Tulle skirts #1427 - sewing!!! - Andrea Schewe Design

Tulle skirts #1427 - sewing!!!

2/28/2014

So ... or should I say "sew"? How DOES one tackle a skirt made with 35 yards of 54" wide tulle?

Before I get into it, let me say that only the knee length brown skirt requires that much fabric AND if you don't want to break the bank making this skirt, bolts of tulle can be purchased on line for pretty cheap.

The Tulle Shop sells 40 yard bolts in loads of colors for $11. Here's the link.

First, you have to cut it all ... gasp.

It at all possible ... DON'T REMOVE THE TULLE FROM THE BOLT. Just roll it out bit by bit, still folded in fourths and cut the necessary lengths. Get the measurements from the patterns, but don't bother laying the pattern tissue down. This pattern is designed to use the full width of the tulle.

Devise some code for all the layers and label them ... IMPORTANT!

Assemble all the layers and ruffles ... kind of messy at this point ... keep the labels on, still. Use safety pins.

Gather, and gather and gather. You can use a single line of gathering. And I did for a lot of it. There us just SO much.

Proportionally divide the skirt panels and ruffles. Again mark with safety pins, they don't fall out. Pull up the gathers and pin in large sections.

Fine tune the gathers at the machine as you get to each section, while sewing.

There are so many layers for the brown skirt I hand basted the last couple in place before sewing to make sure I kept it all where I wanted it.

The best way to gather is to use 2 rows of gathering stitches. One a 1/4 inch from the edge and one 7/8". That way the machine stitching goes right int the middle. This takes longer but assures the best results. I used this for the outer layers.

As you can see.

Just pull out the one that shows when the skirt is finished.

Because the under skirt is a circle, the hem of it will sag in sections. The hem needs to be marked while the skirt is being worn and that can't really happen until the skirt is finished, which is not a problem really for the shorter skirts.

But for the long ones ...

well, it's a good thing I take Yoga!

Actually I felt a bit like a car mechanic.

And, since this hem is under everything else, I use the roll hemming feature on my serger, the easiest.

Tah Daaaaahhh ... hope this gives you courage.

Please write in if you make these, or try any of this tips I've shared. I'd love to know if they work for other people.

So, I'm adding this on December 8th, 2014. Many people find the inner yoke confusing and some people have even let it out. If you are in that group, click on this link to read a blog were I try to explain the yoke a little more clearly ... blog link.

I'm adding this July 30th, 2015. I would love to see any and all of your finished skirts and how they were worn. Please send pictures to scheweandrea@yahoo.com. And tell me if I can post your photos.

43 Comments

Maureen

2/27/2014 09:47:38 pm

Wow! This reminds me of the Hungarian dance pettis I built. Worn in sets of 3, the one closest to the skin was 4 yards around the top tier, 8 yards around the lower tier. Second petti was 5 and 10 yards, 3rd one was 6 and 8 yards, then a skirt went over that. Gave a more bell- shaped silhouette than your brown skirt, but involved almost as much fabric wrangling. I had thought about making myself a crinoline for a dress I've got (the one I have is a few inches too short for the dress); I may try this.

Thank you for all the fabric handling tips; I'll definitely need them if I decide to try this.

Lex

2/27/2014 10:30:53 pm

I was thrilled to see this pattern because I like to make fantasy cosplay gowns and can never quite get the desired silhouette but I think I will be making one of these per gown in a complementary colour from now on! Can't wait for the pattern to be released on Simplicity UK. Now to find a source for full bolts of Tulle in the UK - at £1.58 a metre on ebay from China it will make the process really expensive!

Jen in Oz

2/28/2014 05:17:46 am

Have you never made a tutu?

Andrea

2/28/2014 08:15:26 am

I've worked on professional romantic tutus but never have made a classical tutu, although I've read many how-to books. They are so much work! And so beautiful.
I've made loads of tutus for kids and amateur theater.

2/28/2014 10:07:09 am

Having done a couple of courses in making professional tutus, I have to say that the difficulty (for me, anyway) is not in gathering all that net (there are tricks that make it easier and quicker than the two rows of gathering stitches or zig zagging over dental floss) but actually sewing it all onto the panty. Especially when each row is only 1/2" or 1cm apart from the next row.

2/28/2014 09:55:08 pm

Can you describe the tulle gathering method that works best for you?

