In this lesson, I taught how to create a controlled flare skirt, which allows you to determine where and how much flare you want in specific areas of the skirt. This technique gives you more control over the skirt’s shape compared to traditional circle skirts, allowing for a more customized fit and silhouette.

Lesson Steps:

• Determine the desired length of the skirt (e.g., 21 inches from waist to mid-thigh)
• Add 9 inches to the length measurement for draping allowance (total 30 inches)
• Cut two pieces of muslin fabric to the calculated length (30 inches) and width (about 27 inches)
• Mark a reference line 9 inches from the top edge to indicate the waistline
• Press a half-inch fold on the center front and center back edges of both muslin pieces
• Prepare the muslin pieces for draping on the dress form

I emphasized that this technique requires practice to master, but it offers great flexibility in creating a flattering skirt silhouette with controlled flares in specific areas.