Increasingly, children's holiday outfits include such an element as a fluffy American skirt. This model was developed by Christian Dior in the middle of the last century and since then, in different variations and modifications, has been used by many other fashion designers.
Fluffy skirts, made of transparent lightweight fabric, can be of completely different lengths. Their cut and sewing method has several options, each of which is described in this article.
Both adult girls and school-age girls can wear this wardrobe item. However, the clothes that will be worn with an American woman should be chosen very carefully. One wrong step and the image will turn from fashionable and modern to inappropriate and tacky. Most often, such skirts are worn to participate in photo shoots or for festive events.
An American skirt for a girl under three years old can be sewn independently. Those with cutting and sewing skills can take risks and sew a more complex model. Recommendations regarding the cutting and sewing process are given below.
Types of fluffy skirts
There are several possible embodiments of the immortal skirt:
- Classic American.
- A simplified model made from strands of tulle.
- Ruffle skirt.
- A fluffy skirt made of several layers of the same length.
Experienced craftswomen recommend using nylon chiffon with a density of 15 D for sewing. However, with a limited choice of material, you can get by with tulle, mesh or light chiffon. In any case, the fabric must be airy, otherwise the essence of the product will be lost.
Some of the skirts are made of only a few layers of sheer fabric, others include a thick lining. Sometimes additional petticoats are used to achieve greater volume.
Differences and types
Pettiskirt has features in multi-layering, the pomp of which is complemented by the presence of additional ruffles at the bottom of each layer. The materials used are different, but have subtlety and transparency: chiffon, organza, tulle, light cotton and others. American is divided into two types:
- For theme parties, wedding or evening looks, preference is given to a full skirt with a short length.
- Fans of ethnic styles, folk, country and hippies choose a less flashy outfit, wearing a skirt with a minimum amount of ruffles, which makes it look smoother.
Many consider Pettiskirt a wardrobe item for vulgar representatives, or for use in photo shoots. This is a misconception; with the right choice of style, the skirt provides advantages:
- no age restrictions; discreet and elegant styles; the female silhouette becomes more sensual; freedom of movement; stands out from the crowd of passersby.
With each season, the model is improved and those who like to experiment combine the density of the fabric in layering American women.
Modeling and calculation of an American skirt
The description will be based on making a product for a girl. Models for girls can be created according to the same principle.
A children's tulle skirt has four levels. The first, upper one, is made of thick fabric. The rest are cut out from tulle. They have the same width, and the length of each of them is twice as long as the previous one. The hem of the lower level is equipped with thick short ruffles. The listed components are mandatory for any American woman.
The total length of the product is calculated based on the girl’s age and the purpose of such a popular item of clothing as an American skirt. A master class (how to sew a skirt with your own hands) is presented in this article; the product is sewn quite quickly. The instructions greatly help to form an impression of the scope of work and the principles of sewing the product.
Description, history of appearance
Thanks to the ruffles and layers, every girl who owns such a skirt will be able to feel airy and light. Usually the skirt is equipped with a wide belt, which femininely emphasizes the waist area. From time to time this detail can be replaced with a grosgrain ribbon.
Many modern fashion designers focus their attention on a skirt of this cut. The attractive appearance of this clothing will help you quickly create both the image of a gentle coquette-seductress and a worthy option for a luxurious lady.
These skirts appeared a long time ago - back in the 16th century. But at that time they played the function of underwear. They held their shape and added fullness to long dresses that were very popular at that time. In addition, in those years, the most ideal female image was considered to be one with a thin waist and wide hips. It was the lower fluffy skirt that helped ladies increase the volume of their hips, while leaving the waist the same size.
Then the skirt gained popularity in the wardrobes of American fashionistas in the 19th and early 20th centuries. But again, this piece of clothing remained underwear, performing important functions of figure correction along with a corset. A good example of this was the famous actress Vivien Leigh, who played the main role in the film Gone with the Wind. Scarlett was wearing just such a skirt.
At the end of the last century, the American skirt finally became an independent thing that won the hearts of many ladies. Initially, girls from emo, goth and other subcultures fell in love with her.
