How to Make Poodle Skirts
If you haven't thought of an idea for a cool Halloween costume, maybe you can try a retro 50's look, with the ponytail, glasses and poodle skirt. You can make a poodle skirt on your own in five simple steps and the best part is that you can do it for under $20.
Supplies Needed:
- Fabric felt
- Sequins
- Poodle applique
- Thread
- Elastic
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Marker
- Go shopping for your materials. Depending on the size of skirt you are making, the amount of fabric you need will vary. If you are making an adult size large skirt, you will need approximately 4 yards of fabric felt. When choosing your fabric felt, it is best to use a medium weight felt, which is 72" wide. The next item you will need to pick out is your poodle applique, which should be at least 6". Your sequins will be for the leash on the poodle and you will need at least a yard. Do not buy individual sequins; you will need the ones that come wrapped around the spools.
- Measure. Use a measuring tape to measure the person you are making the skirt for. You will need waist dimensions and length dimensions.
- Cut your felt. Lay your felt material on a flat surface. Add one inch to your length measurement and mark this measurement on the side of the felt. If you are making a ladies size larger or bigger, locate the side of the felt that is perpendicular to the 72" edge. Take your measuring tape and make a semi-circle on the edge of the felt that is 72" wide. If the waist measured 35", for example, you want the waist to be at least 5" bigger than that to allow for fitting over the hips, therefore your measurement will be a 40" semi-circle on Mark the edges of the semi-circle and then draw in your complete circle. Next you will make another semi-circle exactly 24" from the one you marked off. Take your scissors out and cut out the waist and the bottom or hem of the skirt. Make the side with the markings visible from the outside and bring the two flat sides together to make the back seam.
- Start sewing. Sew from the waist you made to the hem. Turn one inch of the felt under to the opposite side and sew the waistband, leave 2" unsewn. Cut your elastic pieces by stretching approximately 4" smaller and about 6" larger than the measurement you have for the waist. Pin your safety pins on the ends to ensure that you do not lose your elastic. Now you can thread the elastic by taking your safety pin through the complete part of the elastic. Place the ends of the elastic together and make zigzag stitches to hold it together. Fold your waistband under and sew your ends together.
- Pin your poodle on. Sew the applique in the position your want your poodle. By making a zigzag stitch, stitch on your leash to your poodle with your roll of sequins.