Easy Women’s Skirt Sewing Tutorial
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This sweet and simple women’s skirt is the perfect fast addition to your spring/summer wardrobe. Make several in one sitting in mix and match colors.
Skirts are the perfect clothing item for spring and summer. This stretch skirt features simple lines and is easy to sew and comfortable to wear.
Previously I published a free pattern for a girl’s skirt, but the women’s version differs in fit from the children’s skirt. The children’s skirt is gathered and has lots of volume, but the women’s version fits snugly around the hips to show off your curves rather than hide them!
Normally when I sew, I choose my fabric and then match the notions to it, but this time I started with this gorgeous 2″ wide teal elastic I had in my stash. I went to the local fabric store and found a perfect medium-weight knit that included the same teal colour.
The floral print is perfect for summer. While I used a knit fabric, you can also use a woven fabric that has lots of stretch.
I paired the skirt with a self-drafted top and a quilted leather clutch (free pattern available here!). While I’m a lot more comfortable taking pictures rather than being in them, I love the way this skirt makes me look, and feel and I’m excited to share with you this free pattern.
YOU WILL NEED:
The skirt has negative ease (it is smaller than your hip measurement) so it needs to have at least 30% stretch. I used a textured medium weight knit. Ponte knit, interlock, or stretch french terry will also work. You can also use very stretchy denim, twill, or corduroy (with high amount of lycra/spandex) but you don’t want anything too heavy.
- 1 yard of medium weight fabric.
- 2″ – 3″ wide elastic
- Sewing Essentials (scissors, pins, etc.)
- Did you know that this skirt also comes in child’s size? You can find the instructions to make one for your little girl here.
Easy Women’s Skirt Sewing Tutorial
Measure and Cut Your Fabric
Choose your size based on your hip measurement. Measure at the widest part of your hip. If your waist is larger than your hip, use this measurement instead. For reference, I am wearing a size L. The skirt is designed to fall just above the knee on a 5’8″ woman. You can adjust the length by changing the ‘height’ measurement in the chart if you are shorter/taller or just prefer a different length. I do not suggest going too long, however, because you will not be able to walk without adding a slit of some kind!
Sew the Side Seams of Your Easy Women’s Skirt
All seam allowances are 1/2″.
Pin your rectangles together at the side seams, right sides together. Be very careful to match up the stripes. I put pins every 2″ or so to ensure nothing slips around while stitching. Stitch the side seams and finish the raw edge with a serger or zigzag stitch.
Step 1 – Sew the Elastic Waistband for Your Easy Women’s Skirt
Create the waistband by sewing the two raw edges of the elastic together, right sides facing. Carefully press the seam allowance open, and sew along the raw edges as shown.
Step 2 – Gather the Skirt Top
Finish the raw edge at the top of the skirt with a serger or zigzag stitch (not shown). Sew two rows of basting (long) stitches across the top. These will gather the top of the skirt to fit the waist.
I like to do the front and the back separately because this reduces the chance of the threads snapping. Gather the top of the skirt to fit the waistband by pulling on the bobbin threads.
Step 3 – Pin the Waistband
Pin the waistband carefully in place. It will be very obvious with stripes if your waistband is not on straight, so use lots of pins and ensure it is even.
Step 4 – Attach the Waistband with a Stretch Stitch
Stitch the skirt to the elastic waistband close to the bottom edge of the elastic.
You need to use a stretch stitch to attach the waistband. This can be a regular zigzag or a lightning bolt stitch like I used. Remove gathering stitches.
Step 5 – Hem the Skirt to Complete Your Easy Women’s Skirt
Finish the raw bottom edge with a serger or zigzag stitch. Fold and press the bottom hem up 2″. You can topstitch the hem in place or use a blind hem, by hand or machine.
Fun Sewing Projects for Summer!:
- Free Shorts Pattern for Toddlers
- Baby Knit Sundress Tutorial
- Girl’s Skirt Pattern
- How to Make a Towel Wrap Tutorial
More Projects for Women!
- Convert Prom Dress to Skirt Tutorial
- Half Circle Skirt Pattern for Women
- Ladies’ Kimono Robe Tutorial
- Braided Fleece Ear Warmer
- All of the Skirt Patterns on Fleece Fun
Other Projects You’ll Love!
- Women’s Fleece Vest Pattern
- Fall Cape for Girls
- Shorts Pattern for Kids (Sizes 5–14)
- How to Make Kids’ Shorts (Free Pattern)
- All of Fleece Fun’s Adult Patterns
