Do you have a stash of postcards from your last big adventure that you’re not quite sure what to do with? Why not turn them into a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art! A travel postcard skirt is a fun and creative way to showcase your memories while also flaunting your sewing skills. This project lets you turn vacation souvenirs into a stunning three-layered “Rosie” skirt, complete with vintage trims and artistry buttons.
Ready to take your travel memories from the scrapbook to your closet?
Turning Your Postcards into Fabric
First things first, grab those beloved postcards and get them ready to be sewn! Scan or photograph your favorite postcards and print them onto fabric paper. This special fabric is designed for your inkjet printer, making it super easy to transform your flat souvenirs into sewable fabric patches. Once printed, cut them out with pinking shears, leaving a slight fabric border around the edges to prevent fraying.
Pro tip: Play around with scaling the images! Mixing larger and smaller postcard sizes can create a more dynamic and playful effect on the finished skirt.
Sewing Your Skirt
The base of the skirt is a playful three-layered square circle skirt design attached to a hip yoke. You can find the pattern link below. I call this pattern The Rosie Skirt. It is my favorite, as the square shape allows for so many creative options. It's a skirt pattern that works perfect with those odd fabrics and prints as it has no seams to disrupt the pattern flow. You can find how to sew this very easy pattern together on many videos I have on my YouTube Channel. I have some links below.
Choose fabrics that complement your postcards—think solids, small-scale prints, or even retro-inspired patterns that echo the vibe of your trip.
If you’re using fabrics that remind you of the places you visited, like seaside blues or warm desert tones, you can really enhance the skirt’s storytelling effect. Keep each layer’s colors and patterns muted enough so your postcards will pop!
When your skirt is sewn:
Arrange and Attach Your Postcards.
This is where your creativity really comes to life! Lay out the postcards on your skirt to find the best arrangement. You can cluster a few in a corner, sprinkle them evenly around the hem, or create a cascading effect from top to bottom. Don’t be afraid to play around until you find the look that speaks to you! Be sure to try it on before stitching them on, the placement may look good on a dress form or table but sometimes has a different look when it's on your body. Using a mirror to check your back view helps as does taking photos to see how the placement looks on you.
Once you’ve decided on the placement, stitch around the whole card first before adding the trim. Stitching the trim and the fabric card all at once can result in lots of bubbly fabric, it is best to stitch the card on first. If you are not using trims use a tight zigzag or blanket stitch to securely attach each postcard to the skirt. This is also a great time to use those fun embroidery stitches on your machine.
Add Vintage Trims and Buttons for Flair
Now it’s time to embellish! Adding mini rickrack, soutache braid, suede trims, lace and vintage buttons around your postcards not only frames each one beautifully but also gives your skirt a vintage, handcrafted feel. Use contrasting colors for the rickrack to make the postcards pop, or go for a subtler, monochrome look if you want the focus to stay on your travel memories.
Think about using trims to create little "frames" around some of the postcards or layering tiny buttons on corners to mimic stamps. Every detail adds personality and character, making your skirt a true storytelling piece.
Finishing Touches
Once your skirt is fully adorned, give it one last press and check for any loose threads or spots that need a final touch of stitching. If you want to go the extra mile, consider adding a small handwritten note or label to the inside waistband, detailing the trip and year you collected the postcards.
And there you have it—your one-of-a-kind, travel-inspired postcard skirt! Not only is it a fabulous fashion statement, but it’s also a wearable scrapbook, sparking conversations and bringing back those special memories every time you wear it. I have met so many fun people in airports while wearing this skirt. I love it when people realize what it is.
Final Thoughts
Sewing a travel postcard skirt is more than just a creative project—it’s a way to celebrate your adventures and keep those experiences close, even when you’re back home. So the next time you’re looking for a unique way to commemorate a trip, skip the magnets and keychains and turn your postcards into a piece of wearable art! Now grab those souvenirs, fire up your sewing machine, and start stitching your memories into something unforgettable. Happy sewing! ✈️👗
Check out these Videos about the making of the Rosie Skirt: https://youtu.be/_p6cdCcywvQ
Here is the Pattern - The Rosie Pattern: https://mailchi.mp/12f4535fe065/rosie-skirt
Follow me on Shawnelle Queen of Skirts: https://linktr.ee/FutureFashionDesigners
Supplies you may need when you make yours!
Photo Paper: : https://amzn.to/40iqe34
Nail Heads: https://amzn.to/44PY4PR
Fold-Over elastic: 1” Black https://amzn.to/3AAQ74W white: https://amzn.to/3ux1t5Q
Amazon Store:
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