3/1/2014 06:47:15 am

The method I was taught goes like this: Take ONE stitch (ie needle down then up again only) at the beginning of the length to be gathered. Pull the bobbin thread up through the net so both threads are on the top of the net. Pull the bobbin thread so it is about as long as you want the finished gathering to be, maybe a bit longer. Now start stitching, holding the bobbin thread taut. This will automatically gather up the net as it goes. The end result is adjustable but when you've got it to the length you want you can tie off the threads together to fix it at that length. Oh, and there's no need to sew lengths of net together before doing this; just butt the new piece under the one you've been sewing a couple of centimetres. You're unlikely to see a split in the net because of the gathering and the fact that you're making something with layers and the splits are unlikely to be at the same spot in the various layers. Because the gathering is just one step, it's a lot quicker than the other methods.

Holly link

3/3/2014 09:08:35 pm

Thank you so much for both the tutorial and the link! Ive got three bolts of tulle heading straight for me and your lovely pattern awaiting me on my sewing desk! Can't wait to bury myself in tulle! :)

Raxi

4/21/2014 02:36:48 am

Thanks a lot, it is a lot easier to make when you can see it. Would you mind to post the same visual instruction for C skirt from this pattern, if you have it. I would be really appreciate. I am reading and reading the pattern instruction but for beginner as me it is really hard to understand. Thanks a lot.

4/21/2014 07:42:43 am

Raxi,
All the other skirts in this pattern are sewn the same way as the brown one. But they are easier because they don't have the extra lower ruffle added to the two outer layers. The waist is done the same and the basic sewing and gathering is the same.
You can do it!!
Andrea

4/21/2014 08:21:14 am

Thanks Andrea,
I am not sure about layers, do I have to gather all four layers together or one at the time. And one more thing, each layer folded or I just confused and don't understand. Thanks again.

4/21/2014 10:45:29 am

The tulle is easiest to cut when it is folded, but must be opened up to a single layer for sewing. And to get the most volume and puffiness each layer should be gathered and sewn to the waistband or yoke separately according to the instructions.
good luck

Ronda link

8/20/2014 10:05:23 am

Andrea,
I do have the pattern and am confused why the yoke and waistband and when and how they go together? Thank you.

Anca

7/20/2014 07:03:49 am

Hello Andrea and congratulations on your tulle skirt. I would like to give the brown tulle skirt a go, but I do no have the Simplicity pattern. I would like to make my own pattern pieces. I have seen the work you've done step by step, but I am still confused. How many pattern pieces are there? 3 for the underskirt. I get it. I know how to make the tiers too. But what shape is the overlay? And where is the location of that yoke? These are my main elements of confusion. The rest of it is pretty simple thanks to your post. Thank you very much for your time, hope to hear from you soon.

7/20/2014 11:00:33 pm

There are a lot of different measurements to get it right. If you read the other posting about working out the design you can see how many mock up samples I had to make to get it right. I would suggest you buy the pattern. It can be purchase on line and then printed at home for about $10, seriously not a lot of money considering the time it will save you. Here is the link. http://www.simplicity.com/p-11726-misses-tulle-skirt-in-three-lengths.aspx

Jamie link

9/6/2014 09:30:33 pm

Hi Andrea, I had a really hard time with this skirt. I'm by no means an expert but have been sewing for about 8 years. I simply could not figure out what to do with the yoke no matter now hard I tried. So, I decided to just take it out and sew the casing directly onto the tulle and underskirt. It was much easier once I did that. I've even decided to make it again!

Nicole

11/17/2014 01:20:52 pm

I purchased all of the materials through Joanns, including the pattern. I was hoping to find a great video tutorial of someone completing view C from start to finish. Instead, all I found were people disappointed in themselves for either not understanding the directions or "unnecessary" steps like sewing onto the yoke. They all at some point took matters into their own hands and strayed from the pattern. I wanted to know if it was possible to receive a little video insight on this pattern since it seems like a common issue.

Siphokazi

12/21/2014 04:24:28 am

Nicole I have been searching for the same thing...please post if you find it.

Kristen

2/25/2015 07:50:23 am

THANK YOU for your DIY. My 17 and 20-year-old daughters are headed to Paris in three weeks and "must have" tulle skirts. I am able to give them exactly what they want!

