Swing Skirt Techniques & Construction: From The School of Making

Natalie Chanin

Class Preview

2:40:53

In-depth Instruction; over 161 mins
On-demand video access anytime
Bonus downloadable PDF resources
Access to class Q&A
Available for purchase: $39.99

Designing Your Skirt

10:40

Meet fashion pioneer Natalie Chanin and begin as she gives a brief overview of her sustainable, organic approach to sewing. Then she helps you choose the color, fabric and design for your project: a universally flattering swing skirt.

Pattern, Tools & Supplies

17:49

Before you dive into stitching your skirt, Natalie shows you how to take key measurements, choose a pattern size, and even make simple adjustments in the length or width.

Threading, Stitching & Knotting

21:07

Take a look at what Natalie calls the "physics of sewing" to make your skirt both strong and beautiful. After that, tackle the basic running stitch as you practice on different fabric swatches.

Cutting Out the Pattern Pieces

9:53

Now, prepare your organic cotton jersey fabric and get ready to cut out the pattern. Natalie demonstrates how to find the grain line, place the pattern pieces on the fabric, trace around them, and cut the top layer. You'll then use your cut-out pieces to trace and cut the second layer.

Stenciling the Fabric

22:56

Start embellishing your skirt by stenciling a design on the top-layer pieces. Find out how to make a stencil using the included artwork, then apply the design by inking it with a permanent marker, stenciling with fabric paint and a sponge or brush, or stenciling with an airbrush.

Reverse Appliqué & Negative Reverse Appliqué

20:47

Natalie shares her methods for layering, smoothing and pinning the skirt layers. Watch as she demonstrates two popular embellishment techniques, reverse appliqué and negative reverse appliqué, to create the richly stitched and textured panels.

Constructing the Skirt

17:48

Once the panels are completely embellished, it's time to start constructing your skirt! See how to join the skirt panels with strong hand-stitched seams and a quarter-inch seam allowance.

Completing the Skirt

16:14

Complete your skirt by adding a simple fold-over elastic waistband, then secure it with a stretch stitch. Natalie shares tips for finishing and caring for your skirt.

Customizing Options

23:39

After you finish your swing skirt, see how to customize it with patch pockets or piping. Finally, Natalie shares examples of some more advanced embellishment techniques, such as bead embroidery. Your journey to a slow fashion wardrobe is just beginning!

9 Lessons

2 hrs 41 mins

Overview
Instructor
Bonus Materials
FAQs

Explore the sustainable world of slow fashion as you create a timeless hand-sewn skirt.

Creating well-designed and thoughtfully made goods isn’t just a fashion trend, it’s a growing movement that’s quickly gaining momentum. Step inside the handmade world of slow fashion pioneer Natalie Chanin and learn to create a flattering swing skirt that’s entirely sewn and embellished by hand. Follow along with Natalie as she reveals her signature techniques to layer and cut fabric, stencil designs, hand-stitch and more. With her step-by-step guidance and time-honored stitchery tips, you’ll be well on your way to a slow fashion wardrobe!

Natalie Chanin

Based in Florence, Alabama, Natalie "Alabama" Chanin is the founder and creative director of the popular lifestyle company Alabama Chanin and The School of Making, its educational counterpart. Natalie strives for complete sustainability at every stage of the manufacturing process. In 2013, she won the CFDA/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge, an award that celebrates great American designers working in sustainable fashion. Natalie has a degree in Environmental Design with a focus on industrial and craft-based textiles from North Carolina State University.

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Swing Skirt Techniques & Construction: From The School of Making

with Natalie Chanin

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$39.99

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Swing Skirt Techniques & Construction: From The School of Making

Natalie Chanin

What is the “Purchase” option all about?

If I’m a paid Premium or Gold Member of Craftsy, do I need to purchase the Class to have access?

How do I know what the Class covers?

Do I have to be a Member of Craftsy to purchase a Class?

How do I “Purchase-to-Own” a Class?

How do I access/view my Class?

Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?

Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?

How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?

How does the Class Discussion benefit work?

Can I print out Class Bonus Materials?

Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?

Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?

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