While designing the Caroline wrap pattern I took the opportunity to sew a couple of separate Caroline wrap skirts, using just the skirt pieces from the pattern. It's a super easy pattern hack, all you need to add is the waistband. And don't worry, I'll provide you with the measurements for it!
For this skirt, I used a woven crepe fabric from MeterMeter. I also used a 5 cm wide elastic band.
A. Preparations
Use the Caroline wrap pattern, and follow these steps of its sewing instructions:
- Step 2 (finish seam allowances, if your fabric is woven).
- Step 5 and 6 (sew the pockets).
- Step 10 (sew the side seams).
- Step 13-19 (hem).
B. Wrap the fronts
Arrange the skirt in front of you with right sides out. Let one front wrap over the other front so much that the front of the skirt has the same width as the back of the skirt.
Sew a basting stitch through the two fronts, 1 cm (3/8") from the top edge to keep them together. A basting stitch is a temporary stitch, you can use straight stitches with a long stitch length, for example 4 mm.
C. Cut the waistband
Cut a waistband with these measurements (1,5 cm seam allowance included): height 14 cm (for 5 cm wide elastic) and length:
As you can see in my notes, I made size 40, and having measured my skirt's waist I could see it was 105 cm in circumference, 1 cm larger than it should be ;)
If your fabric is woven, finish the seam allowances (see the Caroline pattern's sewing instructions).
D. Sew the short sides
Fold the waistband right sides together and sew the short sides, with 1,5 cm seam allowance. Press the seam allowance afterwards.
E. Fold and press
Fold the waistband over itself so that wrong sides meet and right sides are facing out. Press.
F. Attach to skirt
Place the waistband inside the skirt, right sides together. Match and pin the waistband's side seam with one of the skirt's side seams. Sew almost all the way around, leave an opening that is 5-6 cm wide.
Which stitch to use? If your fabric is woven, you can use straight stitches, approx. 2,5 mm in length. If you've got knit fabric, use an overlocker, a zig zag stitch or other stretch stitch.
G. Optional: topstitch
If you want to you can topstitch around the skirt, just next to the waistband. Sew through the skirt and the seam allowance. You will not be able to topstitch by the opening, so leave that for now, and complete the topstitch there later on.
Woven fabric: use a straight stitch. Knit fabric: use a stretch stitch, for example triple stretch stitch or twin stitch.
H. Insert elastic
Insert your elastic band inside the waistband, through the opening in the seam. I'm using an elastic threader, you could also use a safety pin.
I. Sew the elastic
When you've pulled the elastic all the way around, let the ends meet. Let one end overlap the other with 1,5 cm and close with a safety pin. Take the opportunity and try the skirt on! Maybe you find that you'll need shorter or longer elastic? When you're happy with the length of the elastic, you can sew the ends of the elastic together. Use a wide zig zag stitch and sew back and forth a couple of times.
J. Close the opening
Close the opening in the seam where you inserted the elastic. Again, let the skirt and waistband have right sides together and sew using the same stitch you used last time.
Also, if you choose to topstitch around the waistband, do that also next o the opening.
All done!
I'm very happy with how it turned out. So pleased with the crisp fabric, the neat hems, and the useful pockets :)
I've also made this type of skirt in a lightweight woven viscose, will make sure to take some photos and show you!
Are you eager to try too? Here's the Caroline wrap pattern I used:
