by Tiffany Belle

Created on: July 29, 2008

A poodle skirt can make an excellent Halloween costume for children or adults. They can also be worn to sock-hops and other 50's themed parties. The best part about a poodle skirt is that it is actually quite easy to make yourself. If you know how to sew, then making a poodle skirt should not be a hard task. Pair a poodle skirt with a white polo shirt or a button down white collared shirt and tie a scarf around your neck and you are ready for Halloween.

The first thing that you have to know is that poodle skirts need to be made out of a heavy material. Buying silk for a poodle skirt will not work. Materials such as felt or fleece will work the best. Felt is a great option as it not that expensive and is easy to work with.

Materials Needed to Make a Poodle Skirt

Felt (pink or purple)
pencil
Measuring tape
Elastic
Iron-on poodle transfer
Fabric for trim
Newspaper or tissue paper

Instructions

1. Measure around the person's waist. Then measure from the waist down to where you want the poodle skirt to go. Most poodle skirts are at least down to the knees or longer. The ideal length is about 2 inches below the knee.

2. You will need to make your pattern on newspaper or tissue paper first, as you do not want to waste money on felt that you ruined because you did not have a first pattern. It will also make it easier to cut out your final skirt on the felt if you have a pattern first. You will need to add 1/4 of the waist measurement to the length measurement to get a new measurement for the pattern. Measure out the distance of the new measurement in all directions so that a circle forms. It is like using a protractor to draw a circle the same length in all directions. From the middle point, measure out 1/4 of the waist measurement all the way around. Cut out this portion of the pattern. What you have leftover is your pattern for your poodle skirt.

3. You will also need to make a pattern for the waistband of the poodle skirt. Measure out the length of the waist measurement and add 1/2 inch to it. Then make the waistband measure 3 inches thick. Cut this pattern out.

4. Go to your local fabric or craft store and purchase your felt and iron-on poodle transfer. Most craft and fabric stores carry an iron-on transfer of a poodle that will be appropriate for the size of the poodle skirt. Purchase the amount of felt that is needed for both the skirt pattern and the waistband and make sure that you have enough to cur both out of the piece. Purchase other ribbon or fabric trim for the leash for the poodle on the skirt. You will also need a piece of elastic for the waistband. If you wish to decorate your poodle skirt with sequins or pom-poms purchase those also.

5. Now you are ready to sew your poodle skirt. First, you want to attach your waistband to your skirt. Fold the felt over the elastic in half and sew it to the top of the poodle skirt.

6. You should only have the one seam in the back to sew now on your poodle skirt. It is easiest to use a sewing machine to run the skirt right through and sew a straight seam. Make sure to close up the waistband also.

7. Lastly, iron on your poodle transfer according to the directions on the package. You can use fabric glue or hand sew the ribbon or string on for the leash for the poodle.

You know have a wonderful poodle skirt for Halloween or whatever occasion you may need it for.

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