Pattern Description:
The Tarragon Overlay Skirt is a two-layered design that radiates elegance and charm. Its base layer, crafted from glitter nylon knit, ensures comfort and subtle shine, while the sheer beaded tulle overlay adds a dreamy, ethereal touch.
Perfect for twirling or formal occasions, this versatile skirt blends glamour with delicacy, making it a standout piece that sparkles with every movement.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Fabric 1 (Overlay): 3 yards of Sylvie Ivory Beaded Tulle.
- Fabric 2 (Underskirt/Foundation): 3 yards of Sun Streams Metallic Champagne All-Over Glitter Nylon Knit.
- Trimming: White Knitted Elastic Trimming – 0.75″.
- Thread: 1 spool of 22 Egg Shell 500m Gutermann Sew All Thread.
- Pattern: MDF359 – The Tarragon Overlay Skirt Sewing Pattern (available as a free download).
Measurements & Notions:
- The recommended fabric width of 45″ should be sufficient for this pattern.
- The confirmed seam allowance is 1/2″.
- The pattern requires elastic to be inserted into the waistband.
Alternative Recommended Fabrics: The pattern also works well with other delicate fabrics, including:
- Lace
- Chiffon
- Voile
- Organza
- Organdy
Additionally, the pattern can work and look great with woven fabric or cotton fabric, elastic is added to the waistband.
Instructions for Making the Tarragon Overlay Skirt Pattern:
The Tarragon Overlay Skirt is designed as a two-layered piece: a soft, glittering underskirt paired with a delicate, sheer top layer.
Follow these steps to construct your skirt:
Build the Two Skirt Layers
- Underskirt (Foundation): Begin with the glitter nylon knit. Pin the skirt pieces together and stitch along the center back seam.
- Overlay (Top Layer): Repeat the same process with the beaded tulle (or your chosen sheer fabric). Pin the pieces and sew the center back seam.
- Working with Delicate Fabrics: When pressing seams open on tulle, lace, chiffon, voile, organza, or similar light fabrics, place a piece of muslin over the garment to protect it.
Join Layers and Prepare Waist
- Stack the overlay on top of the underskirt, matching the top edges.
- Secure with pins, then stitch across the waistline using a ¼″ seam allowance.
- To prepare for the waistband casing, fold the layered waist edge right sides together and stitch with a ¼″ seam. Turn it right side out.
Handle Beads Before Attaching Waistband
- If your overlay is beaded, carefully remove beads from the waist area to avoid irritation when worn.
- For heavily beaded fabrics, consider removing beads from the back panel or using plain sheer fabric in those sections.
Attach Waistband and Insert Elastic
- Sew the waistband to the skirt body, leaving a small gap at the back.
- Thread the elastic through the casing with the help of a safety pin. Adjust the elastic length so the waistband fits comfortably with a gathered effect.
- Join the two elastic ends with a zig-zag stitch.
- Close the waistband opening neatly.
Finish the Hem
- Hem each layer separately.
- A rolled hem works best for light fabrics, giving the skirt a graceful, airy finish.
The result is a flowing, two-layered skirt that blends shimmer with softness, ideal for elegant occasions.
