Hoop skirts add support and size to formal bell dresses. While most commonly used under that style of wedding gown, hoop skirts can also come in handy for costume parties and local historical reenactments. Save some money and make your own hoop skirt with some cheap sewing supplies and say goodbye to rental fees for good.
Step 1
Measure your waist and add 6 inches. This is how large you'll make the hoop skirt waist.
Step 2
Cut the cotton weave fabric to the length of measurement and 4 inches wide.
Step 3
Fold the fabric in half and sew a straight seam 1/2 inch from the fold. Feed the bias piping through the fold. This is your waist tie. Be sure to knot the ends so that they cannot fall back into the fabric.
Step 4
Measure your height. Starting at 5 feet 0 inches, your hoop strips will need to placed at 37 inches long. Add and subtract inches directly in proportion if you are taller or shorter. For instance, if you are 5 feet 3 inches, your strips will be 40 inches long.
Step 5
Cut 16 pieces of ribbon that match your measurement from Step 4. Pin these pieces onto the waist piece, spacing them as evenly as possible.
Step 6
Fold and pin the ends of the waist piece closed and sew it shut with two rows of straight stitches. The first should be places as close as possible to the folded ends. The second should be 1/4 inch up to add extra strength to the ribbon.
Step 7
Cut your polytubing to the following measurements: 88 inches, 101 inches, 114 inches, 127 inches and 140 inches.
Step 8
Form a loop with each piece of piping and duct tape the ends together.
Step 9
Place the loops onto the ribbon, wrapping the ribbon around each hoop and pinning in place. Sew the hoop in place once you know each layer is even.
Step 10
Try your hoop skirt on and make any final adjustments.