Swing Skirt Techniques & Construction: From The School of Making (DVD + Streaming)

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!

NOTE: If you’d like to purchase only the DVD for this class, you may do so through this link. (Please note, any class PDF materials are not on the DVD itself. You must have streaming access to download those materials associated with the class.)

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!

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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