Eva's Petticoats Click on the slip to link to ths site
The length and fullness of a petticoat or crinoline is a matter of personal preference. From a softly gathered prairie length nylon to an eighty yard lamé and lace creation the choice is yours. The proper length is about half an inch shorter than the skirt. If the full slip is too short the shirt will 'lampshade' or droop over the edge. A prairie slip should be very close to the skirt length. The purpose of the slip is to prevent the skirt from tucking between the legs and to reduce shadows showing through the skirt.
I do not recommend making your own petticoat. I have made a couple of them and the effort is not worth the rewards. One of my friends told me "Sew the easy stuff - Buy the hard stuff". Save your time and energy for making dresses and shirts. Petticoats are available in a hundred colors and different fabrics. Colors and fabrics that you will not be able to find in your local fabric store.
When contemplating the purchase of a new petticoat don't get the 'go with everything' white or the 'basically blah black' . Instead get that wild bright color that you just love and make your outfits go with the petticoat. This red petticoat could be worn with many different prints. To a solid blue dress, add a few red ribbons. On a black dress, wear a red belt. For a yellow dress, wear some red beads. Petticoats are for fun. Wind up your wild side and get the brightest color that your heart desires.