I have such a fun project for you today! I’m showing off this darling and easy diy Preppy Kitty Skirt! It is perfect for the little kitten lover in your life – and it is super fast to sew!
I am honored to be a part of the series, Skirting the Issue, that is hosted by the Simple Simon Girls. Every summer they host this series, to encourage sewists to make up skirts for girls in the foster care system. Isn’t that such a great idea? You can click here to find out all the details and how you can participate too!
So my contribution is this little kitty skirt – I’m sure there is a little girl out there who loves kitties as much as I do. :)
This is more of a guideline for how I made this Size 6 skirt – but you can easily adjust your measurements for any size. You can find a handy sizing chart for girls over at Project Run and Play.
For the size 6 you’ll need:
- 1/2 yard fabric for skirt
- 1/4 yard of flannel for kitten and waistband
- embroidery floss
- wee buttons for eyes
- mid-weight interfacing, fusible webbing, 1 1/4″ elastic
- Kitten Applique Pattern
Begin by cutting out your fabric – you’ll need two pieces that are 15″ x 22″. For the waistband you’ll need one piece of flannel 3″ x 12″ and one piece 3″ x 18″.
Place three pleats in the front of the skirt. You can use whatever size pleats you’d like, but you’ll want the skirt top to measure 12″ after the pleats are basted in.
For the front waistband, cut a piece of interfacing that is 1 1/2″ x 12″. Press the interfacing on the wrong side of the waistband. Press the waistband in half, wrong sides together.
Line up the raw edges of the waistband with the top edge of the skirt piece. Sew together with a 1/2″ seam and finish the raw edges. Press the waistband up.
Place a piece of fabric into an embroidery hoop and trace the kitten pattern. Stitch around ears, the whiskers and the nose with a back stitch.
Cut out the kitten shape and cut a piece of fusible webbing the same size. Fuse the webbing to the back of the kitten shape.
Remove the paper backing and fuse the kitten shape into place on your skirt. Make sure you take into account how big your hem will be on the skirt before you fuse it in place.
Applique around the kitten with a small zig zag stitch.
Run a light gathering stitch along the top of the back piece of the skirt. Press the back waistband in half and sew to the top of the skirt back. Cut a length of elastic that will allow the skirt to fit (I cut mine 12″) and feed the elastic through the waistband. Sew the elastic in place at each end with a 1/4″ seam.
Sew the side seams together, making sure to match up the waistband top and seam. Hem the skirt to the desired length.
Create a small flannel bow and sew that to the front of the waistband. So cute.
Sew the kitten eyes in place as well.
And that’s it!! Isn’t it fun!?
You could use the kitten applique for a little purse or top as well. Lots of options!
I hope you give it a try!
Make sure you head over to Simple Simon and Co to see all the other skirt inspiration – and find out more about Skirting the Issue!
This is the cutest skirt ever. I love cats, I love skirts, and I love them together. Beautiful job!
I love kitties :) awesome skirt, love it Bev!
Just so darling, Bev!
Thank you Bev for the darling preppy kitty skirt tuts.
My question is this, what is the name of the sweet fabric that you used?
Regards,
Nettie
Hi Nettie! It’s the Backyard Garden Line from Cloud 9 Fabrics, that is sold at Jo-Ann. This print is Sunnyside – Noon design. :) Hope that helps!
Bev
We hereby officially nominate this skirt for the Summer Skirt Awards 2014! (http://skirtfixation.com/category/skirt-awards/)
cute, cute, cute!! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow evening that links to your tutorial:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-girls-preppy-kitty-skirt/2014/07/24/
–Anne
Thank you so much Anne!! You are the best! I so love it when you feature my projects! :)
Aww, so cute! And for a lovely cause too. Some little girl is going to be so pleased to receive this skirt!
So perfect for a little girl! I love this project & the cause!
Wow such a cute skirt, and for such a wonderful cause! Cats make everything so much cuter. :)
Thank you so much for this tutorial !
Christine
Belgium
Adorable skirt! I love the kitty!
Navy Wifey Peters @ The Submarine Sunday Link Party!
HOW DARLING, CREATIVE & SPECIAL! Your PREPPY KITTY SKIRT tutorial includes detailed instructions with accompanying photos, thanks for sharing. As part of the “Skirting the Issue” to donate for a foster child, you’ve created a skirt every girl would LOVE to wear. FAB fabric featuring grey cats (small tan mice & bluebirds also) among colorful flowers–pink, red, blue & black with green leaves–on a white background. The embroidered kitty face & waistband with center bow (both made of flannel) highlight the cotton skirt. BRAVO! Sarah Helene in Minneapolis
I don’t have flannel.. but love the skirt. I was wondering… if a person could use the bottom band off of a sweatshirt. I had a project a few years ago where we made costumes for a play with sweatshirts, and cut off the bottom band… I have them in all colors. Would that work for the waist band?
I love this! I wish I could make it for myself!