Q&A for How to Make a Petticoat

You only need 1 layer if the skirt has a traditional fitting or sheath dress shape and fitting. If you'd like to give the skirt more volume, you'll need 2-3 petticoat layers.

You can use both elastic and non-elastic fabrics to make a petticoat. For more voluminous petticoats, use a more full-boded fabric like taffeta or tulle.

If you're using an elastic fabric, purchase material that's at least 1.2 m (3.9 ft) in length and 1.4 m (4.6 ft) in width. If your dress is made with silk or another non-elastic fabric, your fabric must be 2.4-2.5 m (7.8-9.2 ft) long and 1.4 m (4.6 ft) wide.

Make your petticoat with a pattern equal to the skirt that it's going under. However, make sure your petticoat isn't too wide, or it'll create wrinkles under the dress.

If your bust measurement is 36" or less, buy the length you want it to be on a 60" width. To measure your length, measure from your neck point to the length you want it (e.g. mid thigh). If 45" width, you might need a bit more. If over 36" buy double the amount.

You need to sew the petticoat in layers to make it fluffy. Sew the bottom and middle tiers together using a 1/2-inch (1.3-cm) seam. Fold the seam down against the middle tier and topstitch it down so the seam isn't visible and won't scratch you. Then, attach the top and middle seams together using the same stitch. The stacked sections will add volume and body to your petticoat.

Though petticoats are designed to be worn beneath full skirts and gowns, you can totally wear them on their own. Just make sure you choose one that's made out of comfortable material. You may also need to wear the petticoat lower than your natural waist so it's long enough to be worn on it's own. If you like your petticoat enough, you don't need a skirt to cover it!