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1. 

   

   So first you need to gather your materials. Since there is no pattern for this skirt, there is math to be done. Decide if you want to do a contrasting fabric for the underskirt; this is what I usually do and I have lots of examples.
   
   The only measurement you need is your hip measurement. Add about 4" to that and that is your waistband width. Call this number "X".

2. 

   

   If your measurement X is less than the width of your fabric, then cut two (2) strips of fabric 4" wide by length X. One will be the waistband, the other will be the top panel.
   
   If your measurement X is greater than the width of your fabric, divide the measurement X by two (2) and add your seam allowance (I use 3/8"). Call this measurement Q. Cut four (4) strips of fabric 4" wide by length Q. Sew the fabric together so that you now have two strips that each are the original measurement X.




3. 

   Add about 12" to measurement X. Call that measurement P.
   
   Divide the measurement P by two (2). Call that measurement R.
   
   Cut two (2) strips of fabric that are 2" by length R.
   
   Sew the strips together. This will become your drawstring.
   
   ***You can skip this step by using a piece of 3/4" wide ribbon for your drawstring.***

4. 

   

   There are two layers to the ruffle skirt. I typically use one layer at 10" and the other at 12". This is mainly because my rotary guide only goes up to 12". A 12" bottom layer will produce a skirt that is above the knee. Use whatever measurement you prefer, but keep at least a 2" difference in the length. A longer skirt would prolly look better with a greater difference, say 3" or 4".
   
   Both of the layers are about twice (2x) the length of measurement X; your waistband measurement. So, you should cut and sew a strip of fabric that is 10" wide by 2X long and another strip that is 12" wide by 2X long.
   
   This should be all of your fabric.




5. 

   

   Take a moment to thank your kitty for all his help.

6. 

   

   For the waistband: If the fabric is lightweight, it is a good idea to use a light to medium weight fusible interfacing to reinforce it.
   
   Fold fabric in half widthwise (like a hotdog) and press.

7. 

   

   Fold the waistband in half lengthwise (like a hamburger) and mark the halfway point. From the halfway point, measure 3/4" in each direction. Measure 3/4" from the cut end of the waistband, and 3/8" from the folded edge. This will form the layout for your buttonholes.

8. 

   

   Sew the buttonholes.

9. 

   

   Placing right sides together, sew the waistband to the other 4" strip of fabric (the top panel). Make sure that you are sewing the edge closest to the buttonholes. Serge that seam and the raw edge on the waistband.

10. 

    

    ***Skip this step if you are using ribbon for your drawstring***
    
    Fold the 2" strip of fabric widthwise (like a hotdog) right sides together. Sew the edges together. Turn the strip right side out. Fold in the raw edges on both ends and sew closed. Top stitch the seam and the fold to produce a flat drawstring.

11. 

    

    Time to make ruffles!!
    
    You need to do this on both the 10" and 12" strips.
    
    First, you need to hem one edge. It takes forever, but it's necessary.
    
    The other edge needs to be gathered in some way. I prefer my ruffler foot on its lowest setting, but a gathering foot, clear elastic, or hand gathering works just as well.
    
    Sew the 10" layer to the bottom of the top panel, right sides together. Then, sew the 12" layer to the same seam facing the same direction as the 10" layer. Trim the excess and serge the seam.
    
    You can top stitch the seam to help the skirt lay flat along the ruffle, but it's completely optional.

12. 

    Sew the edges of the skirt together to make it into a skirt. I usually start at the finished edge of the waistband sewing down to the hemmed edge on the top layer, then inwards from the hemmed edge of the bottom layer to the top of the ruffle.
    
    !!!!It is much easier to sew the top layer before the bottom layer.!!!!

13. 

    

    Fold the waistband over and sew in place.
    
    You can hide the row of stitching in the crease of the seam or you can use this opportunity to top stitch along the waistband for a better drape.

14. 

    

    Now all you have to do is run the drawstring through the waistband pocket and decorate. Bows are currently my fav.

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