Published 7/20/09 4 months ago | Views 262 Grade C Fine Art / Fashion Design

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Grade C Views 262
Last edited 2 months ago

If you're bored with the trendy skirts that are sold at the mall and you want to have something completely original, you can make your own for free just by collecting old umbrellas. Not only will it be one of a kind, but it'll be waterproof, as well!

Step 1

Collect and save as many broken umbrellas as you can. If you have trouble finding enough to make a decent skirt out of, then go to a garage sale or flea market and buy cheap ones so you can begin to tear them apart.

Step 2

Separate the umbrella panels from one another, leaving the sewn edge of the perimeter intact. The sewn edge will become the hem.

Step 3

Lay out the panels on the table or board, alternating as shown in the diagram. The number of panels you use will depend on the size of the umbrella and your waist or hip size.

Full skirt: For zippered skirts, match the width of the panels to the size of your waistline. If you're using elastic or a drawstring, make sure there is extra length in the waist for gathering.
Straight Skirt: Width of the panels should match the size of your hipline. When it is time to finish the waist, add a zipper and darts or use elastic or drawstring to fit.

Step 4

Trim off excess fabric that extends beyond the pattern and set the trimmings aside for later. Pin panels together and sew. Leave two 4" (10.6 cm) slits in the straight skirt panels (from bottom hem up) for walking room.

Step 5

Complete the loop by pinning and sewing the open ends of the panel together. For a zippered waist, pin and sew in at the opening, then sew the remaining portion of pinned panels together. The zipper gets sewn in where these 2 panels connect. Any open fabric left under zipper should be sewn together.

Step 6

Take some of the trim from earlier and make it into a 2" (5 cm) wide strip to cover the waistline of the skirt.

Step 7

Fold the 2" (5 cm) strip in half and iron on the lowest setting. Pin along the top of the skirt and sew in place. If using a zipper, start and finish at zipper.

Step 8

Finish an elastic or drawstring skirt by threading the material through the 2" (5 cm) strip. An easy way to do this is to attach a safety pin to the end you're pushing through the waistline. To finish a zippered skirt, attach the clasp at the opening.