Rectangle – Gjeometry

I completed this A-Line skirt in the same way as the two rectangle skirt, only instead of rectangles, these quadrilateral shapes are actually isosceles trapezoids (to be precise). Yes, that’s the math/science nerd in me leaking out. It’s really one of the reasons why I love sewing and pattern making. The geometry involved delights me to no end. 🙂

But, now that you’ve finished rolling your eyes and being embarrassed for me, here is some information about the A-Line skirt.

I used fabric with a one way pattern on it, so I actually had to cut it across the grain instead of with the length grain (following along the selvage) so that the pattern would go vertically up and down the skirt. I’m not sure how much this affects the integrity of the skirt, but how else do you use these directional prints? If you cut along the length of the grain, the pattern would be lost.

A Line Skirt Flare

With respect to the A-Line, you can add as much flare at the bottom as you wish. Basically, after you’ve made a rectangle, add another two triangles on either side of it to create a wider, flared bottom.

I also added a belt in the same fabric to disguise the elastic waistband casing. To learn more about how to sew a fabric belt with buckle, click here. I sewed on belt loops, also in the same fabric to hold the belt in the right place.

Fabric Belt and Belt Loops

And, I bought a self cover belt buckle, where you cover the buckle with fabric of your choice. I think it’s a good investment (and very inexpensive) as it really ties the belt in with the skirt. With such a busy pattern, I didn’t really want the belt and buckle to stand out more than the skirt.

Tote Bag Comprised Entirely of Rectangles

Inside Patch Pockets

I’ve discovered that there are many simple projects that can be completed using only squares or rectangles as your pattern pieces. This makes measuring and cutting out your pattern quite simple and you also only sew straight lines. One project I completed, is a lined tote bag complete with inside pockets. The pattern is based on instructions from the book Sewing in a Straight Line by Brett Bara (City Girl Tote). I modified it to include two inside pockets and a magnetic snap closure. All the pattern pieces used in this tote consist of rectangles that you draft yourself.

Two rectangles of a cotton canvas duck were used for the outside, each were 81cm X 51 cm (32″ X 20″). Make sure you square your lines when drafting your rectangles using either a triangle, T-square or even a square quilting ruler. Two rectangles of medium weight cotton fabric were used for the lining with two smaller rectangles of lining fabric for patch pockets, one on each side. Both the exterior tote and the lining have boxed corners to provide more shape and structure to the tote. For more information on boxing corners, click here. Two smaller rectangles comprised the facing at the top of the tote and four long rectangles of the lining fabric, along with fusible interfacing made up the handles.

Lining and Facing

Eight pieces of grosgrain ribbon (two for each handle) were sewn on with zigzag stitching to add some design interest. Coincidentally, the cut ribbon also consisted of very long rectangles. The lining was attached using the “bagging” method. This method is not too difficult and professional looking. For more information on how to line using the bagging method, click here.

You can then add a magnetic snap closure to the inside facing and you have a sturdy, roomy tote to take shopping.