How to Make a Tennis Skirt
Learn how to make a tennis skirt with this step-by-step tutorial. You’ll need some basic sewing skills and a few supplies.
Materials
For this project you will need 1/2 a yard of fabric, a waistband, and a zipper. You can choose any type of fabric you want, but a light fabric like cotton is recommended. You will also need a sewing machine and thread.
1 yard of fabric
You will need 1 yard of fabric for this project. The type of fabric you use is up to you, but we recommend a light-weight fabric such as cotton or linen.
1/2 yard of lining
You will also need 1/2 yard of lining material. I used a white cotton blend, but you could use a coordinating color if you prefer. You will need enough elastic to go around your waist, plus about 2 inches for overlap (I used 1/4″ wide elastic). Mark the fabric and cut out two skirt panels, then cut out lining pieces to match.
1/4 yard of elastic
In order to make a tennis skirt, you will need the following materials: 1/4 yard of elastic, a measuring tape, scissors, pins, a sewing needle and thread, and a 1/2 yard of fabric. Once you have gathered all of your materials, you can begin following the steps below to create your own tennis skirt.
1 spool of thread
In order to make a tennis skirt, you will need the following materials:
-1 spool of thread
-1/2 yard of fabric
-1/4 inch elastic
-Pins
-Scissors
-A needle and thread or a sewing machine
Pattern
The flared skirt is a must-have in any tennis player’s wardrobe. While you can find many pre-made options, it can be even more fun and rewarding to make your own. Doing so also allows you to customize the skirt to your own personal style and taste. This guide will walk you through how to make a simple and flattering flared tennis skirt.
Download a free pattern or make your own
If you’re looking to make a tennis skirt, you have a few different options. You can purchase a pattern specifically for a tennis skirt, download a free tennis skirt pattern, or draft your own pattern.
When purchasing a pattern, make sure to check the back of the envelope for the skill level required. If you’re a beginner sewer, it’s probably best to start with an easy or medium level pattern.
There are several free patterns available online. Most of these will require some adjusting to get the fit and flare that is typical of tennis skirts, but they can be a great starting point.
If you’re feeling confident, you can always draft your own pattern. This will require some math and measuring, but it’s not as difficult as it sounds. Start by sketching out a basic outline of the skirt on paper. Then, use a measuring tape to determine the waist circumference and length desired. With these measurements, you can calculate the rest of the dimensions needed to create your pattern pieces.
Once you have all your pieces cut out, it’s time to start sewing! Follow the instructions on your pattern (or make up your own) and soon you’ll have a beautiful new tennis skirt to show off on the court.
Trace the pattern onto the fabric
Fold the fabric in half, with the wrong sides together. Use a fabric pencil to trace the pattern onto the wrong side of the fabric, starting at the fold. For this particular pattern, you will need to trace four pieces — two for the front of the skirt, and two for the back. If you are using a woven fabric, you may want to use tissue paper to make a template that you can trace onto the fabric so that you don’t have to keep folding it in half.
Cut out the fabric
Cut out the fabric according to the pattern. For the main part of the skirt, you will need two pieces of fabric, front and back. The waistband will be one long strip. If you are using a print fabric, be sure to lay out the pattern so that the design is symmetrical.
Sewing
I will show you how to make a quick and easy tennis skirt with just a few supplies. You will need a yard of knit fabric, a yard oflining fabric, an elastic waistband, and a sewing machine. This skirt is a great beginner sewing project because it is so simple and quick to make. Let’s get started!
Sew the side seams of the skirt
With right sides together, sew the side seams of the skirt. Start at the waistline and sew down to the bottom hem. Trim away any excess thread.
Sew the lining to the skirt
Attach the lining to the skirt by sewing them together at the waistline. If you want, you can use a serger to create a professional looking finish or simply use a straight stitch on your sewing machine. Be sure to leave a hole in the lining large enough so that you can turn the skirt right side out when you’re finished.
Hem the skirt
To hem the skirt, start by folding up the bottom edge of the fabric by 1/2 inch. Iron this fold flat. Then, fold the fabric up again by 1/2 inch and iron this fold flat. Sew along the innermost edge of this second fold to create a hem.
Attach the elastic to the waistband
With right sides together, place one end of the elastic at the side seam. Stretch the elastic to fit the width of the waistband and pin in place. Sew the elastic to the waistband, using a zigzag stitch or stretch stitch. Overlap the ends of the elastic by about 1″ (2.5 cm) and sew together.
Finishing Touches
After you have sewn the side seams of your skirt and attached the waistband, it is time to finish the skirt with a few final touches. These final touches will give your skirt a professional look and ensure that it lasts for many years to come.
Try on the skirt and adjust the waistband if necessary
Now that you have sewn the darts and side seams, it is time to try on the skirt to check the fit. If it is too loose at the waist, take in the darts a little more. If it is too tight, let them out a little bit. You can also let out or take in the side seams if necessary.
Once you are happy with the fit, it is time to finish the waistband. Fold down the top of the waistband (the part that will sit on your waist) ½” and press. Then fold down again 1” and press. This will create a clean edge for thewaistband and help keep it from rolling. Sew along the folded edge with a sewing machine or by hand using a whip stitch.
Now fold up the bottom of the waistband (the part that will sit below your waist) ½” and press. Then fold up again 1”and press. Sew along the folded edge with a sewing machine or by hand using a whip stitch. Congrats! You have now completed your tennis skirt!
Add a decorative element like a ribbon or bow
Using a needle and thread, hand-sew a length of ribbon or cloth onto the waistband of your skirt. If you’re using ribbon, make a bow and hand-sew it in place. You can also experiment with different colors and patterns of ribbon or cloth to create a unique look.
