright? I'd probably just press it to one side and baste it down.

[@smarmyclothes]

You can serge it, but you'll want to keep the serger knife from cutting the elastic. You can either disengage the knife (most sergers allow you to swivel the upper knife out of the way) or you can offset the edge of the elastic so the knives are still trimming the fabric but not the elastic.

[@amethyst42]

@@smarmyclothes Thank you so much!

[@stroxer]

Holy crap, i fell in love with you!!

[@Kittygirl2326]

"Luscious booty" 😂 lol that got me

[@donaholmes]

What I don't understand is how to determine the measurements of each section to allow for seams and zipper. I understand the template and pi for a 26.5 inch waist but that does not allow for 6 bandanas and a zipper in one seam. Can you help me understand please?

[@smarmyclothes]

at 11:00, I show where to add the seam allowance for a skirt assembled from two pieces. I'm not sure what you mean by 6 bandanas. Are you layering the 6 on top of one another? Or is it 6 of the pixie skirt squares cut open and sewn together? In the latter case, you'd have to do much different math to get the correct waist circumference.

[@PurpledaisyShasta]

i am going to add a removable bustle and boes and use it for my steampunk costume

[@frolicland]

Love the narrative hahaha!

[@thewitchhut63]

If you don't need that information...you are dismissed! LMAO Loved your tutorial!

[@natalie.isonfire8326]

Where did you get the fabric???

[@heathermcaffer6643]

if i wanted to make a full length layer at 42 inches long would how much fabric would that be? The fabric i have is 57 inches wide by 196 inches long?

[@smarmyclothes]

It depends on the waist size.

[@heathermcaffer6643]

@@smarmyclothes waist is 34 and hip is 42

[@heathermcaffer6643]

I’m using an elastic waist

[@smarmyclothes]

@@heathermcaffer6643 Divide your hip measurement by 6.28. (42/6.28=6.7") Add the radius to the desired length 6.7 + 42 = 48.7 Round up to 50" to account for seam allowances. The width of your fabric would have to be 100" to cut the skirt in one piece. Since you have to cut it in two pieces, you need twice that in length (200"). You're a little short at 196", but keep in mind the points of the skirt will hang several inches lower than the rest.

[@Rockinlawyer887]

Do you have any pants tutorials? And if not will you please consider making one :) thank q

[@Lapainte]

You are such a great teacher

[@smarmyclothes]

WhenLifeGivesYouLemons Thank you!

[@pativ444]

where did you got the spider fabric??

[@LaceEnvyAlts]

I'm adding a double layer square circle skirt on top of a straight gathered skirt on a gown. the fabric I have isn't wide enough for a regular 4 layered cut so I need to make each layer in 2 pieces (then sewn together). im confused about the place you indicated to add a seam allowance, because that part of the skirt will not be sewn together, thus making that extra length needless. I think you ment to mark the edge by the waist cut out, not the side placed on the fold. is this correct?

[@smarmyclothes]

+Leslie Stanfield Do you mean the reference to hem/seam allowances at 2:40? If so, the seam I'm talking about is where the waist is sewn to the waistband. I don't like adding the seam allowance to the waist "hole" itself, because I've already done the math to figure out the (fairly exact) circumference, and adding the seam allowance there just messes that up. So I add a little extra length at the hem end, which will make up for any lost length at the waist seam. I hope that makes sense. :)

[@Cbreganteswift]

great job- thank you!!

[@rosaelinav8036]

It’s looks beautiful! Thank you for sharing this information of cutting this type of skirts. i love it’s and glad now how to put the electric on it’s too..🤍🤍🤍

[@waternymph8085]

I have 4 days before con and I was procrastinating my skirt because I was so stressed about it 😅 but its gonna be a breeze with this video

[@Merriwen]

I hate to be a pain, but at 11.09, shouldnt the seam allowance be across the bottom rather than the right hand side? Since that's where you're joining the two pieces together? You already included a seam allowance at the hem. I love the skirt! Just confused that the seam allowance seems to be in the wrong place.

[@smarmyclothes]

+Katie Eliot Wow, yes! I totally marked the wrong edge in the little diagram. Dumb!

[@Merriwen]

+smarmyclothes no, sweetie, you're not dumb. I was just getting a little bit confused... It doesn't take much 😉

[@mintmara8188]

what if the waistband isn't elastic? should i measure the full circumference of the hip of the skirt to make the waistband?

[@smarmyclothes]

If you make a skirt with a non-stretch waistband, you'll need a zipper or some other type of closure. In that case, the circumference should be the actual waist measurement, minus 2-4" for bias.

[@mintmara8188]

ohhh yeah, didn't think of that. thank you very much!! :)))

[@sultansulyemankhan7556]

Mint Mara hii

[@crj198]

I am dead from laughter. I loved your video!

[@rebeccaguzman295]

I am making a rather large circle skirt. I have my template measured and ready to go. How do I know if I need two pieces or four pieces sewn together in order to make the skirt the right size? I'm thinking I am overthinking. Help!

[@rebeccaguzman295]

+Rebecca Guzman Duh! I am overthinking. I cut two pieces on the fold and ended up with a circle, thus the name 'circle' skirt

[@smarmyclothes]

+Rebecca Guzman Glad you figured it out! :D

[@alluna]

I am a boob and thought the end said 28 yards instead of 2.8 yards. I choose to blame fonts instead of my eyes! 🙃 thank you!! Original comment for posterity: At the end it stated you need 28 yards of fabric for this skirt. It's it really 28 yards? That just seems like a lot (and expensive)...

[@hannahpotter882]

Can you do a Deborah skirt or a maxi dress ? Thanks .

[@smarmyclothes]

I feel like a dork for asking, but what is a Deborah skirt? XD

[@hannahpotter882]

+smarmyclothes thanks for replying ! You're fine, I'm not exactly sure how it differentiates, but I saw a tutorial on it and it looks complicated. Maybe you know how to simplify it ?

[@hannahpotter882]

+smarmyclothes nvm, it was the name of the person making it, but it does look different. I think it's a skater skirt w/ pokets?

[@smarmyclothes]

Oh I see it now! I do have a circle/skater skirt tutorial here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHmUg3SOf86hZqs It doesn't have pockets, but that gives me an idea for a future tutorial! :D

[@sultansulyemankhan7556]

smarmyclothes hii

[@LotharDax]

The sewing in two parts correction is NOT HELPFUL when the annotations are turned off