How to make a maternity skirt

I posted this easy tutorial on Craftster today to hopefully help other pregnant crafty ladies out there. Finding maternity clothes that fit right sucks, especially toward the end when you don't want to invest a bunch of money in something you won't even be able to wear in a few weeks. Sick of being stuck in Mumus, I made myself a fancy fitted skirt last night from a nice GUESS? skirt and generic T-shirt I found at a thrift store. Stretchy shirts would work even better. Here's how to do it:

First, find a skirt you like in your pre-pregnancy size and a T-shirt that matches.


Then, cut out a space for your big 'ole belly. Take that piece and line it up with the hem of the T-shirt and cut around it about an inch extra. (Only cut one side of the shirt in case you mess up and need more.)


Now, pin your panel to your skirt making sure to line up your hem and waistband. I suggest inserting elastic into the hem at this step (not shown). Adjust for comfort. Sew.


Then sew a straight topstitch to finish it off and make it sturdy.


You can wear it two ways - across the belly or under it. I recommend wearing a shirt with it though. I added an anchor embellishment at the bottom with some leftover T-shirt material. I like this style because it maintains the fit and look of a regular skirt, yet has a compartment for your belly.

Now, please don't leave comments about my pregnant belly is "the most disgusting picture" you have ever seen or wonder why I would "subject myself to such a tasteless display" like readers of the Martinsburg Journal did when a story about how to make a belly cast was published in the newspaper when I was pregnant with Sage. Silly prudes.

If you're pregnant and want to purchase this skirt, check out Etsy in a few weeks. I won't need it anymore!