Skirts can make perfect first projects for beginner sewists, as well as more involved, exciting projects for those who are more experienced. Today, I’m sharing 38 great skirt sewing patterns with you, including 23 free downloads and tons of different styles!
Contents list:
- Free patterns
- Easy skirts for beginners
- Maxi and midi skirts
- Wrap skirts
- Pencil skirts
- A-line skirts
- Circle skirts
- Tiered skirts
- Pleated skirts
- Tulle skirts
- Skorts
- Bias cut skirts
- Quick Q&As
Free PDF skirt patterns:
“Annie” Simple Knee-Length A-line Skirt
Download now from Sew This Pattern – FREE
- Sizes: UK 6 – 28. Hip: 34” – 59.5” (86.5 – 151 cm).
- Design: Knee-length, A-line skirt. Facing finish. Invisible zipper closure on the back.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some structure will work well for this skirt. For example, cotton blends, quilting cotton, cotton lawn, chambray, linen, needlecord, or light denim.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. Illustrated instructions are included within the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The skirt is a simple style without too many pattern pieces. Making a simple skirt such as this one is a great way to learn how to sew a zipper and how to attach a facing.
“Elemental” Slim-Fit Knit Pencil Skirt
Download now from Sew House 7 – FREE
- Sizes:
- US 00 – 20. Hip: 34” – 50” (86 – 127 cm).
- US 18 – 34. Hip: 47” – 65” (119 – 165 cm).
- Design: Slim pencil skirt. High-waisted. Elasticated waistband. Two length options: knee or midi length.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with at least 50% horizontal stretch. For example, cotton jersey, modal, Tencel, French terry, and stretch fleece.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included within the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This would be a great pattern for a beginner wanting to advance their skills in sewing knit fabrics. The skirt is a very simple style with an easy-to-fit, elasticated waistband.
“Pirate” Figure Hugging Pencil Skirt
Download now from Patterns for Pirates – FREE
- Sizes: 2XS – 3XL. Hip: 33” – 58” (84 – 147 cm).
- Design: Tight-fitting pencil skirt. Option for mid or high-rise waist. Elasticated waistband. Options for above knee, below knee or midi length. Optional side vent. Waistband, elasticated waist.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with good stretch and recovery. For example, cotton jersey, modal, Tencel, French terry, and stretch Ponte.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included within the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This would be a great pattern for a beginner who wants to advance their skills in sewing with stretch fabrics. The skirt is a very simple style with an elasticated waistband.
Wool Pencil Skirt
Download now from Peppermint Magazine – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8 – 16. Hip: 36” – 42” (91.5 – 106.5 cm).
- Design: Sleek, fitted pencil skirt. Reinforced waistband. Invisible zipper. Calf length. Waist and back darts.
- Fabric: Medium to heavy-weight wool fabric is recommended. Other medium weight woven fabrics with structure could be used, such as suitings, denim, or corduroy
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included within the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern could suit an advanced or adventurous beginner. The style of the skirt is simple but working with heavy-weight fabric can sometimes be difficult and it usually requires more precision when it comes to fitting an invisible zipper. Some previous garment sewing experience would help with this.
“It’s a cinch” High-Waisted Midi-Length Pencil Skirt
Download now from Craft World – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8 – 20. Exact sizing details are not provided with the download.
- Design: Sleek, fitted pencil skirt. Very high, curved waist. Facing finish. Zipper closure. Below the knee length.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as cotton blends, quilting cotton, cotton lawn, chambray, linen, needlecord, or light denim.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes.
- Instructions: No instructions are included with the download, a copy of Love Sewing Magazine Issue 102 needs to be purchased for the full instructions and sizing information.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Since there are no instructions provided with the pattern, a beginner would struggle to put this pattern together.
“Indigo” Bias Cut Midi Skirt
Download now from Mood Fabrics – FREE
- Sizes: US 2 – 30. Hip: 34.5” – 42” (87.5 – 106.5 cm).
- Design: Bias cut midi skirt. Elasticated waistband.
- Fabric: Lightweight woven fabrics with good drape, such as silk, silk charmeuse, or satin.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes. Instructions are included on the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern is better suited for an intermediate sewist. The style lines are simple, but cutting and sewing on the bias can be very tricky, particularly when working with delicate and slippery fabric such as silk.
“Veronika” Full Circle Skirt for Woven and Knit Fabrics
Download now from Megan Nielsen in standard and plus sizes – FREE (with newsletter sign-up)
- Sizes:
- US 0 – 20. Hip: 34” – 48” (86 – 122 cm).
