Here is the second item in the outfit we are recreating from J Crew's crew cuts for kids. This tulle skirt is so adorable and super simple to make. This project from start to finish takes about 30-60 minutes and costs under $5 (compare to the 32.50 retail).
Gather your supplies. Here is what you'll need:1/2 in. wide elastic- 20-26 in. depending on waist size
knit fabric for the underskirt- 3/8 yd. (I used some kind of knit that didn't stretch much in the knit section at Joann's. You could also repurpose a knit tee of your own)
tulle fabric for the ruffles- 3/8 yd. (I found this cute stretchy dot tulle in the clearance at Joann's - always check there first for fabric up to 75% off)
coordinating thread
coordinating thread
Let's get started! First make sure your fabric is folded over so that you can cut 2 pieces. You will measure the child's waist and add 5-6 inches. measurement 1
So for a 20 inch waist you will do 26 inches. Divide that number in half. Then add 1 inch (seam allowance). So I will have 13 + 1 = 14 in. That is my measurement for the top (measurement 1). Draw a straight line at the top of the fabric in the amount of this measurement. So my example would be 14 in.
measurement 2
The lenght of the skirt + 1 inch is measurement 2. (I wanted my skirt 10 inches, so I just added 1 inch. ) My measurement 2 example would be 11 inches.
2.) Start at the top center of your skirt and go down as many inches as is your measurement 2. So for mine I went down 11 inches. Then make a mark. Put a ruler down and mark this line for the bottom of your skirt. You will go out 1 1/2 inches further than the top measurement on each side. Please refer to the picture above. This will make your skirt flare a bit. To connect the lines, just use your ruler to connect the top and bottom lines.
Now you are ready to cut your fabric out. Remember that your fabric should be folded, so you will be cutting two skirt pieces. Now with wrong sides of fabric together, sew your side seams using 1/2 inch seam allowance. Now press your seams, serge or snip 1/8 away from seam.
With skirt still inside out, fold the top of skirt down 1 inch (all the way around) and press as you go. Now open up and fold 1/4 inch down and press under. (See pic below) Pin and sew close to edge. 
Make sure you leave a 2 inch opening for the elastic. Cut a strip of elastic the same size as your waist measurement. Slide the elastic in using a safety pin.
Now sew the elastic closed. Overlap about 1/2 inch and sew. I like to sew in the shape of a square and then criss cross. Put the elastic in and adjust. Now sew the opening closed and turn right side out.
You should end up with something that looks like this. Oh and since we're using knits there is no need to finish off the bottom. Yay!
Next, cut your two strips of tulle whatever length you like. I did mine 5 inches each. The width will be the width of the fabric (so about 44 or 46 inches). Sew the sides together. Gather about 3/8 inches from the top. 
Pin to the skirt as shown above and sew your first ruffle. Sew your second ruffle under the first so that they overlap a bit. Then pull it off the machine and admire your handiwork! Sit back and eat some well deserved chocolate.
Voila! The finished product. 
Posts
I really like the tulle you chose, it's different than most tulles - takes the project up a notch. Great job!
June 18, 2010 at 4:33 AM
Awesome tutorial! Love the yellow! Thabks for sharing!
June 18, 2010 at 4:48 AM
Love the tutorial.
Hi! I'm visiting from MBC. Great blog.
June 18, 2010 at 8:11 AM
So very cute!!
June 18, 2010 at 9:23 AM
Awesome tutorial! I'll have to try it :]
June 18, 2010 at 11:56 AM
Ummm... I'm pretty sure that your skirt is WAY better than the Crew Cuts version!! Can you please make me one?! (at like 10 times the size...)
June 18, 2010 at 4:12 PM
I agree that yours is actually better than the J Crew version. I am a beginning sewer, but I'm going to try this out. I have 3 girls going to Disney soon (ages 9, 6, and 2) and this skirt would work for all of them!
June 19, 2010 at 5:08 AM
Your skirt is WAY cuter than the JCrew version. Love it.
June 19, 2010 at 7:52 AM
Love your skirt...very cool tulle.
June 19, 2010 at 9:10 AM
I am agreeing with the others...your skirt is better than the first version. I too love the tulle you chose, it is unique. Love the skirt! :)
~Amber
June 19, 2010 at 10:12 AM
Oh man. SUPER cute. Would totally make it for myself. ;D
May I ask where you found that tulle? And does it come in different colours? I LOVE tone on tone giant polka dots... Need..this...fabric...
June 20, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Thanks ladies! I got the tulle from Joann's in the clearance section. Check it out. They have some good stuff in there for way cheap!
June 20, 2010 at 10:37 PM
Stopping by to say "THANKS" for visiting me on my SITS day!
LOVE your blog, and just became your newest follower. I just got a sewing machine and can't wait to learn how to use it. Your photo tutorials are awesome! Keep them coming.
Hope you have a wonderful week! I can't wait to come back and visit again.
June 21, 2010 at 7:48 AM
I love this...now if I can locate that cute fabric at my Joanns I will be in business!! I would have to make three for my three little girls. Thanks for sharing!
June 21, 2010 at 1:17 PM
Ohh, great skirt tutorial! Thanks for sharing. Love the projects here, am def following your blog! :)
June 23, 2010 at 1:08 AM
I love it and the yellow color! So sweet!
June 25, 2010 at 12:46 PM
Love this skirt! It would look super cute on my daughter...now I have to figure out how to work my sewing machine.
Just wanted to let you know I gave you two awards on my blog :)
http://theoverloadedmommy.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-got-awarded.html
Casey
June 28, 2010 at 12:21 PM
UM, I like YOUR version better than JCrew's :)
July 9, 2010 at 10:42 AM
OMG- how awesome is your J. Crew look a likes!
I can't wait to try them but beware- you might get a lot of questions from me. I am very new to sewing but I love it.
July 9, 2010 at 1:09 PM
SUPER Cute! Nice job!
July 13, 2010 at 3:19 PM
Just came across your blog, absolutely adorable DIY! You have a new follower! Follow me?
XO Lynzy
http://fromskirtstoskillets.blogspot.com
July 14, 2010 at 8:15 AM
I just finished the skirt. It was super easy!! And really cute! I used cotton quilt backing from joann's and non stretchy tulle. I lost a little bit of stretch in the waist after I sewed on the tulle. But it will still fit.
Thanks for the great tutorial!
August 7, 2011 at 11:11 AM
I just finished my rendition of your tutorial, grabbed a piece of lining from the remanant pile for .40 cents and 1.85 for the tulle, my granddaughter loves it!
Thank you so much!
July 26, 2012 at 9:37 PM