Circle Skirts Make Many Halloween Costumes

While I was growing up, one of my sister's favorite Halloween costumes was a Poodle Skirt. A poodle skirt was a circle skirt with a poodle on it. These are instructions for a circle skirt so you can make a poodle skirt of your own. You can also use this same pattern to make cheerleading costumes, ice skating costumes, and many others.

First, measure the child who will be wearing the costume. Measure around the waist. Then measure the length. Let's say the skirt will be 22 inches around and 26 inches long.

Second, create a pattern. You can do this using an old newspaper. Divide the measurement around by 6.28 (that is pi times 2). That will give you the radius of the circle that makes the waistline of the skirt. 22/6.28 is about 3.5.

Near the center of the newspaper, put a dot. Draw a line from that dot the radius of the circle. I would draw a line 3 1/2 inches. Measure that distance all the way around to create the waistline circle. Fold the newspaper in half, and cut a little slit where you drew the line. Then unfold the paper and cut away the circle. Be sure to cut only on the line you drew. The part that you cut out will not be part of your skirt, so it can be discarded.

Fold the newspaper so that the circle is a half-circle. Cut the newspaper all the way across where the circle becomes a half-circle. Only use one part of the paper for now, but do not discard the other part. Set it to the side.

Draw a line on the half you are using from the waistline that is 1 inch longer than the length you measured on each side of the waistline. Then draw several of those lines going around the waistline. Connect the bottom ends of those lines so that you have a half-circle that goes around the bottom that is the same distance from the waistline all the way around. No matter where I measure, my bottom half-circle would be 27 inches from the waistline. Carefully fold that part of your pattern. Write "Skirt Front" on it. Then set it to the side. Discard or box up any scraps that you have to avoid confusion.

Get the half of your newspaper that you were not working with. Measure a rectangle that is 2 inches wide and 1 inch longer than the distance around the waistline. I would measure 2 inches wide and 23 inches long. Measure a second rectangle that is 2 inches wide by 15 inches long. Cut out the two rectangles. Do not discard them. They are part of your pattern.

Third, gather materials. If you have never sewn before, it is best to use cotton or cotton polyester blends. You will also need buttons. If you don't have money to invest, a nice sheet or curtain will also work. I'm using my wife's curtains. Just kidding, there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity.

Once you have the materials, lay each piece of your pattern on your paper. Cut each piece very carefully. Be sure not to cut away the newspaper, as it can change the measurements of the skirt in such a way that you can not fix it. Once you have cut the three pieces, cut one more piece that is the same as the front of the skirt. That will be the back of the skirt.

Fourth, sew one side of the front and back pieces together.

Take the rectangle that is 2 inches by one inch longer than the waist and fold a small hem. Sew that on the sewing machine. Do the same to the other side of the rectangle. Put this rectangle along the waistline of the skirt, fold it over the edge, and pin it in place. Next, sew the rectangle onto the skirt to create the waistline.

Take the rectangle that is 2 inches by 15 inches. Sew a hem on each side, just like with the other rectangle. Fold it over and sew both sides together. Cut and sew several buttonholes into this rectangle. Be sure they are the right size for the buttons you are using. Sew this rectangle onto the side of the skirt that has not been sewn yet. Be sure to sew in onto the inside of the skirt.

Sew the side of the skirt until you get to the rectangle. Then stop. Sew your buttons onto the inside of your skirt so that the rectangle will fit over them. Try your skirt on (I'll let my daughter wear mine), and admire your work.

You can add to this with embroidery, applique, beads, or whatever your heart desires.