Making my skirt boofy.

**Guest** Guest

Ok, so I'm aiming for a skirt about this boofy:

but with 2 layers of tutu material I get this instead

How can I make it poofier? Will using a double layer help? I could, but would rather not, get more tutu fabric. Am I just gathering it wrong? Would using a gatherstitch work better what I've done here which is pin it down in a gather. Or if I put more gather into it?
Any advice?

**Guest** Guest

That dress has a Hoop Skirt or what looks to me like 18th Century Pocket Hoops... HERE is a Pattern you could get for it...I have that pattern and its a really good one...Hhee

Even using a Hip Roll would work...Just measure your hips and cut some fabric into 2 sav-like pieces, sew them together, and sew string or ribbon to the ends before you stuff them. After tying it round the back of your waist, it should give your skirt some lift and poofiness...But I suggest that if you want it more like Sarah's from The Labyrinth, then Pocket Hoops are your best bet...

Hope that helps

SS

**Guest** Guest

Ohh, I've seen that one! I though it probably was a hoop but I just couldn't be bothered making panniers so I'm using tutu-ing. I think I've figured it out though, and in a way that doesn't use oodles of tutu.

EDIT: Ohh, see there we go.

That's my satin being held up entirely by two pins and my tutu-ing. Coz it's not just appearance - I DO want it poofy, but I also want to be able to move around at the Ball and run around cooking and things.

**Guest** Guest

Mwahahaha. The tu-tu underskirt of doom is done! Witness the poofiness!

It's not quite as boofy as my reference, but it's going to be worn in January so being light and cool enough is a factor, and I want to be able to dance and get through doors without going sidewise and things so I'm very happy with it. Now onto the the rest of the outfit!

**Guest** Guest

Its so simple its insane! lol
I would never have thought of that!

Great Work!!

SS

By Static. 01/01/09, 05:40 pm

Ah. Okay, I didn't actually look at this thread til now, but I haz a pattern for this type of skirt that does not require panniers or a petticoat...however, you do need about twelve metres of fabric.

So really, this isn't too helpful - but here's the pattern anyway!

Spoiler:

I probably should have told you about this pattern sooner. >>

**Guest** Guest

I've seen that one too!

How on Earth does it work with no poofy petticoat? Is it just the type of fabric or has it just got so many layers it sticks out?

By Static. 01/01/09, 05:50 pm

There is SO MUCH FABRIC it kind of supports itself. You'd need to use something heavier than the satin you're using though - a brocade or something similarly weighted. You would also need a really grunty machine (not to mention lots of spare needles and the patience of a saint) to get through the gathering at hip and waistband. I'm looking forward to actually using the damn pattern, lol...so far I keep looking at it and going, "...naaaaahhhh..."

EDIT: also, th bodice stops at the waist, and the skirt sits there. So you have it cinched fairly tight at the waist (I imagine) and it'd sit naturally on the widest part of your hips. Actually, that is really unflattering...

**Guest** Guest

Vespa wouldn't manage it. Vespa struggles with going over a satin stitch. Although this could be partly coz the feed-dogs couldn't grip a sticky thing of the grippiest day of their lives.

**Guest** Guest

Can I delve into your vast knowledge and ask how you got it to be so *poofy*?
and also pass on your uber-knowledge to some unsuspecting Aussies who, even if they know, still need to be educated with this ingenious way to make 'Poof'...Can I?

*Stroking of the ego has now finished*

SS

**Guest** Guest

What? My poofiness?

The tutu is attached to a mini-skirt I whipped up, held up by elastic. I gathered it, then folded it in half about 40 inches along my 70inch tube of tu-tu. The fold is attached to the miniskirt with the fold pointing down. The almost half thats on the inside is then divided in two (15 inch each) and each was attached to the miniskirt further down, the fold pointing down both times.
Um, pic....

Pointing the fold down seems to encourage the poof. And the gatherstitch on all three seams (absolute bastard to do by the way) was focused on the hips rather than the front and back.

I'm kinda tired so it doesn't make much sense.

**Guest** Guest

Thanks!!

*is happy* I now love you the length of July!!

I just realised the time *opps* sorry for making you think this late at night/early in the morning...lol

Sorry and Thanks again! Have a good night Very Happy

SS

**Guest** Guest

Bah, I'm still sewing. Luckily I'm getting better at sewing while sleepy. Last time I tried to sew at 1:30 am I ended up attaching the left sleeve to the right side of my jacket three times in a row. There was much graghing.

**Guest** Guest

OMG!! That would suck! I would have thrown something breakable...
I kinda did that with my Alice Costume, but I tried like three times to attach her sleeve to the bodice, but EVERY time attached it in-side out...that was fun...

SS

By mightydelemma. 05/01/09, 09:28 am

also how are you sewing the tule on?
in tutus are sewen so that the skirt looks like its more comforable up this means when gravity pulls on it it has a big poofiness insted of just falling.
then if you dont want a bum roll or hoop skirt then use lots of that.
i think you could almost get away with a bum roll