Lace Tablecloth Skirt

Begin by creating a pattern from wrapping paper.  Follow the diagram shown, first drawing the top line, then measuring down the height of the skirt to draw the hem line. Draw a diagonal line connecting the top and bottom lines.

Fold the wrapping paper in half using the center point of the hem as a guide. Then cut out so that the pattern piece is symmetrical. The skirt will be made up of 5 panels each of lace and lining.

When cutting out the lining panels, fold up the bottom of the paper pattern so that the lining fabric will be 1.5 inches shorter than the lace panels. We want a bit of lace to peek past the hem of the skirt.

When cutting out the lace panels, use the original edge of the tablecloth as the hem of your skirt.

Start by sewing the lace panels together. Match up two lace panels by laying them on top of each other, right sides together, and sewing down a long side with a 1/2 inch seam and a zig-zag stitch.

Then open the sewn panels so that they’re face up. Lay the next panel face down on a sewn panel, and sew the long side. Repeat until the lace panels are all sewn together into one long strip.

Now we’ll sew the lining panels. I’m using a stretchy poly-interlock fabric. It’s very slippery, and switching to a walking foot will help keep the top and bottom fabrics together. I’m also using a ball-point needle. Set your machine to a zig-zag stitch. Sew the lining panels together the same way you sewed the lace panels: right sides together, sewing down the long side with a 1/2 inch seam.

Next we’ll hem the lining. The fabric I chose is tricky to hem neatly since it’s so stretchy. I’m going to stabilize the hem with Stay Tape. It’s a non-adhesive, thin plastic that keeps the fabric from stretching as you sew. It’s 1/2 inch wide, so use it as a guide as you fold up and pin the hem. Sew a 1/2 inch hem along the bottom of your lining panels.

Now we can put the skirt together. Lay the lace panels face-down. Place the lining panels face-down on top of them. Line up the top edges. Fold under the top edge a 1/4 inch, then fold another 3/4 an inch to create a casing. Pin and sew with a 1/4 inch seam.

Then, cut a piece of 1/2 inch elastic the size of your waist measurement. Thread it through the casing with a safety pin, then overlap the ends by 1/2 inch and sew together with a zig-zag stitch. Backstitch for durability.

Now we’ll sew the remaining edges. Separate the lace from the lining, and sew the lace panels together. Then sew the lining panels together.

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