Replies

1. 
   stillsuesew | Jul 18, 2011 01:44pm | #1

   You need a pattern with multiple seams from waist to hem.  You could cut a straight skirt pattern to get that  and then you add the "handkerchief " part into the lower seams.  It really is quite straightforward.

2. 
   Teaf5 | Jul 21, 2011 07:18pm | #2

   Handkerchief skirt pattern

   Long ago, we made these skirts by sewing four handkerchiefs together into a big square, leaving one seam unstitched for about 10" from the center for the zipper.  

   Then we proceeded as for a circle skirt, folding it into quarters and cutting an arc off the center point to form a waistline. The arc circumference is 1/4 of your waist measurement, plus two seam allowances.  The arc is only about 3-4 inches from the center point.

   Insert a zipper into the unfinished seam, add a waistband and hook & eye, and you have 4 beautifully draped, bias hem points--one in front, one in back, and one on each side.

   If you want to test out this pattern, try using a large square pieces of old sheeting or even paper.  When cutting the waistline, start with a smaller-than-you-expect cut and open it out to find the total length--you can always cut more, but you can't add it back on!