TWO SKIRTS, ONE FORMULA

I wanted to test whether the same formula would work twice in a row on two completely different fabrics. It did. Mostly.

THE FORMULA

No pattern needed for a tiered skirt — just rectangles and a waist measurement. I used the same waist-based formula for both:

Waistband — waist × 1.5" (double the width of elastic plus seam allowance)
Tier 1 — waist × 1.5"
Tier 2 — waist × 2"
Tier 3 — waist × 2.5"

For the tier depth, you can divide your finished length into three equal sections, or do what I did and decide where you want each tier to sit on your body. Either works — just don't forget seam allowance on every tier and hem allowance on the bottom tier only.

THE FABRICS

Both came from Joann — both silky types, which means they move beautifully when worn and are absolutely determined to slide off your cutting table at every opportunity.

The first is a grey abstract print, almost watercolour in feel — soft, subtle, the kind of fabric that looks more expensive than it was. The second is a black and white abstract faces print, bold and graphic, completely different energy. Same formula, completely different result.

THE PROCESS

Measure, calculate, cut rectangles, gather each tier onto the one above it, attach the waistband, thread the elastic through. Straightforward in theory, slightly fiddly in practice with a slippery fabric — the gathering especially, which requires patience and a lot of pins.

Both went together in an afternoon each. Quick, satisfying, genuinely wearable.

THE RESULT

The grey one is the quieter of the two — easy to wear, goes with everything. The faces print is the one that gets comments. Same construction, same afternoon, very different conversations.