Foundation skirts, or drop skirts, as they are sometimes called, are used for dresses with long tunics, skirts made entirely of flounces or ruffles, or for draped skirts.

Suitable Materials

Silk.

Satin.

Suissine Silk

Percaline.

Lawn.

Net.

Findings

Thread, cotton, silk.

Belting.

Hooks and Eyes.

Snap Fasteners.

This type of skirt may be cut from any type of pattern, gored or circular. If the outer skirt is of sheer material, care must be taken to select a pattern for the foundation that will not have too many seams, nor in such position as would mar the lines of the outside skirt. Buy material best suited to the material of the dress. Cut the foundations as long as will be needed; when a tunic is to be used, the foundation may be cut as much shorter than the finished length as you plan to use the dress material above the bottom, allowing enough for finishing. It may be cut full length, allowing for hem, if the skirt is to be made of ruffles, or in the same way as for a tunic. In cutting for a draped skirt, it must at least be long enough to catch the lowest tacking of the drapery. For such purpose they are sometimes cut full length or with train, and trimmed at the lower edge with plaitings of lace or chiffon. Buy the necessary quantity of material, cut, baste and fit skirt, according to directions already given.

Seams

Finish seams with stitched fell or French seams, preferably the former because they are smooth. In many dresses a plain seam overcasted is sufficient. When facing of material on right side is used (as for tunic), turn the edges of the material in on the right side, to the drop skirt, and on the wrong side, turn the bottom of the drop skirt in to the facing. Stitch both edges. The drop skirt should be finished with a continuous placket; then hung and stitched to the belt at the normal waist line.