↳ how to sew a pleated skirt

materials: fabric, thread, scissors, chalk, zipper, measuring tape, sewing machine, possibly an iron and ruler

• measure waist and skirt length.
  • write down these measurements so you don't forget them.
• cutting fabric.
  • waist: cut the fabric to be the 3 times the size of your waist.
  • length: be sure that the fabric is 2 inches longer than you would like the skirt to fall.
• decide on pleat size.
  • 3/4 inches, 1 1/2 inches, 2 1/4 inches.
  • the wider the pleats, the fewer the pleats.
  • if you want smaller pleats, go with a smaller pleat.
• mark fabric
  • use twice the measurement you want your pleats to be.
    • if you want 1 1/2 pleats, mark every 3 inches.
• fold pleats
  • bring fabric together and pinch.
  • hold in place with pin.
• double check the waist of the skirt for any necessary adjustments.
• create the waistband .
  • roughly 4 inches wide, length should be that of the pleats.
• sew waistband.
  • line up raw edges and sew in place.
• hem the bottom of the skirt.
• pin zipper into place.
  • pin at the top of the waistband and move downwards.
• sew zipper.
  • start from bottom of the zipper when sewing.
• close the back seam of skirt.
  • line up skirt sides facing the right side.
  • sew a straight stitch (1/2 inches) to close skirt.
• skirt is finished.
  • iron pleats.