13/03/2024
Creating a flare skirt is akin to conducting a symphony of measurements, angles, and fabric. Understanding the degrees of flare, expressed as angles, the formula for calculating the waist radius and determining the fabric needed unveils the precise craftsmanship behind these wearable masterpiece.
*Required Measurements
Waist Circumference
Length
There are several degrees of flare which includes
🖊️ 180° flare (half circle)
🖊️ 360° flare (full circle)
🖊️ 720° flare (double full circles)
🖊️ 1080° flare (3 full circles)
🖊️1440° flare (4 full circles).
**The higher the degrees of flare, the more voluminous the style appears. The degree of flare also influences the drape and movement of the skirt.
Calculating the waist radius accurately is one of the crucial factors of getting your flare to fit and twirl graciously.
👇 Below are the formulas for calculating the waist radius for various degrees of flare
1. 180° Flare (Half Circle): r= C/π
If for example, the waist circumference is 28", add the desired zipper allowance e.g 2"
New circumference= 28"+2" = 30"
To get radius, r, you will divide your new waist circumference by 3.142. i.e 30/3.142= 9.5"
**Fabric Amount Calculation
To calculate total amount of fabric to cut out and put on fold,
i. Multiply waist radius by 2 (9.5"*2 = 19")
ii. Further multiply length of flare by 2 (e.g 42"*2= 84")
iii. Add both values up: 84"+19"=103". 103" is the total amount of fabric you will cut out, then put it on fold before marking out your measurements.
2. 360° flare (full circle): r= C/2π
Radius= waist circumference/2π
E.g 30"/6.284= 4.75"
To calculate the amount of fabric needed, repeat the process as shown in 180°
3. 720° flare (double full circles): r =(C/2π) ÷ 2
Radius= (waist circumference/2π) ÷ 2
E.g (30"/6.284) = (4.75")
(4.75") ÷ 2= 2.2". This implies that you will cut out 2 circles with radius 2.2" and length 42" each. Cut both of them open on one end and join together.
To calculate the amount of fabric needed, repeat the process as shown in 180°
4. 1080° flare (3 full circles): r =(C/2π) ÷ 3
Radius= (waist circumference/2π) ÷ 3
E.g (30"/6.284) = (4.75")
(4.75") ÷ 3 = 1.48". This implies that you will cut out 3 circles with radius 1.48" and length 42" each. Cut the 3 of them open on one end and join together.
To calculate the amount of fabric needed, repeat the process as shown in 180°.
5. 1440° flare (4 full circles): r =(C/2π) ÷ 4
Radius= (waist circumference/2π) ÷ 4
E.g (30"/6.284) = (4.75")
(4.75") ÷ 4= 1.18". This implies that you will cut out 4 circles with radius 1.18" and length 42" each. Cut both of them open on one end and join together.
To calculate the amount of fabric needed, repeat the process as shown in 180°
It is essential to add hem allowance when cutting out the patterns or when cutting directly on the fabric.
The precision in determining the waist radius and fabric requirements ensures a creation that not only fits flawlessly but also twirls with the grace.
Feel free to practice and ask questions 😊
If you would like to see a video illustration on this, drop a comment
