The Super Easy Paper Bag Waist Skirt Tutorial

The Super Easy Paper Bag Waist Skirt Tutorial

• 7.22.2010

Yesterday I posted a tutorial for how to make what I think of as the classic paper bag skirt—pleats, belt, beltloops.  Today, I want to show you the easier option, for those of you who don't want to mess with zippers and pleats.
Here are some inspirations for this type of more playful, basic skirt with smaller, modified paper bag top:
From Banana Republic:

In a crazy cute print like this cute nautical look by Lilly Pulitzer:

Or an even crazier print like this Marc by Marc Jacobs:

Lots of options, although I still recommend a sturdy bottom-weight material.  I'm using this cotton twill my mom had leftover from a project aaaaages ago--just thin pieces along the selvage, but I thought it would work for my little skirt.

• Here's what you'll need--just the fabric and a piece of elastic about 2" smaller than your waist.  I recommend 1-1.5" wide elastic.

• Refer to the Classic Paper Bag Waist Skirt tutorial for cutting instructions.  You DO NOT need to cut the belt piece or beltloops, although you could cut the beltloop piece if you want to add them.
• Go through step 5. of the tutorial (assemble back and side seams).  You don't need a zipper, so sew all three seams (both sides and center back).  SKIP zipper instructions.
• Do steps 7. and 8. of the tutorial.  Hem the skirt and fold over your overlap. DON'T pleat.
• Sew down the overlap where I recommend basting or pinning in the Classic tutorial.
• Sew another row of stitches above the first.  This makes your elastic casing, so make sure it's at least 1/8" larger than the width of your elastic.  Measure if you like and mark with a fabric marker, or just be very careful about your seam allowance and make sure you stay parallel.  *Leave 1-2" open at the center back to insert your elastic at the center back.

• Grab your elastic (again, somewhere close to 2" smaller than your waist to allow for some movement but also enough tightness to stay up!) and use a safety pin or bodkin to put the elastic through the casing.  Make sure it doesn't twist and try to keep it from curling under as you put it through--you want the elastic to lay flat all around.

• When you get all the way through, sew the ends together (again, make sure the elastic's not twisted somewhere along the way).

• Sew the rest of your seam closed!

That's it!
You can wear it any way you want, but I think it works best at the natural waist. 
(Note: Mine has center front and center back seams since I was using a tiny wedge of fabric)
You can wear it with a thin belt like in the pictures:

Or with a belt the width of the casing, or even with a wider belt!

Here's how it looks plain.

 Super easy to make and wear!  I think I might want to make up another one in a funky print later today!