And these clothes gained real fame thanks to the cult designer Candy Lightner. In 2002, the girl created a simply stunning collection of vintage full skirts. It was there that American skirts, brought by the designer from different parts of the world, were included. Later, Candy entered into an agreement with Fred Segal, and stylish skirts began to be sold to celebrities under the Kaiya Eve brand.
How to calculate fabric for a skirt
Yoke: its length (denoted by the letter G) can be calculated by measuring the girl’s waist. You should make the yoke slightly wider than the waist (1.5 times), since it will be gathered with an elastic band. The height of the part is 10-12 cm. This element is made double, so the fabric consumption doubles (20-24 cm).
Tiers made of transparent fabric: their height is calculated based on the length of the product without a yoke. For example: the total length of the skirt is A, the height of the yoke is B, the number of tiers is 3. The height of each tier:
(A-B):3=B.
A children's American skirt (we describe a DIY master class) requires about 5-7 m of material. If expanding layers are sewn on both sides of the product (inside and outside), then these numbers should be doubled.
It is convenient to calculate the yardage of fabric for purchase by finding the area of each tier using a mathematical formula.
1st tier: Hx2D=D
2nd tier: Vx2D=E
3rd tier: Bx2E=W
The width of the ruffles that are provided at the bottom edge of the 3rd tier is 3 cm. Their total area will be equal to:
3x2W=I
Knowing the width of the mesh or tulle (about 2.5 m), you can find out how much material you need to buy (in linear meters):
(D+E+F+I):2.5
When buying fabric, you should play it safe and buy half a meter more.
Cutting and assembling parts
In order not to make mistakes when cutting, you need to make a pattern from cardboard. Its width will be equal to B, and its length will be about 25-30 cm. This approach allows you to cut all strips of the same width.
The sequence of stitching the cut parts is obvious:
- Assemble the yoke. For simplicity, it is folded in half and stitched, leaving room for elastic.
- The pre-assembled 1st tier begins to be sewn to one of the free sides of the yoke (its length is D, when assembled - D).
- After performing similar actions with a strip of fabric for the 2nd tier (gathered to size D), it is sewn to the free edge of the 1st tier.
- Do the same with the 3rd tier.
The final step is making and fixing the ruffles; this process is clearly illustrated by the photograph.
Ruffles along the edge of the 3rd tier allow you to give the product fluffiness and lightness, which is why the American skirt is so popular. The DIY master class describes how to make only the front side; the back side can be made the same way or equipped with a simple petticoat.
Selecting color and style
There is no such thing as a completely monochromatic American, but no more than two colors or three or four shades of the same color are combined. Let's look at the step-by-step steps to sew a full skirt.
Required:
- Organza, chiffon or tulle - from five to 15 meters, it depends on the fullness of the skirt, the number of layers, and length.
- Organza, satin, thick silk for the skirt yoke. It will be better if this part is cut from dense, opaque material. – 25-40 cm, depends on the size of the yoke.
- An elastic band for a belt is a segment equal to the waist circumference.
- Adhesive gasket for sealing the yoke.
- Tulle, organza, mesh for making ruffles - 10-15 meters.
- Satin or grosgrain ribbon for decoration.
- Threads.
- Scissors.
- Sewing machine.
Advice! When cutting, we take into account that for each next row below the previous one we will need twice as much fabric.
In addition, two to four lower ones emerge from each upper layer.
Voluminous skirt made of several rows of ruffles
This type of mesh or tulle skirt involves using a slightly different method of connecting the cut parts.
A special feature of the method is that all tiers are sewn to the lining, and not to each other. Thus, several rows of ruffles are formed. One side of them is fixed to the lining, the other remains free. The main condition for sewing such a skirt remains the principle of expanding each next tier. The lining is also cut out not straight, but with an extension (semi-sun or sun).
The tulle strips are sewn so that the free edge of each next tier slightly covers the sewing line of the bottom one.
Simplified model of a skirt for babies
To make fluffy tutus for little ones, you can simplify your task and make a skirt like this.
The process of its creation differs from the previous one in its simplicity and ease. You will need a thick elastic band and about two meters of material (provided its width is more than 2 m). This American skirt (master class) is sewn with your own hands using successive photos and looks no less fluffy than the classic model. True, it is only suitable for the smallest children.
