Color Guide

Fabric Pieces

This is a non-stretch garter mini skirt. It includes two belt options: one designed for a center-front buckle, and a longer belt intended to be tied in a knot at the side. If you prefer, you can also use your own belt and thread it through the garter loops.

You may choose to construct the skirt with either one row of flounce ruffles or two rows, depending on the amount of volume and length you want. A lining is not required for this garment, but you may add one if desired.

After assembling your paper pattern pieces, use them to cut out your fabric. Once all pieces are cut, you should have the following components for the skirt: one front yoke cut on the fold, two mirrored back yokes, two top flounces cut on the fold, and two bottom flounces cut on the fold.

If you are adding a second row of flounces, you will also have one front piece cut on the fold and one back piece cut on the fold, which are used specifically for attaching the additional flounce layer.

For the belt options, you will either have two mirrored belt pieces for the non-buckle version, or one buckle belt piece cut on the fold for the buckle version.

Sewing the Yokes

Take the two back yoke pieces and place them right sides together. Sew along the center back edge using a straight stitch with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Once sewn, finish the raw edges with a serger.

Next, place the front yoke over the back yokes with right sides facing each other and sew the side seams using a straight stitch. Finish the seams by overlocking them in the same manner as before.

Assembling the Flounce Ruffles

Take the two top flounces and place them right sides together. Sew along the side seams using a straight stitch, then serge the raw edges. This will create one continuous loop for the top row of flounce ruffles.

Hem the bottom edge of the flounce using your preferred method, such as a double fold hem, edge stitch, or by applying bias tape or trim. Repeat this same process to assemble and finish the bottom row of flounces.

Attaching Flounces

Take the front and back flounce extender pieces and place them right sides together. Sew the side seams using a straight stitch, then serge the raw edges to finish. This creates the extender base for the flounces.

Begin by attaching the bottom flounce. Place the bottom flounce onto the bottom edge of the front/back extender, up side down, with right sides facing each other, matching the side seams. Sew in place, then turn the flounce downward and press. You may edge stitch the seam allowance down if desired to help it lay flat.

Next, attach the top flounce. Position the top flounce along the top edge of the front/back extender with the wrong side of the flounce facing the right side of the extender. Pin in place to secure.

Finally, add the garter yokes to the same top edge of the extender, sandwiching the top flounce layer between the extender and the yokes. The garter yokes should be placed upside down, with right sides facing the right side of the flounces. Sew all layers together along the top edge, then serge the raw edges to finish.

Bias Tape Binding

Finish the raw edges of the garter straps using 1/2 inch double-fold bias tape. Fully unfold the bias tape and align one edge of it with the raw edge of the strap, placing right sides together. Sew along the first fold line of the bias tape, following the curved edge of the strap.

Once sewn, wrap the bias tape over the raw edge to the wrong side of the strap, enclosing the edge completely. Press in place, then topstitch close to the folded edge of the bias tape to secure.

Once the bias tape is in place, you can form the belt loops. Fold the top edges of the straps along the indicated fold lines to create a loop wide enough for the belt, then turn in the raw edges and topstitch to secure.

Belt with Buckle

Fold the buckle belt piece lengthwise with right sides facing each other. Sew along the bottom long edge using a straight stitch, then turn the belt right side out and press flat with an iron.

If desired, you may edge stitch along the folded pressed edge and along the bottom edge for a more finished look.

Next, thread the belt through the four garter loops on the skirt. Once positioned, attach the buckle hardware to the raw ends of the belt.

Try on the skirt and adjust the belt length for fit. Trim away any excess if needed before securing the buckle. You have two options for finishing: either sew the belt end around the buckle permanently, or fold the raw end inward and stitch it down, leaving extra length for future adjustment.

Belt Tie

Take the two "Belt" pieces. Stack them with the right sides facing each other and sew the center back seam. Press the seam allowance open on the wrong side.

Fold the belt vertically, lengthwise with right sides facing each other. Sew around the raw edge leaving a 4-inch gap to turn the belt over. You can then snip the seam allowance on the corners and curves for sharper points.

Turn the belt over and press, folding the seam allowance of the gap inside. Then topstitch or edgstitch all around the belt.

You can also use any pre-made belt you own for this skir!