- US 14 – 30. Hip: 42” – 62” (107 – 147cm).
- Design: Full circle skirt. Knee or midi length. Can be sewn from woven or stretch fabrics. Scalloped pockets. Options for wide or narrow waistband. Woven fabric view is finished with an invisible zip. Knit fabric view is finished with an elasticated waistband.
- Fabric: Both woven and knit fabrics can be used for this pattern. Woven fabrics with some structure and drape such as linen, chambray, viscose, or lightweight wool. Knit fabrics with at least 20% stretch, such as cotton, rayon, bamboo or viscose jerseys.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included within the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think a confident beginner would enjoy sewing this pattern. This skirt would be a great way to practice fitting a waistband and sewing a zipper. A stable fabric can be used to make the cutting and sewing process simpler. The stretch version of the skirt is a simple style with an easy-to-fit elasticated waistband, a good way to practice sewing with knits.
“Essential” High-Waisted A-Line Skirt
Download now from Craft World – FREE
- Sizes: Hip: 34 ¾” – 51” (88 – 129 cm).
- Design: High waisted A-line skirt. Waistband. Front slant pockets. Back zipper fastening. Back darts.
- Fabric: Medium to heavy-weight woven fabrics with some structure like cotton blends, quilting cotton, linen, corduroy, needlecord, wool, or light denim.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes. Instructions are included in a separate download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think a complete beginner would struggle with this pattern since the instructions are vague. Technical terms are included within the instructions that a beginner may not yet understand, and some parts of the process are open to interpretation. I think some previous garment sewing experience would definitely be helpful in sewing this pattern.
“Pocket Skirt” with Elasticated waist and Roomy Pockets
Download now from Peppermint Magazine – FREE (Donations encouraged)
- Sizes: Hip: 34” – 57.5” (86 – 146 cm).
- Design: Relaxed fit skirt. Midi length. Elasticated waist. Roomy patch pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some drape, such as cotton blends, cotton lawn, chambray, linen, viscose, rayon, or crepe.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes. Instructions are included in a separate download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This would be a great pattern for a beginner to try. The skirt is a very simple design with an easy-to-sew and fit elasticated waist. The patch pockets are great for practicing topstitching. Use a stable cotton or linen to make the sewing process easier.
“Mellow Yellow” Pleated Knee-Length Skirt
Download now from Craft World – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8 – 20. The exact measurements aren’t given.
- Design: Knee-length skirt. Large box pleats. Waistband. Zipper closure at back.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some structure like quilting cotton, chambray, linen, and needlecord.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes.
- Instructions: No instructions are included with the pattern. A copy of Love Sewing Magazine issue 73 must be purchased for full instructions.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think a complete beginner would struggle with this pattern since there are no instructions included. An advanced sewist with previous experience sewing similar patterns might be able to put the pattern together.
Vintage Style Pleated Midi Skirt
Download now from Peppermint – FREE
- Sizes: A – K. Hip: 24” – 45” (61 – 116 cm).
- Design: Midi-length skirt. Inverted box pleats. Topstitch detail. Waistband. Zipper closure at back. Front slant pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some structure like cotton blends, quilting cotton, chambray, linen, and needlecord. The fabric should be able to hold a crease and a press so that the pleats look sharp.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. Instructions are available as a separate download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced beginner with some previous garment sewing experience could have a go at this pattern. A complete beginner might struggle with the accuracy of sewing the pleats.
Simple Full Circle Skirt
Download now from Gathered – FREE
- Sizes: Instructions are given for how to draft your own pattern based on your body measurements.
- Design: Midi length full circle skirt. Wide waistband. Back zipper closure.
- Fabric: Faux leather is suggested. Other medium-weight woven fabrics could be used, for example, quilting cotton, linen, needlecord, velvet. Lightweight fabrics such as viscose, crepe, or rayon could also be used for a drapier look and feel.
- Format: Self-drafted pattern. Instructions are included within the blog post.
- Note: Depending on the type of fabric you use, topstitching the seams in step 4 of the instructions may not be necessary.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced beginner with some previous garment sewing experience could have a go at this pattern. Once the pattern is drafted, the skirt is fairly simple in construction. Sewing with faux leather can be tricky and cumbersome so if you’re not feeling confident, opt for an easier fabric such as a cotton or a cotton blend.
“Willow” A-line Mini Skirt
Download now from Sew Mag – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8 – 20. Exact body measurements are not given.
