Bubble Skirt

Learn how to make a simple bubble skirt with lots of gathers and volume, using just your body measurements and fabric rectangles. Nicki LaFoille shows you how to make this easy bubble skirt with an exposed elastic waistband.

Get the 1 ¾”-wide rose gold metallic elastic Nicki uses in this video from Dritz.

First, Nicki explains how to take the necessary measurements for the bubble skirt, and the calculations needed to achieve the gathered effect of the bubble skirt. Multiply the skirt circumference measurement by two to three, for less or more of a gathered effect. Once you have the measurements for the outer skirt and the lining skirt, cut your fabric. Nicki demonstrates how to gather up one long edge of the outer skirt to match the lining edge and discusses fabric choices for the skirt that will change the final look of the garment.

After stitching the lining and outer skirt together along the gathered edge, you will repeat the process to gather the remaining outer skirt long edge. Nicki demonstrates how to stitch the skirt center back seam and fold the skirt right side out to align the remaining raw edges. Baste the upper edges together to minimize shifting, then zigzag both layers of raw edges together to prevent fraying.

Nicki explains how to cut the waistband elastic to the correct size, and how to zigzag stitch over the ends so the raw edges are protected and the bulk is reduced. Then Nicki demonstrates how to eight-mark the waistband and skirt upper edge, and how to attach the waistband onto the skirt to ensure the gathers are evenly distributed.

Find more quick and easy skirt projects here:
How to Make a Strip Skirt
How to Make a Circle Skirt
5 Skirt Patterns Perfect for Summer