Expert: Jenna McAuliffe - 10/6/2009

Question
Hello, Jenna

I was wondering if you could give me some tips on the geometry of a tiered skirt, especially when it comes to choosing the lengths of the fabric and making sure each tier runs smoothly into the next. This skirt would be fairly heavily ruched.

Is there an exact formula, or is it something that's more or less improvised during construction?

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Tiffany!

There is not really any set formula for the length of your layers - really it's a matter of what you like and what looks right for the particular sirt.

Different lengths of skirt, different numbers of layers, all one colour or different colours in each layer, different amounts of gathering - all these things (plus personal taste!) can determine the right calculations for a particular design.

The only point I can really give you is that the top layer is often a little longer, dropping to your lower hip (around where your leg creases in front when you walk).  This prevents the gathering from making you look shorter or fuller in the hips.  Other than that, you can make all other layers the same length or smaller at the top and bigger at the bottom - or whatever takes your fancy!

Hope this helps and have fun!

Jenna :)