Shirred Skirt from a T-shirt

I saw this awesome idea on pinterest and couldn't wait to try.  I thought I was pretty well versed in sewing, but it turns out there was at least one technique I wasn't aware of: shirring.  Apparently shirring is like smocking (which I had heard of) but slightly different (not sure how).  I had no idea that you could smock (shir) on your machine.  All you need is elastic thread in the bobbin.

To make this super comfy, stretchy skirt you need a T-shirt, elastic thread (and of course your other basic sewing supplies) and half an hour.  I found this T-shirt at a thrift store for $1.50.  I got the elastic thread at hobby lobby for $0.95 (after coupon).

#1 wrap your elastic thread onto your bobbin.  This needs to be done by hand to get the tension right.  You don't want it to be loose, but you don't want it to be stretched out either.

#2 Cut the sleeves and neck off of your T-shirt.  The bottom part will become your skirt.
You could cut just below the sleeves, but I cut a little higher than that to get my skirt as long as I wanted it.  I just sewed up the little openings on the sides where the arm holes had been.

#3 Start sewing to create your shirred waistband.  To shirr, just sew like you normally would, right side up (so that the elastic is on the inside of your skirt).  The first few rows don't seem very tight, but they will get tighter as you do more.

Don't forget to back-stitch when you start and stop!
(Or you could tie the ends of the elastic together when your done.)

I used a long stitch and tightened my top tension a little.  You'll have to see what works with your machine.

#4 Keep adding more rows to your waistband.  I just used the edge of my presser foot as my guide to keep my rows relatively even (1/4" apart).  Be sure to spread your fabric out flat in front of the needle as you sew.

I sewed 10 rows, but you could do a few more too.

#5 After you have all of your rows sewn, you can hit the elastic with a little steam from the iron (of water from a spray bottle) to help the elastic tighten up.

That's it!  You're done!  Half an hour later and you have a super comfy skirt.  I have worn mine several times and love it!

Note: The T-shirt that I got was a 3x.  That was great for the length, but when I first started wearing my skirt I felt like it was going to fall off.  So I just took it in a few inches on one of the sides.  Now it is great!