How to Make an Easy-Sew Poodle Skirt

Measure and Mark the Waist Opening

First, measure the waist of who will wear the skirt. Add 3 inches to this measurement, and then divide the total by 6.28. This gives you the radius for the waist opening. There's a bit of flexibility in these measurements, so you can round the number to the nearest fraction. For this sample, the measurement rounded to 5.25 inches.

Next, fold the felt in half, and on the fold mark a center point. Then, pin or hold the end of your tape measure to the marked point. Place your pen on the tape measure at the measurement you just calculated, and use the tape measure like a compass to mark a half circle on the felt.

Measure the Length and Cut the Fabric

Now, decide how long you want the skirt to be. Typically a poodle skirt falls just below the knee. Add your desired skirt length to the radius of the center circle. For this sample, we added 25 inches for a total of 30.25 inches. Use the tape measure and pen like a compass to mark a half circle the size of your total measurement along the bottom of the fabric.

Cut out the large circle and the center opening. Keep your cuts as smooth as possible for a great finished edge without the need for hemming.

Cut and Sew the Waist Elastic

Measure and cut a piece of elastic that's 2 inches longer than the actual waist measurement (not the circle opening measurement). Fold one end of the elastic under 1 inch, and sew it to the other end of the elastic, overlapping the ends.

Pin the Elastic to the Skirt

Pin the elastic into the center opening of the skirt. Space the pins and the extra fabric evenly. The top of the felt should be at about the middle of the elastic.

Sew the Elastic to the Skirt

Working on the wrong side first, sew around the waist, stretching the elastic as you sew about 1/8 inch from the edge of the felt.

Next, working on the right side, sew down the bottom edge of the elastic, once again stretching the elastic as you sew.

Create the Poodle

Download the poodle body template and poodle tufts template. Print the pages at 100% for an average adult-size skirt, or shrink them for a smaller skirt. Be sure to shrink both templates equally.

Use the templates to cut out pieces of your white or black felt, and arrange the pieces in the poodle shape near the hem of the skirt.

Then, glue down the poodle pieces with fabric or craft glue. Spread the glue rather than just running a thick line, which can show through the felt.

Finish Decorating the Skirt

Use the rick rack to make a collar and leash for the poodle. Run a thin line of glue in the shape of the leash, and then press the rick rack onto the glue. Try to avoid thick glue lines, which will show when they poke out from under the rick rack.

You can also sew the poodle pieces and rick rack onto the skirt, but for most situations glue works fine.

Finally, glue on a small pom-pom to create the poodle's nose.

Let the Glue Dry and Enjoy

Be sure to let the glue dry before wearing the skirt.

Pair your poodle skirt with a simple T-shirt and a cardigan for a '50s vibe. Add a neck scarf, bobby socks, and some saddle shoes or tennis shoes to complete the look.