3 Piece DIY Outfit: Part 3 The Ankara Maxi Skirt Hack Tutorial

 

Mori wearing the Ankara DIY maxi skirt

If you’ve been following me on IG, you know that I created this chevron maxi using four different gingham prints. If you didn't get a chance to view this fabulous skirt here it is.

A gingham chevron maxi skirt

I decided for this issue to use this same method but with Ankara prints. I cut out my pattern pieces based on the limited yardage I had on hand. I used 5 different prints and I only had about 1½ yards of each. I had to match a few of the larger prints in each panel. It was a little tricky, but it all worked out. If you are planning on matching prints, make sure you have extra yardage.

This project is where you need to make sure all your seam allowances are the same in order to match up the seams. You do lose the obvious chevron pattern when mixing all the prints randomly as I did but it’s still an eye-catching piece of work. This tutorial is on how to hack the pattern, it does not show you how to sew the garment together.

Simplicity 8885: The chevron pattern hack

There is one panel for this skirt and you need to cut out 4 pieces for a complete skirt.

1. Trace the pattern piece on some type of paper if you don’t want to cut up the original pattern. Draw a line down the middle of the pattern.

2. Fold the pattern in half.

3. Section off your chevron pattern. NOTE: I used 5 sections.

4. Cut the sections

5. Unfold the sections and cut them down the middle. This creates a left and right panel.

6. Now you will need to add seam allowance to 2-3 sides of each pattern piece - the top, center front, and the bottom. There is already seam allowance on the side seams.

7. Cut out your fabric. BE CAREFUL HERE! Make sure you’re using the correct fabrics for the right sections and matching prints. You should have 10 pieces for each panel and there are 4 panels for the skirt.

8. Stitch sections 1-5 together for the left and right panels.

9. Stitch the left and right panels together down the center.

10. Now repeat for the remaining 3 panels.

Mori wearing the Ankara chevron skirt

The MOST important part of this hack is to make sure the pieces are going in the right direction. 

Be patient with the process and you'll end up with a beautiful maxi skirt!

Look out for the last installment of the series Part 4: The accessories, Ankara necklace