How to Make Your Own Leather Skirt – Sewing Machines Los Angeles

A leather skirt is an essential part of a wardrobe for some. However, price can be an issue. Thankfully, there is an easy method you can use to make your own. It’s easier than you think.

The easiest method is starting with a pair of leather pants. These may be some that you no longer want or ones found in a thrift store. The important thing is the pants need to fit your body comfortably. This will save you time and work in making your skirt.

Decide how long you want your skirt to be. Measure from your waist to the desired point on your legs where you want the skirt to end. Add two inches to this measurement. Remember this number.

Turn the pants inside out and measure from the waist to the length you need. Use a piece of chalk to mark the length. A ruler can be used to make sure the line is straight.

Use heavy duty scissors to cut along the line you marked with the chalk. Use a seam ripper to remove the stitching that runs from the lower end of one leg across the other leg’s end. Still using the seam ripper, remove the stitching at the front and back of the pants. You should be left with the waist intact and the bottom part of the fabric open.

Place fabric parts at the front together and secure. Do the same to the back. Straight pins can be used, but they are difficult with leather and you risk getting poked when trying on the skirt. Double-sided fabric tape works well.

Try on the skirt to ensure it fits properly. It may be necessary to reposition the seam you formed or cut away excess leather. Once you are happy with the skirt, turn the skirt back inside out. Use a sewing machine to sew up the seams you formed. This part can be done by hand, but leather is difficult to work with so a machine is preferable. Also, you want to be sure that the thread used matches the fabric.

Create a new hem by turning up the bottom edge of the skirt. Secure with straight pins or double-sided tape and sew. Trim any loose threads before turning skirt right side out.

If desired, a fringe can be added to the bottom of the skirt. There are two ways of doing this. One, you can cut individual strips that are equal in length and width and sew them on individually. While this will allow you to better control the thickness of the fringe, it can be time-consuming.

The second method is to cut a long rectangle of fabric, enough to go completely around the lower edge of the skirt. Using scissors, make equidistant cuts in the fabric, taking care to stop within an inch of the edge of the fabric. This strips can then be sewn onto the hem of the skirt.