Be My Valentine Skirt {Tutorial}

Valentine’s Day projects are popping up all over blogland. I am still in the after-Christmas fog but I found some time to whip up this sweet little skirt. Ah, thank you nap time.

This would also be super cute on a plain t-shirt, onesie or a denim skirt! Oh the possibilities. If you would like to make a similar cotton skirt, here is a great tutorial.

I have been hoarding this red and white polka dot fabric for some time now and thought it would make a sweet little Valentine’s skirt for Ella. I think she agrees!

The great thing about knit fabric is that it won’t fray even when washed. For this project I used an interlock knit, which in my opinion, is the easiest knit to work with.

 Get the full tutorial after the jump...

Supplies:

- ¼ yard of interlock knit in desired colors (think knit t-shirt material)

- Thread

- Scissors

- Iron

As always, please feel free to email me with any questions….I would love to help!

Cut outer heart fabric into a 1” x 30” strip. Cut inner heart fabric into a 1” x 25” strip.

Adjust your sewing machine settings to the highest tension (mine is 9) and the highest stitch width (mine is 5).

Sew down the middle of the first strip, not backstitching as you would on most projects. Do not cut the threads, leave a 3 inch “tail” of thread at the beginning and end of your strip.  Once you have sewn all the way down your strip it should start to look ruffley. You want the ruffles to be tight but not so tight that they won’t lie flat. If your strip is not ruffley enough, tie a knot on one end of the threads and gently pull on the opposite bobbin thread. Once you the desired amount of rufflyness (is that a word?), knot the threads. Repeat with the inner heart fabric. Play around with the two strips to make sure that they will both be long enough to create a full heart.

Lay the strips flat on your ironing board and press.

Grab the article of clothing that you wish to embellish. If you will be embellishing a knit t-shirt or onesie, I suggest using a ballpoint needle. It will make a world of difference, trust me. They can be found right next to the regular needles in your local fabric store.  Position the outer heart fabric strip onto the piece of clothing. Fold under the ends. Pin in place.

Change your sewing machine settings back to normal. Sew right on top of the gathering stitch you already made. Go slow and take your time. When going around the curves, I find it easiest to sew a few stitches, stop, pick up my presser foot and turn it slightly, sew a few more stitches, etc.

Pin the inner heart fabric strip so that the outer edge just overlaps the outer strips gathering stitch. Sew into place.

Voila! Now go try it onto your little Valentine!

Linking up to these fab parties!