Spiral and Ripple Skirts
Asymmetrical Panel Construction Techniques

Very striking on the dance floor, worn square dance length, and just as
stunning when prairie or floor length. Asymmetrical panel skirts look complex
but are easy to make. They do take a little more time than other styles
but the results are worth the investment.

Important - Read all of the instructions before cutting. These patterns must be
cut from a single layer of fabric. All of the curves must go the same way. DO
NOT flip the pattern upside down to save fabric. The way that the skirt will be
sewn together determines which way the curve should be facing before cutting.

Fabric selection - This type of skirt must be cut from tightly woven fabric.
Tightly woven does not mean stiff or thick. Light crepe type fabrics work well.
The threads are close together but the fabric drapes and moves nicely.

Be sure there is no lengthwise or crosswise stretch on the true grain of the fabric.
Do not use knits or gauze type fabrics. The bias cut of the pattern causes the
pieces to stretch after the skirt is put together. Stripes and plaids can be used,
but they can not be matched in any way along the seam lines of the curves.

Some fabrics look like they are the same on both sides. This makes it
look like double layers could be cut without problems. Be aware that as fabric
goes through the weaving, milling, and finishing process the sides get different treatments of heat and pressure. This does not always show, at first, but
after several washings the difference can become visible.

To determine the true right side of the fabric look at the selvage edges.
When the little pin prick holes along the selvage are pointing up it is the
right side. Either side of the fabric can be used as the preferred side as long
as it is consistent. One way to mark the fabric panels is to place a bit of blue painter’s tape in the middle of the preferred side. This tape is useful in the
sewing room because it does not leave any adhesive residue.

Patterns - The nice thing about panel skirts is they fit everybody. Just add
or subtract panels to get the size and look that you want. There are many
different styles of these pattens available. Patterns are available, for tracing,
at State Festivals and National Conventions.

Check with other dancers for Authentic 320. These patterns are out of print.
Trace a copy and share it with new dancers. Currently there are only two
asymmetric patterns. Butterick 5042, it is not very full but could easily be made
more graceful with the addition of a couple of panels. Simplicity 2416 is a plus size design that can be made long or short. The instructions in this section are different from the pattern instructions but they work for the people that I have taught.