Replies

1. 
   starzoe | Aug 30, 2007 07:11pm | #1

   Forget about the pattern - or just use it as a guideline. My grandgirls made their own skirts a couple of years ago as a first project. I measured their hips, waist and length. Cut a rectangle the width of hip plus ease (about 3" for girls, I would guess) add seam allowances at side, add hem allowance and an 1 1/2" turnover at the waist. Sew up side seams, Turn top of skirt over, install an elastic through the channel, put up the hem, and there you have it. The 7-year old could do this, easily.

2. 
   VKStitcher | Aug 31, 2007 05:03pm | #2

   I agree with Starzoe's suggestion above--forget the pattern.  Sewing up the rectangles would be much easier than trying to figure out how to adapt the culotte pattern.  Because it's a long skirt, you'll want to make a side slit so she can walk easily, as shown on the McCalls pattern.

    

3. 
   Teaf5 | Sep 01, 2007 03:55am | #3

   I agree with the other posters; little girls are basically cylindrical shapes, so a simple rectangle usually works for skirts.  However, they have quite differently shaped bellies and bottoms, so I allow a couple extra inches at the top and then hem the skirt before checking the waistline,which is a different shape for every child. 

   I put the hemmed skirt on the child, securing the unfinished top edge with an elastic band at her natural waist, and tug up or down on the skirt until the hem hangs straight before marking the waistline with chalk along the bottom of the elastic band.  That line (which may dip way down or rise way up in front or back) becomes the guide for the casing for the elastic.  A fresh new shoelace that ties in front is another quick and easy way to cinch the waist, too.

4. 
   CostumerVal | Sep 04, 2007 11:57pm | #4

   I took a look at the pattern.  It is a rectangle, looks like they leave the bottom section open for the tall slit.  You need that slit in order to walk, or an A line.  Anyway, I made Vogue 2064 (stretch knit only) out of a woven crepe by cutting 2 sizes larger and I had no problem at all.  Just measure before you cut.  Err on the large side, it's an elastic waistband so no worries.  Val

1. 
   Cherrypops | Sep 05, 2007 02:04am | #5

   Thank you for also saying '2 sizes larger'. As I said above, I was told to do this for knitwit pattern range, but hadn't tried it. Now I know from you, it can be successfully with Vogue I will try it one day.

1. 
   CostumerVal | Sep 05, 2007 05:08am | #6

   No problem, I was worried at first so I used an inexpensive fabric (like FREE)  I'm size 12 on top and in between 12-14 on bottom, but due to excessive ease in some patterns, I use 12 there too.  For this pattern I knew that it was fitted with minimal ease so I measured for that and the size 16 cut out lines matched my math perfectly.  I had to widen the bottom of the sleeve as I had no stretch and getting in them would be problem.  Just watch those entry points- neck, sleeves, waist ect.

1. 
   Cherrypops | Sep 05, 2007 05:26am | #7

   Thanks you are a gem. I have enjoyed reading your previous posts throughout this forum. We all value you!

1. 
   cat42 | Sep 06, 2007 06:10pm | #8

   Just one more, perhaps oblique, angle to throw into the mix: You can try laying the pieces on the bias instead of straight grain, as bias behaves more like a knit. Just remember to let it hang several hours or overnight before hemming.If you want to get really fussy with bias, add a seam at CF and CB, and then lay the right front at right angle to left front; ditto with the back. This gives better drape, fit, and adds interest if fabric is a stripe or plaid.And a slit from hem to just above knee is a must for walking. If you don't want to show leg, you can make it a kick pleat. Sketch attached.Cat