Creating outfits for my children is one of my favorite hobbies.  But creating outfits for 4th of July is really the best.  I know that sounds silly but the 4th of July is really big in our small community.  People from miles around come to celebrate and enjoy the parade, fireworks and festivities.  When something is a big deal to the community, it becomes a big deal to your family too.  As tradition, I typically make my littles 4th of July outfits.  They are bedazzled in red, white and blue all day and love carrying around their little flags and showing off their outfits.


I've done t-shirts and hats, but for the last few years, I've done a dress or skirt for my daughter.  She gets pretty warm and dresses seem to help with the heat.  For a lot of years, my go to pattern was the Firecracker Dress.  It is perfect for hot summer weather and just simply adorable.  This year, I opted for a simple ruffled skirt pattern.  

Related:  Girls Simple Knit Skirt Pattern
Related:  How to Make a Shirred Dress
We found this adorable Waverly fabric cut as fat quarters similar to this fabric.  Which worked perfectly for my skinny 5 year old.  She picked out the popsicle fabric (she's a little obsessed) and we found some matching red and white fabric.  It turned out super cute and was a really quick sew.


Materials Needed
Blue fabric  - amount depends on size of skirt
White fabric- amount depends on size of skirt
Red fabric- amount depends on size of skirt
2" wide elastic 
Thread

Measuring and Cutting Instructions
Measure the child's waist and length from waist to wherever you want the skirt to end.  I did just below the knee.

To figure out your width and length for each skirt layer, use the chart below. 



Step 1
With Right Sides Together (RST), place your 2 layer 1 pieces together.  Stitch down the 2 short seams.  Repeat with layers 2 and 3.




Step 2
Hem each of the layers by turning the raw edge up 1/4" and then another 1/2".  Press and stitch.




Step 3
Place 3 layers together matching the top raw edges and pin.


Step 4
Stitch the 3 layers together with 2 long basting stitches.  You'll use these to gather your skirt.  Don't know how to gather?  Check out How to Make the Perfect Gathers.


Step 5
Take measured piece of elastic and overlap the two ends.  Zig-zag the overlapped ends together.  You should have a circular band now.




Step 6
Place circled band on a flat surface.  Place your skirt directly underneath.  Gently pull your gathering stitches on the skirt until the match the width of your elastic.  


Step 7
Place elastic over the top of the raw edges of the skirt.  They should overlap at least 1/2".  Pin in place.  


Step 8
Stitch elastic band to skirt.  You may need to stretch your elastic or adjust your gathers as you sew.  


And there you have it!  An adorable, quick and comfy patriotic ruffled skirt.  Of course, you wouldn't have to always use red, white and blue.  This would be adorable for any holiday or just for a simple skirt to add to a little girls wardrobe.