How to Sew a Petticoat
A petticoat is full slip. You can make it from rows of gathered netting, tulle, cotton, even taffeta. Determine how long you want your petticoat to be, it should be short enough to walk comfortably, so ankle length is good. Measure your waist and add and inch or two, cut a wide piece of bias tape, or use self fabric to create a waist band. The first ruffle of your petticoat should be double your waist size, and about 8-10″ long. Seam the short edges of your ruffle together leaving about 4-6″ open, so you can step into your petticoat. The next row of ruffles should be double the width of the first row and about 4-6″ long. Sew the seams together to make a large circle, then pleat or gather to first ruffle. Continue making ruffles, doubling each width, until the petticoat is as long as you want it. Hem the last ruffle before attaching it to the previous ruffle. Now pleat or gather your petticoat to your waistband. You can use hook and eyes to close your petticoat.
