Thanks for the tip!

This is a decade-old question, but I have a great solution for it and figure it may help someone in the future. I took a loop of ribbon about 8-inches around, gathered all the hoops together on one side and looped the ribbon over itself. I hang all my hoops flat against the back wall of the closet from a hook. The clothes slide across the bar in front of them and almost never interfere. When I want one of my hoops, I just pick the one I want and hang all the others back up with their ribbon loops. (I have a loop on each hoop skirt so I don’t have to unloop and reloop just to get one hoop skirt off.) I hope this helps someone!

Shortening/overlapping the hoop ends and adding a ruffle or petticoat will help with a break.
You may email me at sewing @ historicalsewing dot com with your photo and I will try to help further.

Hello! So glad that this post has helped. Yes, ruffles on your petticoat will help smooth out the wire lines for sure. For the waistband, 2″ is a bit too wide; I suggest more like 1.25″ or 1.5″ wide. You can make it with a drawstring, but I’d recommend a flat grosgrain ribbon or twill tape about 3/8″ or 1/2″ wide instead of a cord. Cotton or linen twill tape is preferred. Cut the waistband simply a few inches longer than your waist measure so when you use the drawstring you won’t have so much bulk under your skirt. Although fitted waistbands are seen more often in the 19th century, a drawstring one is perfectly appropriate for all your petticoats.

Good luck with your silhouette sewing!

Is it possible to make a petticoat out of a flat sheet with a 2″ casing at the top with a cord running through the casing (making it adjustable)?
Would this work as an over and under petticoat? (meaning I could use the same pattern for both types of petticoats.)
(And because I have limited money and sewing experience), would adding ruffles to the petticoat approximately where the hoop wires are, make the dress look better?
Would a silkyish fabric work or would I need something stiffer?

I have lots of questions and with my mentor in civil war reenactments living 3hrs away, I figured to ask them all at the same time.

I have one adjustable hoopskirt I use for both eras. For Tudor times I take the hoops in and make a more conical shape and then for the Civil War I widen them for a bell shape.

Your hoopskirt should always be smaller in width than your skirt. The skirt should not be tight around it but lay nicely on top. A few folds here and there are ok. Adding a couple of good petticoats (one with deep flounces) will help your silhouette immensely.