How to Make a Sink Skirt

A skirted sink can provide you with additional under sink storage while hiding unsightly plumbing pipes. It also breathes new life into an older bathroom. It’s simple to do and can be easily accomplished even if you don’t know how to sew. And if you have any leftover fabric, you can stitch a fabric border on your hand towels or your shower curtain to give the room a custom look.

Let’s Get Started

1. Measure the width, depth and height of the sink. Most sinks range in height from 32” up to 36” and since most fabric is 54” in width, a solid fabric or one that can be turned sideways (railroaded) will prevent you from having to sew any seams, creating fewer sewing hassles. For a fuller skirt, measure between 2 and 2 ½ times the width and depth of the sink; or for a more tailored look allow 1 ½ times the width and depth of the sink.

2. Cut the fabric to desired dimensions allowing an extra 1 ½” on top and bottom, plus an additional 5/8” on either side for hemming.

3. After hemming all four sides, sew 2 lines of basting stitches about 1” from the top and gather the fabric to the fullness you like. An easier option is to use shirring tape (available at any fabric store or online). Shirring tape comes in lots of styles and sizes so you can easily achieve different looks depending on what style you buy. It’s even available in iron-on options, so no sewing is required.

4. Cut and glue Velcro onto clean, dry sink. Then stitch Velcro to the skirt about 1” down from the top of the skirt.

5. Press the skirt onto the sink starting from the middle and working out to the ends.

6. If all else fails, take your fabric to your local tailor with your measurements, and for a minimal fee let them do the work for you!

Posted 2/27/09