1 Take your waist measurement to determine the length of the main skirt piece to cut. This skirt is cut the other way around to normal, as the printed border pattern runs continually along the length of the fabric. The ratio for the gathering is approximately 3-1. E.g. a 66cm waist x 3 = 1.98m. Rounded up this equates to 2m of fabric required.

2 Next decide on the length you would like your skirt to be. Add 4cm to this measurement for the hem and 1.5cm for a seam allowance around the waistline. Cut the rectangle to the required measurements. Trim a waistband strip by adding 2.5cm to your waist measurement for ease around your waist, 3cm for the overlap for the hook and bar fastening and 3cm for a seam allowance (1.5cm at each end). Cut a 9cm wide strip strip of fabric to this measurement, plus another in fusible interfacing.

3 Neaten the two shorter edges of the main skirt by overlocking or zig zag stitching. These two edges will become the side seam. Adjust your sewing machine to a large gathering stitch and stitch two rows 5mm apart along what will b