How to make a Paper Bag skirt

A paper bag skirt was the first skirt I ever made for Scout. But sadly it has become too small for social etiquette. She wanted me to make her another one, but she was adamant that she didn’t want the single strap this time. I tried to tell explain to her that it was cool and quirky, but she looked at me in a way that suggested I had no idea what cool was.

Whilst she was playing in the garden, I whipped up a paper bag skirt in some gorgeous double gauze that I bought whilst fabric shopping with Toya. She’s made a blouse for herself in the same fabric.

The skirt used up a rectangle of fabric, some elastic and about 30 minutes of my time.

Want to make one? Download my super simple paper bag skirt tutorial, to get the low down.

It’s the first time I’ve sewn with double gauze and I thoroughly recommend it. It’s divine; light, airy and ever so soft. I’ve been turning my nose up at polycotton ever since.

What to wear with a paper bag skirt

There are 2 ways to complete the paper bag look. Tuck it in or keep it cropped.

I’m not a fan of cropped tops on little ones so it’s the tucked in option all the way for us.

A Pleat Fold Top from Madeit Patterns sprang to mind, as I had just made a couple for Darcy.

I omitted the elastic/shirred hem and lengthened the bodice so that even with raised arms it wouldn’t come untucked.

I am delighted with how the paper bag skirt looks with the Pleat Fold Top, like it is just meant to be.

The complete outfit took me less than 2 hours to make. Now we are ready for the sunshine. Are you?