To make the product, you need to cut the material into strips 5-10 cm and 20-30 cm long. Next, each strip is tightly tied to an elastic band, cut to fit the baby’s waist and sewn into a ring. The two free ends of each strip puff up and form an air pack.
The length of the stripes depends on the planned length of the skirt and allowances for forming the knot. In the photographs, the children's tulle skirt is made of two colors: white and pink. For each unit of the product, two strips of different colors were taken simultaneously.
At the end of the work, you can decorate the skirt with a bow, sequins or beads.
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We are sewing a wonderful super-fluffy American skirt PETTISKIRT.
Master class, video and many ideas! Every little girl dreams of becoming a princess. A super fluffy Pettiskirt skirt will help your little fashionista feel like a princess. In such a fashionable American skirt, your little one will always be the center of attention at any celebration. Combined with additional accessories, Pettiskirt will be the perfect outfit for Birthdays, graduations, New Years and any other holiday or photo shoot. This fluffy skirt is suitable for girls of any age, be it a one-year-old baby or a teenage girl. Let's try to sew such a wonderful skirt for little fashionistas with our own hands.
VIDEO
MASTER CLASS
First you need to decide on the length of the skirt and the material consumption. Subtract 8cm (yoke) and 3.5cm (ruffle) from the total length of the skirt. Divide the remaining length by two. Make the top tier two cm shorter than the bottom. In my example, the tiers turned out to be 9cm and 11cm. For the yoke, take a rectangle of satin 1m22cm long (2cm seam allowance) and 19cm wide (1cm seam allowance and 0.5cm fold allowance). For the top tier you need a strip approximately 7m long and 9cm wide (Fabric calculation: 7m/1.5m*0.09m= 0.42m), where 1.5m is the cut width (in the formula you can change the values to your given fabric width, which you want to buy, as well as the widths of the upper and lower tiers). For the lower tier you need approximately 16.5 m of fabric long and 0.11 m wide (Fabric calculation: 16.5 m/1.5 m * 0.11 m = 1.21 m), where 1.5 m is the cut width. For ruffles, you need a strip 44 m long and 0.07 m wide (Fabric calculation: 44 m/1.5 m * 0.07 m = 2.05 m), where 1.5 m is the cut width. Now you can decide how much fabric you need to buy. Since when cutting the strips the stripes are not ideal, take 0.25 m more fabric than you got in your calculations. For the ruffles I used 2.25m of white nylon and for the tiers 2m of blue. You also need to take a soft elastic band 2.5 cm wide (about 0.5 m), a ribbon 2.5 cm wide and 1 m long and Description: Cut the ruffles. I used a 7cm wide cardboard strip, which I applied to the fabric folded in four. When cutting off the next strip, roll it up and carefully put it aside so that in the future you can easily separate the rolls into two parts. I got 29 strips - I divided 28 and simply cut the last one in half. Cut the tiers in the same way, using cardboard strips 9cm and 11cm wide for convenience. Arrange the strips in tiers. You should end up with four “piles” of rolls for the tiers and two “piles” of rolls for the ruffles. Gather the ruffles in the center of the strip using a special foot/device or by setting the upper thread tension to max. position (fasten the thread at the beginning of the strip)
Do not sew the ruffle strips together, but simply place the next strip on top of the previous one. In general, this will not be noticeable at all. Having collected the ruffles for the underskirt, set them aside, separately from the ruffles for the overskirt, to avoid confusion and the placement of these meters throughout the apartment. Gather the top and bottom tiers, for the top and bottom skirt, into rings. When stitching, secure it at the beginning and at the end. Be careful to ensure that there are no breaks in the rings. Carefully set each tier aside in its own place.
Take the ruffles and bottom tier. Place everything facing you, place the ruffles on the edge of the lower tier and attach them to it with a straight stitch, trying to sew along the edge. Do the same for the second set. Gather the edge of the bottom tier opposite the ruffled edge using a special foot or by setting the top thread tension to max. position
Sew the bottom and top tiers together, leaving a 1cm seam allowance. In the photo, the ruffled tier is slightly turned away for clarity. Sew the second set of tiers in the same way.
Cut the allowances to 0.5 cm and remove the thread that gathered the fabric into ruffles for beauty
(if desired).
