How to Sew a Midsummer Skirt

How much fabric will you need?

For this version, I used:

Fabric: about 2.20 m
Skirt length:about 1 m
Fabric width:150 cm
Elastic: 3 cm wide
Thread:matched to the fabric tone

The sewing principle is very simple — sew two fabric widths together so the skirt turns out full and beautifully draped.

Before sewing

First, the fabric should be pressed. If the fabric may shrink because of its composition, I recommend washing it before sewing or at least steaming it. This helps avoid surprises after the first wash.

Since the skirt will be quite long, it’s a good idea to check how the pattern runs across the fabric before cutting, so the stripes look straight and beautiful.

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Sewing steps

Download here or follow below: 

1. Cut the fabric

Cut two identical pieces of fabric. Each piece will be one fabric width.

If the finished skirt length is 1 m, then also allow for:

• about 3–4 cm for the hem;
• about 5–6 cm for the elastic casing at the top.

So the total length of each piece will be about 108–110 cm. (you will need two such pieces)

2. Sew the side seams

Place both fabric pieces right sides together and sew both side seams.

Then finish the seams with a serger or zigzag stitch so the fabric does not fray.

3. Prepare the top edge for the elastic

Fold the top edge to the inside enough to leave enough room for the 3 cm elastic. I usually leave a little extra so the elastic won’t bunch up in the casing and can move easily.

Fold, press, and stitch along the edge, leaving a small opening to thread the elastic through.

4. Insert the elastic

Measure the elastic around the waist. It should fit comfortably, but not too tightly.

Thread the elastic through the casing with a safety pin. When the elastic is in place, overlap the ends and sew them together firmly.

Then sew the opening closed.

 

5. Try it on and even out the gathers

This is my favorite part — put on the skirt and see how it falls. The elastic should be adjusted so the gathers are even all around.

If you want, you can also secure the elastic slightly to the seams at the sides so it doesn’t twist while wearing.

6. Finish the hem

Fold the hem to the inside, press, and stitch it down.

If you want a very neat finish, you can fold it twice. If the fabric is thicker, one fold and a finished edge are enough.

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What should you wear with these Midsummer skirts?

I think these skirts look best with a simple top. For example:

• a white linen shirt;
• a simple T-shirt;
• a printed T-shirt with a Latvian motif;
• a belt or a scarf if you want an even more traditional feel.

These are the kind of skirts you can wear not only for Midsummer. They’re also great for summer events, concerts, fairs, and family celebrations.

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My little tip

If you’re sewing for the first time, don’t overcomplicate it. This is exactly the kind of project where the main thing is to start. A straight seam, elastic, and beautiful fabric — that’s completely enough to make a very lovely skirt.

Fabrics with traditional patterns look special on their own, so even a simple cut looks festive in the end.

You can find fabrics for Midsummer skirts in our online store: www.sarlotesaudumi.lv
And if you’d like to see them in person, we’ll be waiting for you in our store in Cēsis too — Jāņa Poruka ielā 23, T/C SOLO.