Okay, here we go. Today, I’m gonna spill the beans on my latest DIY project: tail tennis skirts. Yep, those cute, flirty skirts with a little extra flair in the back. I’ve always wanted one, but the price tags online? Nah, I thought, “I can totally make this myself.” And guess what? I did!
First things first, I hit up my local fabric store. I spent a good hour just touching and feeling different materials. I finally settled on a lightweight, stretchy athletic knit. Something that wouldn’t cling, would breathe, and most importantly, would move nicely when I swing my (non-existent) tennis racket. I grabbed about two yards – always better to have extra, right?
Next, the pattern. This was the trickiest part. I couldn’t find a tail tennis skirt pattern anywhere! So, I decided to Frankenstein one. I already had a basic A-line skirt pattern that fit me well. The plan was to modify the back panel to create that tail effect.
- I laid out the back pattern piece on some paper.
- Then, I imagined how long I wanted the tail to be. I went for about 6 inches longer than the front.
- I drew a smooth, curved line from the original hemline, gradually sloping down to the desired length. Think of it like a gentle wave.
- I carefully cut out my new, modified back pattern piece.
Time to cut the fabric! I laid the fabric flat, right sides together, and pinned the pattern pieces in place. I made sure to leave enough seam allowance – about 1/2 inch all around. Then, carefully, I cut along the pattern lines. My hands were shaking a little, I won’t lie. Messing up at this point would have been a total bummer.
Sewing time! This is where the real magic happens. I used my sewing machine, set to a zig-zag stitch (for stretch). I started by sewing the side seams together, right sides facing. I took my time, making sure the seams were nice and even. Then, I pressed the seams open with my iron.
Now for the waistband. I cut a strip of the same fabric, about 4 inches wide and long enough to go around my waist. I folded it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and pressed it. Then, I pinned the waistband to the top edge of the skirt, right sides facing, stretching it slightly as I went. I sewed it in place, again using the zig-zag stitch.
Hemming the skirt was probably the easiest part. I folded the hem up about 1/2 inch, pressed it, and then folded it up another 1/2 inch. I pinned it in place and sewed it with a straight stitch. Done!
The final step: trying it on! And… it actually worked! The fit was pretty good, and the tail in the back looked exactly how I imagined it. I did a little happy dance in my sewing room. It wasn’t perfect, mind you. The waistband was a little wonky in one spot, and the hem was slightly uneven. But hey, it was my first attempt!
I’m already planning my next one. This time, I think I’ll try using a different fabric, maybe something with a little more texture. And I’ll definitely pay closer attention to the waistband. But overall, I’m super happy with how it turned out. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get the clothes you want. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of creativity, a sewing machine, and a whole lot of patience.
So, yeah, that’s my tail tennis skirt adventure. It was a fun little project, and I learned a lot along the way. If you’re thinking about trying it yourself, I say go for it! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. That’s how you learn and grow.
Happy sewing!
