Easy tutorial for making a mermaid maxi skirt and a skirt sloper.Since the name of the fabric line is Coastline, you’ve already got it in your head that these are fabrics you’d wear to the beach…unless you live in Colorado during a snow storm–then you stand in the snow. Trust me, I’d rather be walking on a beach, but I guess this will do. When I got the chance to be part of this blog tour, I was so excited. I had a vision for a mermaid maxi (you know, since mermaids are coastal creatures) and top that would actually be perfect for any climate.

Coastline Blog Tour Banner with date-01

It might be a winter wonderland in my photos, but these balmy and lovely Coastline fabrics designed by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics (you know about my obsession with Art Gallery by now) were a dream to work with.

Super cute Mermaid Maxi Skirt tutorial.

The top is the Sugar Pop Top pattern from Sew Caroline, and this is my second time sewing it (the first time was my first momiform post). I obviously liked it enough to make it again, but after sewing it the second time, I think I’m done with it. I made a medium which fit my shoulders but the rest was really big and baggy so I ended up taking a lot out of the sides. I also put elastic in the back to cinch it in a bit and used a different sleeve pattern.

Now let’s talk about the mermaid maxi. This skirt is perfectly fitted to YOUR body when you use a skirt sloper.

Don’t know what a skirt sloper is? No problem! Click here and I’ll show you how to make one of your own for perfectly fitted skirts.

It’s highly flattering and can create the illusion of shape even if you’re pretty straight and don’t have much back side like me. I like optical illusions when they’re working in my favor.

Mermaid Maxi Supplies:

  • 2 to 2-1/2 yards knit
  • Your Skirt Sloper(click here for help making one)
  • Sewing machine and thread
  • Rotary cutter and mat
  • Serger (optional)

Instructions

  1. With your skirt sloper complete, we’ll add the mermaid portion. You’ll need to measure from your natural waist to the length you want your skirt plus one inch. Mine ended up being 42″. Tape a piece of paper to the bottom of your sloper at the right length. Then multiply your knee width by 1.5 and use that as your hem width. Then just connect the curve (you can see I tried 3 different curves before finding the one I liked. Cut it out and your pattern piece is done!
  2. Lay your the straight edge of your pattern on the fabric fold, and cut 2.Super cute Mermaid Maxi Skirt tutorial.
  3. With your pieces still folded, cut the top 4 inches off following the curve. Then use these pieces to cut two more just like it to make the waistband. (You’ll have 4 total.)Super cute Mermaid Maxi Skirt tutorial.
  4. Sew both side seams on your main skirt pieces with right sides together (RST).Super cute Mermaid Maxi Skirt tutorial.
  5. Sew the short ends of two waistband pieces together with RST and then repeat with the remaining two pieces. At this point, check to make sure it fits snugly around your waist–you may need to use larger seam allowances to get a snug fit depending on your body.Super cute Mermaid Maxi Skirt tutorial.
  6. Place both waistband pieces with RST and pin the raw edges. Then sew.Super cute Mermaid Maxi Skirt tutorial.
  7. Flip the waistband right sides out and you have a completed waistband. Press well.Super cute Mermaid Maxi Skirt tutorial.
  8. Put the waistband and skirt pieces RST and with the raw edges all together. Pin and sew. Press well.Super cute Mermaid Maxi Skirt tutorial.

Now you can slide it on and feel costal even if you’re wearing a coat to keep from freezing.

Super cute Mermaid Maxi Skirt tutorial.

The subtle flare from the knee to the hemline gives the illusion of more curves if you don’t have much and accentuates what you’ve got for a flattering fit. See? my frame looks curvier even though I’m pretty straight.

Super cute Mermaid Maxi Skirt tutorial.

The skirt really is perfect for winters too–you’ve gotta keep those legs covered! I just need to put on a sweater and I’d be just right inside.

Check out all the other bloggers on the Coastline page, because there is such a variety of projects and ways to use this fabric line. You’ll also want to go check out that page for giveaway information…its an Instagram giveaway, and Sharon will be giving away a twenty-piece fat quarter bundle–that’s a lot of fabric.

Coastline Blog Tour Giveaway-01

Yesterday, Bethany from Sew Not Perfect sewed up a knit skirt and tote bag that look fun (and the skirt is super easy) and tomorrow you can catch Corinne from Must Love Quilts for her project–I’m going to guess quilting is involved. 😉
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Susan
7 years ago

Lisa, I lo-ove your skirt. The fabric is so lovely and the shape is so fun. Wish I were your roommate so I could borrow your clothes! 🙂

Sharon Holland
7 years ago

LOVE your skirt and top Lisa! I even love you photographed in a snowstorm–I mean really, it’s perfect! Thanks so much for being part of the tour oxoxox

Bethany
7 years ago

Love the skirt. So slimming and sleek. Thanks for the tutorial!

Judith Blinkenberg
Judith Blinkenberg
7 years ago

I love your outfit but the skirt is my favorite! Thank you for the instructions. That is so kind of you. I did order a FQ bundle of this line but I think I need some knit! Thank you!!!

Diane B
Diane B
7 years ago

Lisa, what a cool mermaid you are! I do live on the Atlantic coastline and my neighboring city (Norfolk, VA) is the city of mermaids. Statues all over the place:) I do love a maxi skirt and your tutorial is gonna work just perfect for me. Coastline collection is truly “coastal” and I love the whole collection.
It’s nice to meet you via blog, and thanks for sharing in the tour.

dana
7 years ago

I love that top! Darling 🙂
And the skirt is darling too! But you had me at peter pan collared shirt 🙂 haha

Diana G
Diana G
7 years ago

Ahh The lovely Colorado Snow !! BLAH, Here on the western slope of Colorado; the official snow total was for 12 inches over these past 2 storms. But my patio table and ruler says differently !!! LOL
But yo look mahvelous Dahling .. That is something I am definitely going to make for my oldest granddaughter. Thanks !! for the idea…