For such a simple clothing item, a paper bag skirt can be quite elegant. To elevate this humble skirt, sew clean lines and choose a quality fabric. The fabric I used is a linen and rayon blend; I like the crisp feel of linen and drape of the rayon. You could also use silk chiffon underlined with silk crepe.
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2602-683x1024.jpg)
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/skirt1-2-1024x1024.jpg)
You will need:
-a large rectangle of fabric. It needs to wrap around your hips with room to spare and be about 5 inches longer than the finished length of the skirt.
-coordinating thread
-1/2 inch elastic band, measuring the circumference of your natural waist
-sewing tools: sewing machine, scissors, iron and board, measuring tape, and pins.
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Untitled-1.jpg)
Sew the side seam with one of these seams. Below you see a flat felled seam.
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2493.jpg)
The Waist:
Press a 5/8 inch fold all the way around.
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2494.jpg)
Fold again and press a 2 inch fold.
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2495.jpg)
Sew 1 inch from the top (completely around).
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2496.jpg)
Sew 1/8 inch away from the bottom fold and leave a 1/2 inch opening to insert the elastic.
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2497.jpg)
Slip a safety pin on one side of the elastic and feed it through the casing. Make sure it doesn’t twist.
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2498.jpg)
Stitch the ends of the elastic together securely. Pull the elastic inside the casing and stitch the opening closed.
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2500.jpg)
Evenly space out the gathers by stretching the waistband. Optionally, you can stitch the elastic into place at each hip. This helps prevent any major twisting in the future.
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2501.jpg)
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2502.jpg)
The waist is complete!
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2504-1.jpg)
The Hem:
Press a 1 inch fold at the hem. I like having the extra fabric within the hem for medium weight fabrics. It gives it a nice weight. You can turn less if you want to.
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2507.jpg)
Press another 1 inch fold.
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2508.jpg)
Sew 1/8 inch away from the inside fold. Trim the threads and iron the body of the skirt. It is ready to wear!
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2510.jpg)
![](https://paigehandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2586-2-1024x683.jpg)
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