Paula

5/11/2015 06:53:02 pm

Hi Andrea
Great job on designing the tulle skirt, but I can see why this is your most popular post, the skirt is to die for but those instructions are very confusing. As another commenter noted most of the reviews of people who have made it took matters into their own hands. Could you please explain why the tulle is cut into rectangles only to be sewn back together? Why not just keep it all one length? It seems like that would be easier. I'm a beginner at sewing so I'd love to know the theory behind it (like your yoke post). Thanks!

5/11/2015 11:46:38 pm

Paula.

Believe it or not, tulle has a grain. It it SO much easier to gather across the grain, which is what you get when you sew cut panels together. The edge that is gathered comes together tightly and is much less likely to twist and fold down on itself, which is miserable.
Tulle for ballet tutus are cut this way, I'm sure for the same reason. You will find other fabrics behave the same way when gathering.
thanks for the comment! I learn every time a question is asked
Andrea

5/12/2015 06:29:37 pm

Thanks for your reply, it's really helpful and makes sense now. I knew there had to be a reason otherwise I'm sure you as a professional would have done an easier way if there was one! I was tempted to cheat and not cut the tulle but then would have been disappointed with the results, so thanks again!

Lindsey link

6/15/2015 09:55:04 am

Andrea,

I am researching tulle skirts for a Ball Gown I am making for an upcoming Taylor Swift concert. I don't have any questions I just wanted you to know that I found your post very informational. I love the tissue paper waistband tip. I've sewn so many gathered skirts before and always struggle with gathering up too much or not enough. This is the perfect solution for this. Anyway, I laughed out loud at some of your pictures. I don't do yoga and am praying I'm agile enough for this project! Thanks so much for posting! I loved it!

Ashley

7/1/2015 08:35:00 pm

Hi

Can you please help me understand what it means when the pattern says to stack 4 layers of tulle, having each layer folded in half lengthwise creating 8 thicknesses of tulle. How long are these layers? Im ending up with crosswise and length folds. Should I be? When you say roll out the bolt bit by bit still folded in fourths I don't understand. The fabric is folded in half on the bolt. Please help me understand. Thank you for your help!

7/2/2015 04:02:53 am

Ashley,
I haven't seen the "official" written instructions for these skirts, BUT you should be cutting lengths of tulle using the full width of the fabric as it comes off the bolt. Most of the tulle I use come quadruple folded on the bolt, so I leave it like that when I cut it. And I cut one piece at a time. It sounds like the instructions are having you cut several pieces at once, which is a great way to make sure they are all the exactly the same. All that matters is you end up with the necessary number of pieces cut the correct length ... so, any way that works for you. Also, the customer help people at Simplicity are REALLY good and patient. If you are still confused, try contacting them.
Good luck, Andrea

7/2/2015 04:37:08 am

Thank Andrea! I believe I understand now. I'm going to try making the skirt.

Best,

Ashley

amy beth link

7/26/2015 12:09:54 pm

ok. i just need to ask - do i need a serger to make this skirt? I really love it! but i don't have one!

7/26/2015 11:32:00 pm

Not at all. In fact, you really don't NEED a serger for most anything you sew, if you have a sewing machine that zig-zags.

7/27/2015 01:50:41 am

A-ha!!! You are brilliant!
Sounds like a lot of thread (for a very good cause! ha!)
Thank you for the response. I'm looking forward to this.
I found out I have a rectangle body shape (who knew?) so I'm hoping it gives my form a little extra shape for my sister's august wedding.

Thanks again!

Heidi Bromund

7/29/2015 08:57:44 am

Hi Andrea,

First let me say I love the tulle skirt pattern. I made the 35 yard version. There were times I didn't love all the steps needed to make it but the final product was worth it. I was confused by the yoke at first, thinking I had missed a step but then I found your blog and everything made sense. I didn't think I would want to ever make another one, particularly while working on the smaller 16 panels and getting them attached but when you posted where you found tulle cheap it led me to discover another sight that had 40yd bolts for $6 and I bought four new colors to eventually make additional skirts. One thing I did different on my gathers is instead of running one continuous thread through each layer I ran four sections of it so I had an easier time matching up and gathering each section, particularly when getting the 16 panels to match up with the 4 panels of the top layers of tulle. If you'd like to see a photo of my finished outfit I would be happy to e-mail it to you, just send either send me an e-mail or tell me an address I could post it to. I couldn't figure out how to post a picture here. Thank you for posting both of the blogs on making this skirt, they really helped and inspired!

