This is the method that I use when I want to sew up a really easy and fast skirt for my daughter. I havn't tried it for myself yet, but I think that the same basic tutorial would work for a women's skirt too. This one is for a size 5T although you can adjust the sizing according to your needs. I have a few things that I really like in a gathered skirt - lots of gathering, elastic waist (no buttons or zippers), pockets, and a large hem. This skirt has them all and is really simple to sew up.
Step 1
Measurements (adjust the measurements in parenthesis for your sizing needs):
width of the skirt (25") + 1/2" seam allowance on each side = 26"
height of the skirt (13") + 2 1/4" hem + 1 1/2" waistband = 16 3/4"
Cut out two pieces of fabric that are 26" wide and 16 3/4" tall. If you want to add pockets then cut two pieces of fabric that are 6 1/2" wide and 7 1/2" tall.
You will also want some 1" elastic for the waistband. It should be long enough to wrap around the waist comfortably, but snug, with 1/2" overlap.
Step 2
With your two skirt pieces on top of one another and right sides together, sew the two sides together at 1/2" seam allowance. I sewed mine using french seams, but you can use any finishing technique that you choose.
Step 3
Fold the top of the skirt and the bottom of the skirt at 1/4" towards the wrong side of the skirt. Press.
Step 4
Fold the top of the skirt down by another 1 1/4" and press. Fold the bottom of the skirt up by another 2" and press. Pin in place.
Step 5
Sew the hem at a scant 2" from the bottom and then again at 1/8" from the bottom edge. I love wide hems like this because it stays crisp (less ironing after washing) and the weight of the large hem gives more substance to a gathered skirt that in my opinion makes it look more expensive.
Step 6
At the top of the skirt, sew along the folded edge, at about 1 1/8" from the top. Leave about an 3" opening to insert the elastic.
Step 7
If you havn't done it alreay, cut your elastic to the desired length adding about 1/2" for overlap. Using a safety pin, thread the elastic through the waistband casing. Overlap the two ends by about 1/2" and sew together.
Step 8
Stitch the opening in the waistband casing shut. While stretching the elastic so that the waistband has little to no gathering, stitch through all layers of the waistband and elastic along the middle of the waistband. I know this sounds confusing, but it will keep your elastic from turning and keeps the gathering flat.
Step 9
If you want to add pockets, Fold the tops down by 1/4" and then another 3/4". Press and stitch it at a scant 3/4". Fold the other three edges towards the back by 1/4" and press.
Step 10
Pin each pocket on top of the side seams of the skirt just above the hem and slightly towards the front of the skirt.
Step 11
Stitch around the sides and bottom of the pockets to secure at 1/8".
Step 12
Give it a final press and you are done.