- Design: A-line mini skirt. Waistband. Front slash pockets. Back zipper closure.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as cotton blends, quilting cotton, chambray, light denim, linen, and needlecord.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate to advanced sewist. The instructions are vague and don’t include any illustrations or photographs. Some parts of the construction are open to interpretation.
“Sabina” Midi Skirt with Ruffle Hem
Download now from The Little Pomegranate – FREE
- Sizes: UK 6 – 34. Hip: 34.5” – 61” (88 – 154 cm).
- Design: Midi-length gathered skirt. Elasticated waist. Waistband, slash pockets. Optional ruffle at the hem.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some drape like cotton blends, lightweight linen, viscose, silk, or crepe.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a great pattern for a beginner to try. The skirt is a simple style with an easy elasticated waist. This would be a lovely pattern for someone wanting to advance their sewing skills with drapey fabrics such as viscose and rayon.
“Cress” Wrap Skirt with Frill and High-Low Hem
Download now from Mood – FREE
- Sizes: US 2 – 30. Hip: 34.5” – 63” (88 – 160 cm).
- Design: Midi-length wrap skirt. Waist tie. Curved fronts with a high-low hem. Ruffled them.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some drape like lightweight linen, cotton or silk voile, viscose, rayon, or crepe.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes. Instructions are included within the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced beginner could have a go at this pattern but some previous garment sewing experience would be helpful with sewing the frill and curved hemlines. Use a stable fabric such as cotton or linen to make the sewing process easier.
“Simone” Skirt with Pointed “Handkerchief” Hem
Download now from Sew Mag – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8 – 24. Exact body measurements are not included.
- Design: Midi-length skirt. Elasticated waist. Handkerchief hem.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with some structure like Ponte or French terry.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes. Instructions are included within the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Although instructions are included with the pattern, they are vague with no illustrations or photographs included. I think a beginner sewing with knits for the first time would struggle with how to sew and finish the fabric without stretching the knit fabric out.
“Suzy” Slim Fit Midi Skirt with Buttoned Front
Download now from Sew Mag – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8 – 24. Exact body measurements are not included.
- Design: Midi-length fitted pencil skirt. Waistband. Button closure on the front. Front slanted pockets.
- Fabric: Medium to heavy-weight woven fabrics with some structure like denim, linen, needlecord, corduroy, or cotton twill.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Instructions are included with the pattern, but they are vague with no illustrations or photographs included. A more experienced sewist might be able to interpret the instructions based on previous garment sewing experience but a complete beginner would struggle with some of the terminology.
“Chelsea” A-line Skirt with Buttoned Front
Download now from Craft World – FREE
- Sizes: UK 8 – 20. Exact body measurements are not included.
- Design: Above-the-knee skirt. A-line silhouette. Waistband. Buttoned front closure. Side pockets.
- Fabric: Medium to heavy-weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as chambray, denim, linen, needlecord, corduroy, or cotton twill.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes.
- Instructions: Instructions aren’t included with the pattern, they can be found in Love Sewing Magazine Issue 103.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Since there are no instructions included with the download, a complete beginner would struggle to put this skirt together. The download is also confusing as it includes pattern pieces unrelated to the skirt so the correct pieces to print will need to be carefully selected.
Tulle Skirt Refashioned from Net Curtains
Read tutorial now from Gathered – FREE
- Sizes: Instructions are given for how to draft a pattern based on your own body measurements.
- Design: Knee-length skirt. Pleated waist. Waistband. Invisible zip closure. Underskirt.
- Fabric: Old net curtains are recommended for an upcycling projects. Alternatively, you can use tulle or netting.
- Format: The pattern is self-drafted based on your own body measurements. Instructions for how to draft the pattern and how to sew the skirt are included in the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this project would better suit an intermediate to advanced level sewist.A beginner could struggle to sew a full skirt from tulle or netting. Inserting an invisible zipper into difficult fabrics like these can also be challenging.
“Lindy” Fitted Petal Skirt
Download now from Itch to Stitch – FREE
- Sizes: 2XS – XL. Hip: 34” – 48 ¼” (86.5 – 124cm).
- Design: Knit pencil skirt. Elasticated waistband. Overlapping, curved front panels forming a tulip shape.
- Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabric with at least 50% 2 or 4-way stretch. For example, cotton blend jerseys, double knit, French terry, Ponte, or scuba.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a great pattern for a beginner wanting to advance their skills in sewing with knit fabrics. A stable jersey fabric can be used to make the sewing process easier and the elasticated waistband is easy to both sew and fit.
