Here's a quick tutorial on how I make my super full twirl skirts and tops.
I make all my yoke/waistbands 1.5X the waist measurement. Then each tier is double the tier above it. So, if your daughter has a 20 inch waist, here are the measurements (for the above skirt each tier was 4inches wide, but you can make them whatever measurement top the length you want.) I had 3 tiers + the waistband/yoke:
. waistband 8X30 (this will be folded in half lengthwise.)
.tier1 4X60
tier2 4X120
tier3 4X240
I worked with 30X4 inch strips for this skirt, but for a patchwork I usually use 18inch strips.
Sew all your strips together to get your tiers (tier1 had two strips, tier2 had four and tier3 had eight)
.I choose to use bias tape instead of adding a ruffle, but a ruffle would be cute too!!
. Press your bias tape to get the creases out from it being folded.
. I don't use the "proper technique" for attaching bias tape - I just sandwich the material in between it and stitch. Use what ever method woks best for you.
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Using an edge stitch, stitch the length of your bias tape. There is a special foot that you can use for edge-stitching, but I have no idea where mine is, so I put my needle in the left position and I got the same close stitching.
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Here's the edge-stitching when it's done.
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Pin your ribbon so it is even with the seam of the 2 tiers. I didn't put the ribbon over the gathers, it lays nicer if you don't. Stitch it along the length using an edge stitch, as close to an edge as you can. Turn it around and stitch the other edge of ribbon - take the pins out as you go this time, don't stitch over them. Your ribbon will lay much nicer if you take the pins out as you go.
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.Here's the edge-stitching when it's done.
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. Gather your now reaaaaaly long bottom tier so it is half it's original length and matches up to tier2. Pin - right sides together, and attach. Don't forget to finish your seam (like I did!!) and press the seam up.
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If you are not using the ribbon trim, be sure to top stitch your tiers. I did not topstitch before I added the ribbon trim, but you could.
Pin your ribbon so it is even with the seam of the 2 tiers. I didn't put the ribbon over the gathers, it lays nicer if you don't. Stitch it along the length using an edge stitch, as close to an edge as you can. Turn it around and stitch the other edge of ribbon - take the pins out as you go this time, don't stitch over them. Your ribbon will lay much nicer if you take the pins out as you go.
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Repeat with the next tiers.
A picture after I edge-stitched on both sides.
For the waistband, I fold the yoke in half lengthwise and press. I make a casing 1inch from the top and insert my elastic - secure it at one end, but don't pull it all the way through.
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Gather your 3 tiers (that are now all together) so it is the same length as your waistband. Pin, attach and press the seam up - attach the ribbon the same as you did on the bottom tiers.Now, pull the elastic through to the end of the waistband and stitch to secure it. Pin your side seams (right sides together) and stitch the seam. Press your seam, and all done!!
Instead of attaching this to a waistband for a skirt, you can attach it to a bodice and have a full twirl top/dress too!
Here are a few things I've made using these directions...
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