Here it is at last!! The tutorial for this fun tulle petticoat. The nice thing about this project is the fact that it's pretty quick to whip up. Because, you see, it's one of those lovely things that's really better when done quite imperfectly. So let's get started!
Petticoat Junction!
What you will need…
-a soft cotton for the slip, like voile or batiste (yardage will depend on the size of your slip - you can use the measurements figured in the first few steps to decide)
-½” elastic (based on waist measurement)
-thread
-lots of tulle, in two coordinating colors (approximately 3 ¼ yds. of each - you can use much more if you'd like your petticoat to be really, really full)
First, we’ll take a few measurements to create a custom slip - then we’ll add the layers of tulle to the lower edge for a fun, fluffy petticoat. But of course, feel free to use these easy instructions to make everyday slips, too. Or add a long piece of lace to the hem in place of tulle for a vintage feel. Please read through all the instructions before getting started!
To find measurement A:
1. Measure fullest part around body (usually hipline)
2. Add 10” to this measurement
3. Divide this number in half
For example - if your little girl’s hip measurement is 28”, you’d add 10” for step 2, making it 38”. And dividing that in half gives you measurement A: 18”.
To find measurement B:
1. Measure from waist down to hem of skirt
2. Subtract 3” from this measurement
For example - skirt length is 23 ½”, making measurement B 20 ½”.
Step 1
Stitch slip front to back at side seams, using ½” seam allowance. Finish seams using a zigzag or serge stitch. (French seams are also an excellent option for this step.)
Step 2
Hem lower edge of slip by pressing raw edge under 5/8”, then tucking in the raw edge to meet the crease. Stitch close to folded edge.
Step 3
Make casing for elastic in top edge of slip. Press upper raw edge under 7/8”. Turn raw edge under to form a 5/8” casing. Press again. Stitch close to lower folded edge leaving a small 2” gap for inserting elastic. (We’ll insert elastic last.)
Step 4
From hem of slip, measure up 1 ½”. Mark all the way around the bottom using a soft pencil or water soluble pen (even washable markers work well!). Stitch along this line using a basting stitch. This will mark the tulle ruffle placement. Repeat this step three more times, marking each line 1 ½” above the previous one. (You may remove markings now, if you prefer.)
Step 5
Cut your tulle into 12” strips from selvage to selvage - four strips per ruffle. You should end up with eight 12” strips of each color.
Step 6Fold strips in half lengthwise and run a large machine stitch ¼” from the folded edge, leaving thread ends free. As you get to the end of your first strip, overlap the second and continue stitching till you’ve added on all four strips of the first ruffle. You should end up with one long “chain” of tulle.
Step 7
Pull gathering stitches on “chain” to create puckers. Line up on right side of slip, with fold of ruffle along first stitching line. Evenly distribute fullness and pin in place, overlapping ends of chain an inch or two at the end. Stitch on top of gathering stitches using a zigzag stitch.
Repeat steps 6 and 7 for remaining three layers of tulle, alternating colors as you go up the slip. We only have four rows of tulle on our petticoat, but there’s really no reason to stop there if you don’t want to! Just have fun with it!
Cut ½” elastic length of waist measurement, minus 1”. Using a bodkin or safety pin, insert elastic through gap left in casing. Overlap ends of elastic and stitch securely (we usually use a zigzag stitch). Try on for size and adjust to fit. Stitch gap in casing closed. Distribute gathers around waistband evenly and stitch in the ditch at side seams. This will prevent your elastic from rolling around on the inside of your waistband.
And there you have it! Enjoy!
Happy sewing to you~
xo, the Long ladies
