It seems that lately, every week that I think I might get on top of things and organised with my sewing and blogging, then it all kind of ends up going a bit wayward instead. It’s still been rather stressful here at chez Dream. Cut. Sew. My father had to be admitted to a care home for the elderly last week and this time it’s permanent (well, I think it is…you never can tell these days, with all that keeps happening, so I never say never). There was a heck of stuff to sort out and on Friday exhaustion got the better of me with having to support mum through it all (she is missing dad dreadfully) and having to negotiate the perils and pitfalls of the British care system…not fun… So, I just downed tools and rested for a few days. I’d been making great progress with my ‘Day and Night Dress Challenge’ cocktail dress, but of course, that’s going to be revealed in a couple of weeks….soooo, no fresh recent makes to show you this week…..However, I thought that it was about time that I blogged about my easy no-hem jersey tube skirt which I actually made last year, oh well, better late than never. I have a couple more items like this…unblogged that is…., so I’ll make an effort to put that right this year. Ahh, actually, I say unblogged, in fact, I just remembered that this skirt did make a brief appearance on the blog last May in this post for MeMadeMay
Secret PJ’s Anyone?
I call my skirt easy because there really is minimal making and no hemming involved at all.This kind of skirt is what I like to think of as secret PJ’s. Add a cosy knit top and it’s a super comfy outfit to wear all day long. I actually have two and love wearing them both. They aren’t necessarily just for wearing in winter with thick tights either. I wear my striped one with bare legs, sandals and lightweight summer tees, well if we get a Summer that is. I’m prone to cold feet so it needs to be pretty darned hot for me to go bare legged. Why is it that I can be really warm everywhere else yet still have cold feet??
The Fabric
So, back to the skirt. The starting point is a nice fairly stretchy cotton or viscose lycra blend jersey. Just your regular nice quality tee-shirt-weight jersey…not the superfine tissue paper thick semi-see-through slubbed sort though. My striped one has a little polyester in it too I think and I bought it from Truro Fabrics. The plum-toned plaid one was made from fabric that I got from Stone Fabrics.
The Pattern
Ah, well, there is no pattern you see. At least, I didn’t use one. You could just use tailor’s chalk and measure and mark your fabric if you like. But if you want to make a quick pattern, get some tissue paper and draw out your shape. First, measure your desired length with 1.5” added to the top of it. At the top, for the width, you mark half of your hip measurement less about 1” and then mark down each side at that width for about 12” then gradually narrow the sides in a little so that at the hem your measurement is approximately 2” narrower. Add on 0.5” seam allowances down each side. The diagram below (with my measurements on) illustrates the shape and shows you what I mean (a picture paints a thousand words and all that). I prefer my skirt to go in a little towards the hem as it gives a nice silhouette and I find that I still have walking room. Just be careful not to go too narrow though…fair warning. My skirt isn’t overly tight either. I prefer a skimming fit, so barely any negative ease.
Fabric Layout
Open your fabric out width ways and fold horizontally so that your selvedges are doubled and at each side. You now have a fold all along the lower edge…this is your no-sew hem. Be careful to make sure your layers are smooth and flat. Pin or baste through the layers in a few places to make sure all is stable. Now cut out your back and front out through both layers. Here’s a diagram showing the layout:
Sewing Up
Do some more basting or pinning through the layers if you feel like you need to stabilise some more and then pin down each side seam and either stitch with a very narrow zig-zag and then overlock, or overlock with a 4 thread security stitch setting. Be aware that you’re going through 4 layers and if sewing stripes extra care needs to be taken with matching. My own striped fabric has and uneven wiggly stripe pattern and I matched up as best I could but obviously with thick and thick wavy stripes it was impossible to achieve perfect a match.
Press the side seam and then pull on to assess length and fit. Next, overlock the top edges and then fold over to the inside by 1.5”. Next, Insert 1” wide no-roll waist elastic, secure the ends together and close up the gape where it was inserted. Finally, attach hanging loops if desired. And voila… one comfy tube skirt!
What is your favourite sort of secret pj’s? Knit dresses are another of mine, ponte trousers too. Do let me know in the comments.
Catch you next time, bye!
PIN FOR LATER!
Awesome skirt!!! I now know what to do with a knit remnant I found in my stash!!!!
Author
Thanks Tee! Thankfully it doesn’t use up too much fabric.
Love the idea of the fold on the hem – especially with the extra thickness that will add to a t-shirt weight jersey skirt! I can see why you love this look. My secret PJs are quite similar to actual PJs 😂
Author
Lol! Thanks, Helen. Yes, it’s an ideal skirt for fairly lightweight knits.
I love this! Again one of your great ideas!
Author
Ahh, thank you so much Wis xx
It sounds like you’ve had a lot on your plate, yet you managed to come up with a fabulous idea, in spite of it all. I can’t wait to try this with a piece of knit in my stash. I hope things even out for you soon.
Author
Thanks, Linda. Oh yes, give it a go. It’s such a satisfying make
I love pajama anything, thanks for the nice tutorial.
Author
Indeed Faye. I love pajama anything too! Glad you found my post useful.
This is such a lovely use of a t-shirt knit and the shape is very flattering. I am already going through my stash in my mind wondering whether I have something I could use for a tube skirt. Yours are really great and I love the idea of secret pjs skirts!
Author
Ohh, thanks so much Sue xx. It is a great shape to wear and feels great on too. Hope you find something in your stash for one too.
You’ve reminded me that one of my fave rtw skirts uses this technique, and I always meant to copy it! No hem gives such a great finish. Wishing you luck with your day and night dresses – I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone has come up with.
Author
Cheers Chloe. I’m all for sewing projects that save time and not having to hem ticks of one extra job. I hope you have a go at one yourself. Oooh yes, my day dress has stalled a bit at the moment (finished the other). I had so much going on that although it’s cut out I’ve not sewn a stitch yet. Must catch up.
Great easy effective skirt Diane. Hope you are ok. Remember you need to keep well and strong to be able to support others so take care of you. Big hugs xx
Author
Aww, thanks for stopping by Sarah, glad you like my skirt xx. I have tried to take it a bit easy the last two days. Things are still up in the air somewhat over dad. We are waiting a decision on something at the moment and we’re anxious about it…
You have been having a hard time too…sorry to hear about your Dad, so stressful for all concerned. I am sure your Mum misses him badly – and I don’t suppose he is too happy either. Simple sewing was definitely the way to go…skirt looks lovely!
Author
Thanks for the skirt love Sarah Liz. Lovely of you to stop by when I know you have your troubles too. I hope things are bearable for you and that you carve out some free time for yourself soon. xx
That’s my kind of skirt! You’ve explained it really well Di.
So sorry to hear the latest re your parents. I’m going through something very similar so understand your exhaustion. Big hugs xxxxxxx
Author
Aww thanks Sarah. I’ve been thinking about you and wondering how things were. Tough times eh? Glad you like my skirt though, thanks for the kind words. I thought the comfy pj aspect might appeal 🙂
This is a lovely piece of fabric. I’m glad you put it to good use!
Author
Thank you, Linda. I’m so glad you like it.