Detachable Wedding Skirt: Create A Show-Stopping Look

A detachable wedding skirt is a convenient way to get two dresses for the price of one. It can add drama to a short wedding dress, giving the bride the option of a floor-length gown for the ceremony, which can then be removed to reveal a simpler dress for the reception. With careful planning and the right materials, it is possible to make your own detachable wedding skirt, saving you money and giving you the freedom to design your own dream skirt.

Measure and cut the fabric

To make a detachable wedding skirt, you will need to first measure your waist and the length from your waist to the floor. It is recommended to wear the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day, as well as any bulky undergarments, to get an accurate measurement.

The amount of fabric required for the skirt will depend on the volume and style of the skirt you desire. For a circle skirt, you will need to take two measurements: your waist circumference and the distance from your waist to your desired length.

Step 1: Take the Necessary Measurements

• Measure your waist circumference using a tailor's measuring tape. Write this number down.
• Measure the distance from your waist to your desired length, which could be your knee or the floor. Take note of this measurement as well.

Step 2: Calculate the Required Fabric Width

To determine the width of the fabric needed for the skirt, follow this formula:

• Take your waist measurement and add two inches.
• Then, divide that number by 6.28. This will give you the radius of the circle skirt.
• For example, if your waist measurement is 30 inches and you want to add two inches, you would divide 32 by 6.28, resulting in a radius of approximately 5.1 inches.

Step 3: Fold and Cut the Fabric

• Take your fabric and fold it in half width-wise and then length-wise. This will create a folded corner.
• Starting at the folded corner, measure down the radius you calculated in Step 2. Mark this spot with a pin.
• Rotate your ruler or measuring tape by an inch or two, then measure down the same distance and mark with another pin. Repeat this process until you have created an arc across the top corner of your folded fabric.
• Now, find the first pin you placed and measure down from it using your waist-to-length measurement. Mark this spot with another pin.
• Following the first arc, measure down the waist-to-length measurement and mark with pins to create a second arc.

Step 4: Cut Along the Pinned Lines

• Simply cut along the pin trails you have created, connecting the two arcs.
• Remove the pins, and your fabric is now ready for sewing!

For other skirt styles, such as a pleated skirt, the process will differ slightly. A pleated skirt requires more fabric than a non-pleated skirt due to the folds. Here is a general guide for measuring and cutting fabric for a pleated skirt:

Step 1: Measure Your Waist and Desired Skirt Length

• Use a measuring tape to measure your natural waist or wherever you plan to wear the skirt.
• Then, measure from your natural waist down to the desired length of the skirt.

Step 2: Cut the Fabric to Size

• Cut the fabric so that it is three times the size of your waist measurement.
• The fabric should also be 2 inches (5 cm) longer than your desired skirt length. This will accommodate the pleats and ensure a proper fit.

Step 3: Decide on the Pleat Size

• Determine the width of your pleats. You can choose any width you like, such as ¾ inch (1.9 cm), 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm), or 2 ¼ inches (5.7 cm).
• It is important to ensure that all your pleats are the same size, so decide on a width before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Mark and Cut the Fabric

• Mark your fabric on the wrong side, using twice the measurement of your desired pleat width. This will ensure that when you fold the fabric over, your pleats will be the desired width.
• For example, if you want 2-inch pleats, mark your fabric every 4 inches (10.2 cm).
• After marking, cut the fabric along the marked lines to create the individual pleats.

Now that you have measured and cut your fabric, you can move on to the next steps of constructing your detachable wedding skirt!

Sew the pieces together

Now that you have cut out all the pieces, it's time to sew them together. First, lay the two back skirt sections on top of each other, with the "outside" of the fabric facing inwards. Sew the seam from the bottom of the skirt up to the mark you made for the zipper. Machine-baste the remaining opening edges above the zipper mark, and press the seam open. Pin the zipper in place, and then stitch it using a zipper foot attachment. Remove the pins and basting.

Next, stitch the front skirt section to the back section. Machine-baste 1/2 inch from the top of the skirt, breaking the basting at the side front seams. Pull the threads to gather the fabric so that the circumference is roughly equal to your waist measurement. Turn the skirt right side out and set it aside.

Now, baste the interfacing to the "wrong side" of the waistband. Wrap the waistband around the top of the skirt, with the "outside" of the waistband and skirt facing each other, and the waistband opening aligned with the zipper. Stitch the waistband to the skirt, adjusting the gathers evenly as you sew. Turn the skirt inside out, fold the waistband fabric in half, and sew the waistband in place along the seam, tucking the raw edges into the waistband as you go.

Finally, sew your chosen closures, such as a hook and eye or ornamental buttons, to the waistband.

Create a waistband

The waistband of your detachable wedding skirt should be comfortable and secure, so follow these steps carefully.

