ROBERTS | WOOD is a design studio focusing on an innovative approach to textiles and construction. We are committed to developing sustainable, flexible production methods, valuing a hybrid of technology and artisanal making.
This ROBERTS | WOOD KiT project is provided as a PDF pattern with sewing instructions.
The ROBERTS | WOOD KiT Infinity Ruffle Skirt is an innovative concept for a sewing pattern - it is a special Modular pattern that is designed to give you infinite options! The skirt can be made to any waist size and can also be adapted to many different length options.
The beautifully voluminous scalloped design is bursting with 3D ruffles around its rotationally-symmetrical form…the perfect mixture of romantic aesthetic and intelligent construction, this unique project is perfect for any enthusiastic maker who is looking for something (much) less ordinary.
As it is designed in small pieces, the skirt is effectively a patchwork pattern (and like our other projects, designed to be cut from repurposed / scrap fabric). It can be made from 1 fabric or from infinite combinations, so you can really push your creativity and imagination .
This pattern is ideal for Intermediate level sewists and above
The pattern can be used to create a skirt for any size of wearer, there is no upper size range to this design.
The download includes the ‘Repeatable’ pattern set which can be used to make a skirt to fit any size.
Please note - this is not a ‘standard’ pattern, it is not graded / nested in the way that a standard sewing pattern would be - it is a repeatable modular concept. For more details see the pattern concept tab.
This is a Voluminous skirt with an elasticated waistband.
This Modular Pattern is unique in that the single set of provided pattern pieces can be used to make any size of skirt required. These are cut in multiples, and you simply need to cut the number of pieces as specified by your individual ‘Repeat’ number.
The instructions will guide you through the simple process for how to calculate your required ‘Repeat‘ number. The number of ‘Repeats’ you need will be based on your waist measurement.
We have also created ‘alteration’ pattern pieces, which can be used to shorten and lengthen the design to any desired length. (All alteration patterns, and instructions on how to use them are included with the project)
Finally, there is an option to make a fitted waist (non-elasticated) version in which you can insert a concealed zip (see denim version pictured). This requires some simple pattern amendments and calculations, which are fully explained in the instructions.
Below are tables which show the waist measurement ranges that correspond to ‘repeat’ numbers , as well as the unelasticated waistband measurements and skirt hem measurements
The ROBERTS | WOOD KiT Infinity Ruffle Skirt is an innovative concept for a sewing pattern - it is a Modular design, where a single set of patterns is cut in a number of ‘Repeats’, making it adaptable for any wearer. It is based on a straight-forward repeated construction method.
First, gathered ruffles are created and applied onto scalloped-shaped Base Pieces. The skirt is constructed from the hem upwards, beginning with the ‘Starter’ pieces which are joined together to create the initial looped ‘Starter’ row. Working though alphabetically, ruffled Base Pieces are then added one by one, building upwards, towards the elasticated waistband, which is finally added at the end.
Although you can complete the project without Overlocking, it is certainly an advantage for this project, as it is the quickest way to finish the many seams involved in the project. (Alternatively you can zig-zag stitch to finish your seams)
Techniques include:
creating ruffles though gathering, sewing many curved seams and adding an elasticated waistband
We recommend using a fabric weight under 180gsm. We have made versions of this skirt in many different fabrics, including silk organza, silk dupion, silk taffeta, cottons, linens and lightweight denims, all of which create vastly different effects.
Bear in mind that there are lots of gathered ruffles, so fabrics which gather nicely will have the optimal look for this design. If you’re not sure whether your fabric will be appropriate for the design, we recommend taking a small scrap and doing a gather test to ensure you like the look of it. A rough guide would be to gather the piece of fabric to about 50% of its original length to simulate the gathered effect on the skirt.
This is a patchwork design, divided into small pieces, so there is plenty of opportunity to mix fabrics together to create a unique design. For example you could play with alternating colours, or even a gradient design across, or down the skirt.
You could also choose to assign a different fabric for the ruffles from the base pieces for an interesting effect.
If you are planning on having a raw finish to your ruffles, make sure that you test the raw edge of the fabric you are assigning to the ruffle pieces to ensure you like the effect.
See the below table for the fabric usage requirements. This is based on your waist measurement, which determined the number of repeats you will need to cut.
This ROBERTS | WOOD KiT project is provided as a PDF pattern with full sewing instructions. It includes an A4/US letter printable PDF pattern, which can be printed and assembled at home using any standard home printer. Also included is an A0 pattern that can be printed at a print shop. All our projects include detailed instructions, showing you step by step how to make the project.
The pattern includes everything you need (pattern pieces and instructions) to shorten, lengthen and widen the skirt infinitely.
Materials required:
Fabric for cutting the pattern pieces.
2.5cm wide elastic for inserting into the waistband channel.
If you want to make the alternative version with fitted waist, you will need a 20cm concealed zip.
Equipment required: Paper scissors, sellotape (for assembling A4 pattern), Iron, fabric scissors, measuring tape, pins, chalk pencil for marking fabric, sewing machine (overlocker is an advantage, but not essential)
Intermediate sewist level and beyond
This project assumes knowledge of basic sewing techniques and terminology, although most of the processes are straightforward and easy to follow. It is a fun project for anyone who wants to learn new textile and sewing skills.
The project also provides detailed instructions, broken down for each step, so don’t worry if you don’t know where to start with assembling the design.
One of the more challenging aspects of the project is completing the many curved seams, whilst trapping a ruffle in between each one. However, once you have mastered one curved seam, you will soon become expert at this technique and they become much easier and quicker with repetition!
Like many of our more substantial projects, this project is a labour of love and will likely take several days to construct. The amount of time the project will take to complete will depend on your chosen fabric, chosen finishes, skill and experience level and also depends on how many ‘Repeats’ you need to cut to achieve your desired size.
The project is designed to be enjoyed at leisure, embracing the joys of slow-fashion and hand-crafting your own special designer garment.