“Thistle” Kilt with Buckle Fastening
Download now from Mood – FREE
- Sizes: US 00 – 32. Hip: 34” – 63.5” (86.5 – 161 cm).
- Design: Pleated kilt style mini skirt. Wide fitted waist yoke. Buckle closure on the side.
- Fabric: Medium to heavy-weight fabrics with some structure like tartan, cotton blends, chambray, denim, linen, needlecord, corduroy, or twill.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes. Instructions are included in the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate to advanced sewist with previous garment sewing experience. A complete beginner would be likely to struggle with this pattern since the skirt is an involved make with paneling details and accurately pleated sections.
Easy skirts for beginners:
“Cleo” Simple Gathered Skirt (+Video)
Buy now from Made by Rae – $16-18
- Sizes: A – N. Hip: 35” – 70” (89 – 178cm).
- Design: Gathered mini or midi skirt. Flat front waistband. Elasticated back waistband. Option for in-seam or slash pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some drape and structure, such as cotton blends, quilting cotton, cotton lawn, chambray, linen, needlecord, or light denim.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. A paper version is available at an additional cost here.
- Instructions: Instructions are included within the download with additional sew-along blog posts available here. A video tutorial is also available to buy separately here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The pattern is written with beginners in mind so the instructions and tutorials are all very clear. The skirt is an easy style to sew with an elasticated waist, making it easy to fit. Use a stable cotton or linen to make the process easier.
Long maxi and midi skirts:
“Niamh” Gathere Skirt with V-Shaped Yoke
Buy now from Sew Over It – £11.50 (approx. $13)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 30. Hip: 34” – 60” (86 – 152cm).
- Design: Floaty midi skirt. Pointed V-shaped yoke. Gathered bottom skirt. Waistband. Zipper fastening. Options for mini, midi, or maxi lengths.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some drape, such as light cotton blends, cotton lawn, light chambray, viscose, rayon, crepe, or Tencel.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. A printed A0 pattern is available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The pattern is aimed at confident beginners. Some experience with inserting zippers would be helpful but it’s not essential. This would be a great pattern for an adventurous beginner to practice and advance their skills in sewing with drapey fabrics.
“Genevieve” Pull-on Gathered Midi Skirt
Buy now from Jalie – $12-16
- Sizes:
- Children: Ages 2 – 13. Hip: 22” – 34.5” (56 – 87cm).
- Women: XS – 2XL. Hip: 36” – 54” (91 – 137cm).
- Design: Floaty gathered skirt. Options for mini or midi length. Elasticated waist. In seam pockets. Optional waist pouch.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some, such as light cotton blends, cotton lawn, light chambray, viscose, rayon, crepe, or Tencel.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. A paper pattern and a PDF + paper pattern bundle are available at an additional cost. Instructions are included with all options.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The style of this skirt is very simple with an easy to fit and sew elasticated waistband. A stable fabric can be used if preferred to make the cutting and sewing process easier.
“S9267” Button-Down A-Line Skirt in Three Lengths
Buy now from Simplicity – $14.67
- Sizes: US 6 – 24. Hip: 32.5” – 48” (83 – 122cm).
- Design: A-line skirt with buttoned front. Mini, midi and maxi length options. Soft pleats on the front and the back. Slash pockets. Waistband.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some structure like cotton blends, chambray, needlecord, light denim, or drapier fabrics like viscose, rayon, crepe, or Tencel.
- Format: Paper pattern in two size groups: 6-14 and 16-24. An instruction booklet is included in the pattern envelope.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced or confident beginner could have a go at this pattern. Some experience sewing buttonholes and pleats would be an advantage since there are a lot of buttonholes to sew in this pattern. Using a stable fabric will make the sewing process easier.
Wrap skirts:
“Frankie” Wrap Skirt with Ruffle (+Video)
Download now from Made Label – FREE
- Sizes: AUS 4 – 16. Hip: 34” – 46” (87 – 117 cm).
- Design: Midi-length wrap skirt with tie waist detail. High low hem. Ruffle detail on the edge of the skirt.
- Fabric: Lightweight woven fabric with drape like viscose, rayon, crepe, silk, and voile.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes.
- Instructions: Yes, instructions are included in the digital download. There’s also a video tutorial on how to make the skirt available here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This would be a good pattern for a beginner since there are no fastenings, but the ruffle could be a little fiddly.
Sew Over It Simple Wrap Skirt
Download now from Craft World – FREE when you register for an account.
- Sizes: UK 6 – 30. Hip: 34” – 60” (86 – 152 cm).
