Bustle Bum Skirt Tutorial

This is a fun and easy skirt that can be made for about any season. Find a lightweight/thin material. Anything thick would not bustle well and cause the back to sag considerably.

First, let’s cut the fabric. I have the formula below and also put an example in red to see what I used on my skinny three year-old daughter.

To get width, take the waist measurement and multiply it by 1.8

Example. Scarlett’s waist is 20 inches. 20 X 1.8 = 36 inches

For length, measure from the waist to whatever length you desire and then add about three inches for seams and waistband.

We now need to get measurements A and B below.

• To get A, take the waist measurements and subtract three inches. (20 -3 =17 inches).

• To get measurement B, take the length and subtract A and then divide in half.

Example:

36 (Length) – 17 (Waist minus three inches)= 19 inches

19 inches / 2 = 9.5 inches

At this point, just simply make small marks on the top of the rectangular to record where the division between A and B are. We will be coming back to that shortly.

Ok, how fold the fabric in half, with right sides together, like shown.

Sew the non-folded side closed.

This will create a tube. Now, take the upper edge (where the waistband will be) and fold the fabric down approximately ¼”. Press that down and then fold it about a inch down. This is the waistband and casing where the elastic will be inserted so just make it slightly wider than the elastic you are using (I recommend ¾” – 1” elastic). Pin the waistband down every few inches.

Once pinned, take the pin and have the center seam facing you (skirt should still be inside out). This is where you refer to where sections B start. Like the diagram below, sew the waistband down from B to B (it will take you across the seam).

Next, take the elastic, guided with a closed safety pin, and feed it through the part of the waistband you just stitched.

Secure it on the other side with the safety pin and pull to make it bustle. Pull it until there are about three inches of bustle at top. Secure the other side with a safety pin. This is a great time to have the child try it on to see if you would like the elastic tightened or loosened. Once you find the ideal size, sew a line through the elastic, vertically, at each end, to secure it. That was a mouthful.

See the photos for clarification. Hopefully this makes sense!

Now, sew the rest of the waistband closed (the rest will all be section A). And then chose the length desired for the skirt and create a hem by folding and sewing.

Turn right side out. It is starting to resemble a skirt! Hopefully my directions don’t have you flustered at this point.

For the bow, sew a rectangle and wrap fabric around the middle. Tack to skirt.

And you’re done!