Sew a wrap skirt. Easy sewing tutorial.
In this DIY sewing tutorial and upcycling DIY, I’ll explain how I refashioned a dress to make a wrap skirt. This is an easy sewing tutorial that would be suitable for beginner sewers.
I bought this cotton dress while away on a country thrift shopping trip recently for $1.00. I loved the red and white palm tree design and I find cotton easy to sew. With so much fabric to work with, it was a bargain! The fabric width and the pleated bottom made it perfect to upcycle into a wrap skirt.
I love upcycling skirts and dresses into wrap skirts and wrap dresses because, in their design, they are really one-size-fits-all.
Step 1 – Cut off the top section of the dress.
The first step was to cut off the top section, from the sleeves down. I’ll save the sleeves for another upcycling project I’m working on.
Step 2 – Cut a new front opening.
Next, I cut the skirt in half vertically along one of the existing side seams. This opens up the skirt so it becomes a wrap skirt. This new seam is then hemmed for neatness.
Step 3 – Attach a tie to the waist hem.
Then I went through my bag of ribbon and fabric off cuts and found enough salmon pink ribbon that would form the new waist band and tie for the wrap skirt.
Step 4 – Cut a hole for the waist tie to pass through.
After trying on the skirt, I worked out where the hole needed to be cut for the waist tie to slip through.
This then ties with the waist tie on the other side.
This is why wrap skirts are so universal, because you can tighten or loosen the tie based on your waist measurement on the day.
Step 5 – Sew darts in the back to add shape.
And finally, I sewed some darts in the back. This adds a curve to the waist, otherwise it puckers because it’s just a straight piece of fabric. And here it is finished.
This is a quick upcycling project with a great result.
Thanks for watching, BEX.
Watch wrap skirt sewing tutorial video
Why clothes upcycling is important.
Clothes upcycling promotes a more sustainable, creative, and responsible approach to fashion, all of which contributes to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
Environmental Impact
Clothes upcycling helps reduce waste by repurposing old or unwanted garments, often diverting them from landfill.
With the fashion industry being one of the planets largest polluters, upcycling and repurposing clothing reduces the need for new materials and decreases carbon emissions associated with the product and disposal of clothing.
Conservation
Traditional clothing manufacturing consumes significant amounts of water, energy, and raw materials.
Upcycling clothing not only extends the life of existing textiles, conserving these valuable resources, but promotes more sustainable consumption patterns.
Creative Expression
Upcycling clothes and other materials encourages creative freedom by transforming old clothes into unique, personalised garments.
Upcycling and sewing fosters innovation and encourages people to experiment with designs, creating one-of-a-kind items that reflect personal style and creativity.
Cost Effective
Upcycling clothing can be very cost-effective by reducing money spent purchasing new clothes but can also assist charities when clothes are purchased second hand from charities.
Quality and Longevity
Repairing and mending clothing enhances the longevity of existing garments, giving them longevity in your wardrobe and limiting the need to purchase new clothes. This contrasts with fast fashion items, which are frequently designed for short-term use.