Video summary

HOW TO MAKE A LONG LAYERED RUFFLE SKIRT TIERED SKIRT (Cutting & Stitching) Detailed Tutorial

Main summary

Key takeaways

Art and Creativity

Summary

The creator, Patience, demonstrates how to draft, cut, and stitch a long tiered ruffle (layered) skirt featuring multiple ruffle tiers and a waistband with elastic.

The process includes:

  • Drafting the lining and skirt pattern pieces on paper
  • Calculating ruffle lengths using a circle formula
  • Cutting several ruffle layers from folded fabric
  • Attaching each ruffle tier in sequence to a lined base (with the last tier left unlined)

The skirt is finished with a structured elastic waistband (interfaced), sewn carefully so the elastic is not stretched into the seam.

Artistic techniques / creative process shown

  • Pattern drafting & layout on paper

    • Drafting waist-to-hem length with added seam allowance
    • Marking waist/hip points and creating an A-line curve at the hem
    • Splitting the skirt length into five ruffle tiers

  • Tiered ruffle construction using circle math

    • Cutting ruffles as circular/spiral-like segments by measuring circumference using ( /6.28 )

  • Fabric folding to simplify cutting

    • Folding lining and ruffle fabric into multiple layers (e.g., fold into two, then into four)
    • Marking ruffle width/length from the folded edge

  • Layered assembly with notching

    • Notching the top of each ruffle layer to maintain correct orientation
    • Pinning and aligning side seams at each tier junction

  • Lining strategy

    • Lining the early tiers, then removing lining from the 5th tier (last tier unlined)

  • Waistband finishing

    • Creating a waistband from interfaced fabric
    • Sewing the waistband, inserting elastic, and attaching to the skirt while controlling seam placement

Steps / materials (as described)

Materials

  • Duchess fabric: 7.5 yards
  • Lining fabric
  • Interfacing for waistband
  • Elastic band (cut separately after measuring)

Drafting the skirt & lining

  • Draft waist-to-full-length on pattern paper, adding seam allowance
    • Example: desired 20” length → 24” total with allowance
  • Decide on 5 ruffle layers
  • Divide the total length (24”) by 5 to mark tier heights (about 4.8” each)
  • For the lining:
    • Draft a longer base length (example given: 44” total)
    • Divide into 5 ruffle layers
  • Remove the lining on the 5th (last) ruffle layer so the last tier is unlined

Cutting the main panels (front/back)

  • Cut front and back pieces using the same pattern shape
  • Optionally add zipper allowance for the back
  • Sew side seams (example: 1” side seam allowance)

Shaping

  • Create an A-line hem curve to avoid a sharp edge:
    • Mark inward (e.g., 1.5”) and curve the hem

Cutting ruffle layers

  • Use about ~1.5 yards per tier (waist layer uses ~1 yard)
  • Fold ruffle fabric and cut from the folded edge
  • Determine ruffle cut lengths with circumference math using divide by 6.28
  • Ensure ruffles are slightly longer than the lining/base so they can gather
    • Example: lining length 8.8” → ruffle remains longer by adding allowance

Attaching ruffles tier-by-tier

  • Start by sewing the 2nd ruffle tier to the lower part of the 1st lining layer
  • For each subsequent tier:
    • Align right sides appropriately (lining vs ruffle orientation is flipped as directed)
    • Use the notched edge for correct placement
    • Pin side seams to match
    • Sew around with ~1/2” seam allowance
  • Attach the 5th ruffle tier without lining, using the same ~1/2” seam allowance
  • Attach the waist ruffle layer to the skirt/lining base with correct side orientation

Waistband & elastic

  • Cut waistband fabric:
    • Band width folded: 1.5” when unfolded
    • Band length set to about the skirt waist circumference (interfaced)
    • Seam allowance sewn around ~1/2”
  • Join the elastic band and place it inside the band
  • Sew the waistband to the skirt with ~1/2” seam allowance, ensuring the seam does not catch elastic incorrectly

Featured creators / contributors

  • Patience (host/creator)

Original video