Hawaiian skirts make cute costumes, fun summer outfits, and awesome craft projects. There are a couple of ways to make Hawaiian skirts; the most popular methods are those that require paper bags or raffia (a natural material made from palm fringes of raffia). These skirts can be made at home with a few basic items from any craft store.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using Raffia or Ribbon to Make a Hawaiian Skirt
Step 1. Gather your supplies
You will need raffia or ribbon (2-4 large bundles), scissors, measuring tape, and a sturdy string, such as yarn or twine. You will also need a sink or bowl where you can dip the raffia or ribbon and a flat surface where you can put the raffia / ribbon to dry.
- If you want an extremely dense Hawaiian skirt (one that doesn't show anything), you will probably need about 4 large bundles of raffia or ribbon. If you want a lighter skirt, 2 packs should be enough.
- All of these items can be purchased online or at your local craft store.
Step 2. (optional) Dip the raffia or ribbon in water
Start by unrolling the raffia or ribbon. It will probably be folded, rolled, and wavy due to the way it was packaged, so dipping it in water and then laying it flat to dry will fix it. Soak the raffia or ribbon in a sink or bowl filled with hot water for five minutes.
Step 3. (optional) Dry the raffia or ribbon
While you remove the raffia or ribbon from the water, put it to dry on a towel on a flat surface. It will take a couple of hours to dry, and it should feel completely dry to the touch before you start gluing it to your skirt.
Step 4. Measure the length of your Hawaiian skirt
While the raffia or ribbon is drying, take the tape measure and measure the length from your waist to the knees (or the length you want the Hawaiian skirt to be). Write this measurement down so you don't forget it.
Step 5. Cut the raffia or ribbon to the correct length
Find the measurement you wrote in the previous step, then double this number and add 2 inches (5 cm) to it. For example, if you want the skirt to be 15 inches (38 cm) long, cut the raffia or ribbon into 32-inch (81 cm) strips. You have to double the length of the raffia or ribbon because each piece will be folded in half and will end up being two fringed strips for your skirt.
Step 6. Measure your waist to determine the width of your skirt
Take the measuring tape and wrap it around your waist to determine how large to cut the rope. Then take that measurement and add 12 inches (30 cm) to it. This added length will be used to tie and untie your skirt. This rope will be the waistband.
For example, if your waist is 30 inches (76 cm), cut the string so that it is 42 inches (106 cm) long
Step 7. Attach each strip of raffia or ribbon to the string that forms the waistband one by one using lark head knots
Here you can see instructions on How to make macrame
- To tie a lark's head knot, start by taking a strip of raffia or ribbon and fold it in half.
- Take the end of the folded raffia or ribbon with the hoop and thread it under the waistband string. The end with the knot should be under the waistband, and the loose ends should be on the waistband.
- Now, take the loose ends of the raffia or ribbon and fold them towards you, around the waistband string.
- Thread the ends through the knot and pull firmly to secure the raffia or ribbon to the waistband.
- Do this with each strip of raffia or ribbon until your Hawaiian skirt is complete. You will need 2 to 3 complete packages. Leave 6 inches (15 cm) at each end of the waistband so you can tie and untie the skirt.
Step 8. Tie the skirt at your waist
Use a bow tie instead of a knot so that you can tie and untie your skirt. Have fun with your new Hawaiian skirt! !
Method 2 of 2: Make a Hawaiian Skirt Out of Paper Bags
Step 1. Gather all your supplies
You will need paper bags (usually 1 or 2, depending on your waist size), scissors, a pencil, a thick string (such as yarn or twine), and either duct tape or a stapler. Having a ruler will also help, but it is not absolutely necessary.
Step 2. Cut out the paper bag
Start by cutting along the area where the bag meets the other side all the way down. Then cut the entire bottom of the bag by cutting the entire perimeter. The bag should now be rectangular in shape.
- If you are using more than one bag, repeat this step for each one.
- To see how many more bags you need, wrap one horizontally around your waist. If it turns you all the way around, you only need to use one. If the bag leaves more than an inch or two uncovered, you will need to use an additional bag.
- You won't always need to use full bags. For example, you might need a bag and a half to cover your waist. It's just paper, so you can cut and paste the exact number of paper bags you need.
Step 3. Lay the paper on a flat surface so that it is horizontal
If the bag has any text or logos, leave them facing up. The side facing up will end on the inside of the Hawaiian skirt. This way, the words or logos will not be visible when you put the skirt on.
Step 4. Draw the waistband on the bag
Drawing the outline of the waistband will tell you where to stop cutting when fringing the skirt. Take the ruler and measure 1-2 inches from the top of the bag (depending on how thick you want your waistband), and make a small mark with a pencil. Next, lay the ruler horizontally over the mark (the ruler should be parallel to the bag), and draw a straight line across the top of the bag. This line will mark the waistband of your Hawaiian skirt.
Step 5. Strip the bag to create the fringes for the skirt
Starting on the right side of the bag, cut strips into the bag starting at the bottom and cut up until you reach the contour of the waistband. The strips should be 0.5 to 1 inch (1.5 to 2.5 cm), depending on how thick you want the fringe to be. Cut strips throughout the bag.
- Repeat this process for any additional bags you will be using.
- Lay the bag (s) flat while you do the next step.
Step 6. Cut the rope
Wrap the rope around your waist to see how much you will need. Make sure to include a few extra inches of string on each side for you to tie and untie your Hawaiian skirt. Then cut the rope. After you've done this, place it on the waistband side of the skirt that you didn't cut. Center the string to leave a few inches at each end to tie and untie the skirt.
If you're using multiple bags, place them side by side and tape or staple the end of the waistbands. You'll run the string across the top of the full width of your skirt
Step 7. Tape or staple the string to the skirt
Make sure the rope is securely attached to the skirt, otherwise the skirt will fall off.
- Use a strong tape, like duct tape or masking tape. Tape the string along the entire length of the waistband.
- If you are using staples, it is recommended to add a staple every 2 inches (5.1 cm).
Step 8. Put on your skirt
Put on your skirt and tie it. Wear a bow to make it easy to tie and untie your skirt. The tape or staples should be on the inside of your skirt, so they can't be seen from the outside.