First, you will need to draw a rectangle on pattern paper for the waistband. The length of this rectangle should be your waist measurement, plus an extra 3 to 4 inches to allow for closures. The width of the rectangle should be twice the desired width of your finished waistband, plus an extra 1 1/4 inches for seam allowances. This is because the rectangle will be folded in half lengthwise when you sew it. For example, if you want a 2-inch waistband, the short side of the rectangle should be 5 1/4 inches. Cut out the waistband pattern.

Next, trace the waistband pattern onto your chosen fabric, as well as onto interfacing, which will add structure to the waistband. Interfacing is usually sewn to the "wrong side" of the fabric, which is the side that is not meant to be seen. Cut out the fabric and interfacing pieces for your waistband.

Now, baste the interfacing to the "wrong side" of the waistband fabric. This will help to keep it in place as you sew.

Wrap the waistband around the top of your skirt, with the "right sides" of the waistband and skirt facing each other. The opening of the waistband should align with the zipper. Stitch the waistband to the skirt, distributing the gathers of the skirt evenly as you sew.

Turn the skirt inside out, and fold the waistband fabric in half. Sew the waistband in place along the seam, neatly tucking the raw edges into the waistband as you go.

Finally, sew your chosen closures, such as a hook and eye, or ornamental buttons, to complete your waistband.

Add closures

Now that you have the right measurements and have cut out the fabric pieces, it's time to add the closures to your detachable wedding skirt. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Mark the Zipper Placement:

Lay the two back skirt fabric pieces flat, and mark the placement for the zipper. This will be at the centre back of the skirt, running from the waistband down to the desired length. You can choose an invisible zipper or a regular one, depending on your preference.

Baste the Zipper:

With the "outside" of the fabric facing you, use dressmaker pins to carefully secure the zipper in place. The zipper should be closed and facing down. Machine-baste the zipper in place, close to the edge of the fabric.

Stitch the Zipper:

Turn the fabric over so that the "outside" is facing you. Using a zipper foot attachment on your sewing machine, carefully stitch along the zipper, removing the pins as you go. Make sure to stitch as close to the zipper teeth as possible for a neat finish. Once done, remove any remaining pins and basting.

Add Hook-and-Eye Closures:

For added security and a seamless look, you can add hook-and-eye closures to the waistband of your skirt. Place the hooks and eyes evenly spaced along the waistband, on either side of the zipper. Hand-stitch them in place, making sure they align perfectly when closed.

Test the Closures:

Before proceeding, make sure to test your closures to ensure they work smoothly. Try on the skirt and fasten the zipper and hook-and-eye closures. This will give you an idea of the fit and any adjustments needed.

Embellish the Waistband:

If you want to add ornamental buttons or other embellishments to the waistband, now is the time to do so. You can hand-stitch antique buttons, pearls, or other decorative elements to the waistband, covering the hook-and-eye closures for a more elegant finish.

Remember to choose closures that complement the overall look of your wedding skirt and dress. You can also add closures to the inner seams of the skirt for added security, ensuring your detachable skirt stays in place throughout your special day.

Embellish the skirt

Embellishing your wedding skirt is a great way to add a personal touch and elevate your look. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Beads, Crystals and Pearls

Add a touch of sparkle to your skirt with beads, crystals or pearls. You can sew or glue these embellishments onto the fabric. Go for small pearl or crystal beads if you want to add them to lace. Beads can also be used to create a beautiful beaded trim or fringe. If you're feeling extra creative, try making your own beading design. However, this can be quite expensive, so keep your budget in mind.

Lace Appliqués

Lace appliqués are a timeless and elegant choice. You can sew these onto your skirt by hand or machine. For a unique touch, add beads or embroidery on top of the lace. If you want to change the neckline or add sleeves, lace is a great way to do it. It can also be used to create a beautiful lace trim or edging.

Sequins and Rhinestones

For a hint of shimmer, add some sequins or rhinestones. These can be glued or sewn onto the fabric. Sequins are usually circular and flat, while rhinestones mimic the look of diamonds and other gemstones at a lower cost.

Fabric Flowers

If you're looking for a simple and creative way to embellish your skirt, fabric flowers are a great option. You can find templates online to practice making them, and then sew or glue them onto your skirt.

Bows

Bows are a popular choice for bodices, skirts, straps and waist sashes. They can be sewn into place or tied manually with ribbons.

Embroidered Details

Embroidery is a beautiful way to add intricate details to your skirt. It can be done by hand or machine, and it's often used to create floral or swirled patterns.

When embellishing your wedding skirt, remember to choose the right areas for maximum impact. You can embellish the neckline, hemline, waistband or straps. If you're adding a lot of embellishments, be careful not to overdue it, as this can create a cluttered look.

Frequently asked questions