- Design: Simple wrap skirt with tie detail at the waistband. Knee and midi length options.
- Fabric: Lightweight woven fabric with drape like viscose, rayon, crepe, silk, voile, cotton, cotton lawn or linen.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. Fully illustrated instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The style of the skirt is simple and there are no tricky fastenings to sew. Using a cotton or cotton lawn would make the process easier.
Pencil skirts:
“Ultimate” Classic Pencil Skirt
Buy now from Sew Over It – £11.50 (approx. $13)
- Sizes: UK 8 – 20. Hip: 36” – 48” (91.5 – 122 cm).
- Design: High-waisted midi-length pencil skirt. Waist and back darts. Concealed zip fastening. Facing finish. Kick pleat.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics with some structure like cotton blends, chambray, needlecord, light denim, and wool.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. A printed A0 pattern is available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The pattern is aimed at confident beginners. The skirt is a simple style but some experience sewing in zippers could be helpful for such a fitted skirt. Other than that, this skirt would be a great pattern to practice your garment sewing techniques with.
“M8149” Faux Leather Pencil Skirt with Mock Fly
Buy now from Something Delightful – $4.99
- Sizes: US 8 – 32W. Hip: 33.5” – 56” (85 – 142 cm).
- Design: High-waisted pencil skirt. Waistband. Mock fly. Button closure. Vent and slit options. Optional exposed zipper on the center front. Back yoke detail. Optional patch pockets. Optional belt loops.
- Fabric: Medium to heavy-weight woven fabrics with some structure like faux leather, denim, cotton twill, needlecord, corduroy, or velvet.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes. Paper pattern also available here. Instructions are included with both versions.
- Suitable for beginners? No. There are a lot of technical details involved in this skirt such as the mock fly and creating the back yoke and panels. I think this pattern would suit an intermediate to advanced sewist with some experience sewing with heavyweight fabrics and denim.
A-line skirts:
“Ginger” High-Waisted A-line Skirt with Shaped Waistband
Buy now from Seamwork – $16
- Sizes: US 0 – 18. Hip: 35” – 48” (89 – 122 cm).
- Design: Simple high waisted A-line skirt. Optional shaped waistbands. Optional bias-cut version paired with striped fabric to create a chevron pattern. Zipper fastening.
- Fabric: Medium weight woven fabrics with some structure, such as cotton blends, chambray, needlecord, light denim, or wool.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This skirt is simple in style and can be adapted for an easier or more challenging sew. Some experience sewing zippers could be helpful but this would make a great pattern for a beginner wanting to practice and advance their dressmaking skills.
Circle skirts:
Full Circle Skirt with Different Zipper Closures
Buy now from Sew Over It – £11.50 (approx. $13)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 30. Hip: 34” – 60” (86 – 152 cm).
- Design: Swishy full-circle skirt. Knee length. Waistband. Options for centered, invisible, or lapped zipper insertions.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some drape like cotton lawn, chambray, needlecord, light denim, or wool. Viscose, rayon, or crepe can be used for a more floaty skirt.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. A printed A0 pattern is available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a good pattern for a confident beginner with some sewing experience. The skirt is a simple design and would be a great way to practice sewing different types of zipper fastenings. Circle skirts can sometimes be difficult to hem so some sewing experience would be helpful.
Tiered skirts:
“M8150” Flared Tiered Skirt with Length Options
Buy now from Something Delightful – $4.99
- Sizes: US 6 – 24. Hip: 32.5” – 48” (83 – 122 cm).
- Design: Floaty, tiered skirt. Two length options: midi or maxi. Optional hem ruffle detail. Elasticated waistband.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some drape, like cotton lawn, cotton voile, taffeta, viscose, rayon, or crepe.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes. A paper version is also available here. Instructions are included with all options.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate to advanced sewist. Although the skirt has a simple, elasticated style, gathering all of the tiers and attaching them accurately would be very tricky for a beginner without previous garment sewing experience.
“Mave” Gently Ruffled Tiered Maxi Skirt
Buy now from True Bias in standard and plus sizing – $16-20
- Sizes:
- US 0-18. Hip: 34” – 46.5” (86 – 118 cm).
- US 14 – 30. Hip: 43.5” – 59.5” (110 – 151 cm).
- Design: Elastic waist tiered skirt with a drawstring, pockets, and the option to include a lining. The ruffles are optional.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight fabrics with drape, such as challis, crepe, satin, georgette, or chiffon.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included. A paper version is also available at an additional cost.