7/30/2015 05:29:08 am

I would LOVE to see your skirts, as many as you can send. I would love to post them, too.

Send to scheweandrea@yahoo.com

8/7/2015 01:45:02 am

I am just finishing up my skirt. I totally love it and the yoke makes the perfect shape. I am thinking about removing the zigzag from the gathering or sewing a wider seam to hide all of that instead.
I used the underskirt from B and the outer layers of C.
I will send photos after the event I'm wearing this to. Love this pattern.

I will recommend people buy the paper pattern in-store as the price is about the same as the download and the pattern pieces are SO HUGE i can't imaging piecing together so many 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper!!!

Eva

9/14/2015 06:20:18 pm

OMG, I'm need help so bad... I have the whole skirt sewn and ready to go but I'm having so much difficulty attaching the tulle thats attached to the casing with the tulle thats attached to the yoke its just not matching up correctly can anybody direct me. By the way Andrea your skirt is beautiful, if I ever get it I'd love to make a brown one myself.

9/15/2015 07:02:02 am

Eva, did you read all three blogs about this skirt? I wrote one specifically about the yoke. It may help you. There is a link that will take you to that blog at the very bottom of this one. Click on the brown words that say ""blog link" But, after you read all the blogs and you are STILL confused, I recommend contacting the customer service people at Simplicity. It is their job to explain sewing. They should be able to help.
call 1-888-588-2700 or email info@simplicity.com

Lili

10/4/2015 05:35:14 pm

Yes indeed it gave me courage!!! Thank you :)

Randi

11/15/2015 10:54:01 pm

Hello. I came across this site while researching crinoline patterns. I sew plush toys as a job, but never really made garments before.

2 things:

1. I have a serger. I've never used a gathering stitch before. Am I able to use a ruffler on my serger instead?

2. I'm a very thin woman, and I have such a small waist, I was wondering if there was a way to modify this to fit my wait (about 21 inches)

Thank you so much! I absolutely love your work!

11/16/2015 06:49:19 am

First of all, I too made plush toys for a living for a long time. So I know you have the skills to make this skirt. To answer your questions

#1. The serger is only needed to finished the lower seam of the inner yoke piece (be sure to read my blog about that)
#2 you don't want to use any gathering foot. Just run a straight stitch along the top of each layer of the skirt. Be sure to cut the tulle as instructed. It gathers nicely when done across the grain. Don't be tempted to cut long long pieces on the length grain, thinking this will save time by not having to join all those panels. The tulle twists badly when gathered on the length grain making it very difficult to sew neatly to the inner yoke.
AND as for your small waist (lucky you) I would recommend making the smallest size and just use less elastic so that it fits you.

Syndee

4/25/2016 05:16:44 pm

I purchased this pattern in the attempts to make View C for bridesmaid skirts. We've been thoroughly confused by the pattern. I've read all of your blog posts concerning the skirts, which definitely helped with the yoke portion.
I do have a question though, you stated that View C is the same as View B minus the ruffles on the overlay tulle and length. However, you also stated that the View B skirt is 7 layers, but the pattern/directions for View C state it as only being 4 layers. I'm just curious how many actual layers of tulle did you put for the white and black version of View C in the photos on the pattern cover?

4/30/2016 02:41:52 pm

I must of misspoke when I said the view B is the same as C w/o the ruffles. The skirts without ruffles are only 4 layers, if I remember right.
2 layers sewn into he waist band seam and 2 layers sewn into the inner yoke to under skirt seam.

5/3/2016 09:39:39 am

Thank you Andrea for getting back to me and for clarifying. Wish us luck!

tutus for girls link

8/29/2016 11:38:58 pm

What a darling tutu!

ade

12/7/2016 04:55:27 am

hi Andrea!!! just bought the simplicity pattern! excited and ready to make the skirt. i have a question re: buying tulle and the quality.
i know you mentioned tulle shop as a great and inexpensive option. in other reviews and in researching tulle, some mentioned using "soft tulle" as opposed to a rougher tulle netting ...tulle made in China vs not...so on and so forth.
curious as to your recommendation on where to buy great quality and soft tulle either online or in NYC (not crazy expensive, if possible). I have done a bit of looking around but the ones i encounter do seem a lil on the rougher side and i wonder if they get any softer.
or is it that all tulle is pretty much similar in that regard (not super soft). thanks so much!

Tulle link

2/16/2017 03:25:01 am

How adorable! Such a cute tutu:)

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