In this session, I demonstrated how to create the tulip-shaped side skirt for our third dress project.

I showed how to work with fabric on both straight grain and bias, creating different pleat arrangements to achieve various silhouettes – from sporty short versions to elegant longer styles.

Demonstration Steps:

1. Started with a square piece of fabric approximately 28″ x 28″ for a size 6 dress form
2. Created a fold of about 5-6″ on one side of the fabric and stitched it closed
3. Positioned the folded edge along the side seam of the dress form and pinned it in place
4. Created pleats by folding the fabric toward the front and back, pinning as I went
5. Adjusted the number and size of pleats to control the fullness and shape around the hip area
6. Demonstrated how pleats can be manipulated to create either a fuller skirt or a more tapered silhouette
7. Showed how to mark and cut the fabric to create the desired hem length
8. Created a second demonstration with a longer version of the skirt to show variations
9. Explained how to transfer the pleats to a flat pattern with proper marking

Questions & Answers:

• Q: How do I decide whether to work on straight grain or bias grain?
• A: This comes with experience as you get to know your fabrics. Different fabrics drape differently, and the grain choice depends on your design, the type of fabric, and the flexibility you want in certain areas.

• Q: Is there a maximum length for this skirt design before the folds collapse?
• A: No, I can drape this differently even for maxi skirts. It’s all about experimenting with your folds and seeing how they hang. You can adjust the pleats to make the skirt more tapered or fuller as needed.

• Q: Can lining be added to this type of skirt?
• A: Yes! You can have your skirt lining close to your body like a straight skirt (not puffy), and attach them together at the hem. Or you can double the main fabric with lining, or simply hang it straight – it’s up to you.