- Instructions: Instructions are included with the pattern. There’s also a multi-part sew-along on the True Bias blog.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This is a good pattern for practicing gathering, and the elasticated waist makes it easy to sew and easy to fit.
Pleated skirts:
“Lizzie” Pleated Knee-Length Skirt
Buy now from Sew Over It – £11.50 (approx. $13)
- Sizes: UK 8 – 20. Hip: 36” – 48” (91.5 – 122 cm).
- Design: Pleated knee-length skirt. Waistband. Concealed zipper closure. In seam pockets. Fully lined.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some crispness to hold the pleats. For example, cotton twill, cotton lawn, chambray, denim, and linen.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. A printed A0 pattern is available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate to advanced sewist. The pleating detail in this skirt will require accuracy and precision, and attaching the lining could be tricky to sew around the concealed zipper. Some previous garment sewing experience would definitely be an advantage for making this skirt.
Tulle skirts:
“S8328” Tulle skirt with length and style options
Buy now from Simplicity – $14.67
- Sizes: US 4 – 20. Hip: 31.5” – 44” (80 – 112 cm).
- Design: Floaty tulle skirt. Waistband. Concealed zipper. Options for mini or maxi length. Matching top patterns are included for full occasion outfits.
- Fabric: Lightweight tulle or netting. You can also use other light to medium-weight fabrics with structure and drape, such as taffeta, crepe, satin, jacquard, dupioni, or lace.
- Format: Paper pattern. An instruction booklet is available with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate to advanced sewist. Tulle and netting can be very tricky to work with and inserting an invisible zipper into the skirt would be challenging for a beginner.
Skorts:
“Loulouxe” Sporty Short Skort
Buy now from Jalie – $12-16
- Sizes:
- Children: Ages 2 – 13. Hip: 22” – 34.5” (56 – 87 cm).
- Women: US 4-22. Hip: 36” – 53” (91 – 135 cm).
- Design: Sporty skirt with attached shorts. Low-cut waistband. Back flounce. Panel detail. Shorts with lined inseam. Optional pockets. Enclosed seams.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with 60% stretch. For example, French terry, scuba, sport knits, or cotton/viscose/bamboo jersey.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. A paper pattern or a PDF + paper pattern bundle are available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate to advanced sewist. The skort is a quite involved project as there are both shorts and skirt panels to sew. Sewing the enclosed seams could be difficult for a beginner using a stretch fabric. I think this pattern would better suit someone with previous experience sewing with stretch fabrics.
Bias Cut Skirts
“Evie” Bias Cut Mid-Calf Skirt
Buy now from Tessuti AUD $15-25 (approx. $10-16)
- Sizes: AU 6 – 18. Hip: 36” – 48” (91 – 121 cm).
- Design: Bias-cut flared skirt with the option to add a bound waist with a zipper, or an elastic waist. A variety of hem options are included for different fabric types.
- Fabric: Drapey woven fabrics of all weights, such as satin, crepe, viscose, wool, and linen.
- Format: Digital PDF download in print-at-home digital A4 and US letter sizes, A0 copyshop size. A limited run of paper patterns are also available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This pattern is suitable for advanced beginners. The elastic-waist option would be a perfect first project for bias cut patterns, while the zip waist option is a great way to level up your sewing. Bias-cut fabric can be tricky to cut and to sew, so some prior experience would be very helpful.
Quick Q&A’s:
What is the easiest type of skirt to make?
The easiest type of skirt to make is a gathered skirt with an elastic waist. You can make this style of skirt without a pattern simply by measuring your waistline and cutting a rectangle of fabric 2 –2.5 times in width and in your length of choice.
For more fitted styles, a simple A-line skirt finished with a facing and a back zipper is a quick and easy style to sew, although it requires a little more experience than a gathere skirt owing to the facings and zippers involved.
How much fabric for a skirt?
The amount of fabric you’ll need depends on the length and volume of the style you choose. While a fitted mini skirt can be made from 1-1.5 yards of fabric; a tiered, gathered, maxi skirt can use up to 3 yards of fabric.
What to read next:
- 24 Wrap Skirt Sewing Patterns
- 28 Types of Fabric for Dresses
- 19 Best Sewing Patterns & Projects for Silk / Satin Fabric
- 25 Slip Dress Sewing Patterns
- 36 Sewing Patterns for Wrap Dresses
- 23 Summer Dress Sewing Patterns
This article was written by Sally Gauntlett, and edited by Nisan Aktürk.
Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…