Assemble the top edge of the top tier of the special. presser foot or by setting the upper thread tension to max. position.
Cut the interlining into two strips 5cm wide and glue it to the long edges of the satin rectangle with an iron. Straighten the edges with scissors. Fold the rectangle in half so that you get a rectangle of 19cm by 61cm, pin together. Mark the middle of the seam with chalk and set aside 3 cm from it. Place another mark. Sew the rectangle into a ring, stitching from the marks to the edges. This will leave room for the elastic to be inserted. Turn the yoke right side out and fold it in half, wrong side in, making sure there is a right side on both sides. Press the fold, do not press it! and pin together. At a distance of 3.2 cm from the fold, sew a stitch in a circle. From this line, retreating another 2.5 cm, lay another line.
Place the gathered side of the skirt against the outer, glued edge of the yoke. Baste Sew the yoke with the skirt, finish the edge. Repeat the same for the second skirt, sewing it to the other edge of the yoke. You should end up with two skirts - an inner one and an outer one, which are sewn to the edges of a yoke bent in half.
Cut the ribbon into two equal parts. Sew the ribbons in a zigzag pattern to the elastic (determine the length of the elastic individually), at a distance of 1.5cm-2cm from the edges.
Thread the elastic into the yoke using a pin. Sew the edges of the elastic with a zigzag, overlapping them.
Tie the ribbon in a bow, after carefully cutting the edges of the ribbon diagonally with hot scissors
Based on materials from the site https://kidshare.ru/master-klass-pettiskirt.html
I have another master class on sewing a fluffy skirt here: https://melissa-li.ru/post196026237/
Now let’s admire the little fashionistas and get inspired by ideas!
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I wish you all good luck, creative inspiration and a great mood!
Handicraft piggy bank
Elegant model for girls
The next type of skirt is suitable for both adult girls and little girls. The peculiarity of this model is that all its tiers are the same length. When using this sewing method, the fabric for the skirt should be chosen carefully. Tulle is suitable only for babies. A girl's skirt should be made of nylon or regular chiffon.
Layering multiple layers of sheer material creates an elegant, lightweight look. It is much more romantic than the classic American skirt.
The described American skirt (the pattern is given below) is easier to calculate.
As you can see in the pictures, this skirt is cut according to the “sun skirt” principle. By adding the two lengths of the skirt and multiplying this figure by the number of tiers, you can get the amount of material required in linear meters.
Based on the instructions given, as well as using your own imagination and common sense, almost every craftswoman will be able to cope with sewing an American skirt on her own.
Features of an American skirt
Who is it suitable for?
This type of skirt looks great on little girls, teen girls and young girls. Older women should be more careful with this style, as there is a risk of looking somewhat eccentric.
This skirt model emphasizes the waist, so slender girls look especially impressive in it. However, not only those with an ideal body can afford to wear such a skirt. Correctly chosen length and fullness will help hide certain imperfections of the figure.
Models with medium or maxi length will allow you to hide ugly legs. Women with full hips should not wear an American skirt with several petticoats, as this style will visually add volume to the figure. Thin girls, on the contrary, are recommended to choose multi-layered skirts.
What goes with it?
“American” can be part of a variety of images. It all depends on what exactly you wear with this skirt.
You will look romantic in a pastel-colored skirt. This look goes well with a top or blouse in delicate colors and heeled shoes. The same skirt in combination with an original T-shirt and sneakers creates a bright, extravagant look.
We list several options for tops with which an American skirt looks good:
- fitted chiffon blouse;
- T-shirt with an unusual print;
- plain turtleneck;
- Leather Jacket;
- cropped jacket;
- short flared raincoat;
- women's shirt;
- bustier top;
- corset with lacing.
The choice of shoes requires special attention. For a medium-length model, high-heeled sandals, low stiletto boots, rough boots and sneakers work well. Pumps, platform shoes and over the knee boots look good with a short skirt.
As for accessories, large earrings and rings, pearl jewelry, large sunglasses, and a light scarf will be a wonderful addition. It is better to choose a small bag, for example, a clutch or an envelope bag.
Children's
“American” is suitable for girls of any age. Little girls in this fluffy skirt will look very gentle and touching, and teenage girls will look cute and a little naughty.
