• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
TREASURIE
  • FREE PATTERNS
  • Sewing
    • Techniques
    • How to Sew
    • Embroidery
    • Quilting
    • Face Mask
    • Fashion Types
    • Fabric Care
    • Fabric Types
    • Sewing Tools
  • Crochet
  • Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Tie Dye
    • Paper Crafts
    • Paper Mache
    • Cricut
    • Christmas
  • SHOP
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Sewing
  • Patterns
  • Crochet
  • Crafts
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • Sewing
  • Patterns
  • Crochet
  • Crafts
  • Shop
×

Home » Free Patterns

Simple Skirt Pattern - Easiest Skirt to Make

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Print

This simple skirt pattern is incredibly easy to make in an hour or so. With a simple elastic waist, you can use your measurements to make a custom skirt in your desired length. Use your favorite fabric print or color to make something truly unique and embellish with lace, ric-rac or pompoms. You can use the formula in this tutorial to make a skirt for yourself or your kids. It is that simple!

Simple Skirt Pattern
Simple Skirt Pattern

Simple Skirt Pattern

Supplies

For this simple skirt pattern, you will need fabric, elastic and your basic sewing supplies and sewing machine.

Fabrics

The best fabric to make skirts in is a soft fabric with some drape. Fabrics with drape don't add bulk and flatter and hang well. (Read - What is fabric drape)

Suggested fabrics include:

  • Cotton or cotton blends (suggestions include quilting cotton, chambray, seersucker, cotton voile or light denim)
  • Linen
  • Rayon

Elastic

You will also need ¾ inch (2cm) elastic for the waist.

There are many different types of elastic but the best to use for skirts is either woven or knitted. These elastics don't narrow when stretched. Look for non-twist elastic to make your skirt more comfortable.

More Skirt Patterns & Articles

  • Slip Skirt Pattern
    Half Slip Pattern
  • Baby Skirt
    Baby Skirts
  • skirt pattern free
    Girls Skirt Pattern
  • free tutu skirt pattern
    Girls Tutu Pattern
  • Types of Skirts - 21 Types of skirts with examples and descriptions
  • Skirt Lengths - Learn the names of all the skirt lengths
  • Baby Skirt Pattern - Make a baby skirt in any size with this easy tutorial
  • Slip Skirt Pattern - Make a half-slip for ladies
  • How to Make a Tutu Skirt - Tulle tutu skirt pattern for girls
  • Girls Skirt Pattern - Rabbit applique skirt for girls
  • Simple Skirt Pattern

Simple Skirt Pattern Instructions

Measuring

Start by measuring your hips and waist. If you are new to measuring yourself, read my article on how to take sewing measurements. A soft fabric tape measure is best to get accurate results. Cheap plastic tape measures can stretch out and provide inaccurate results.

Measuring for a Simple Skirt Pattern
Measuring for a Simple Skirt Pattern

Taking Waist Measurements

Sometimes it is more comfortable to wear a skirt a little lower than the actual waist so just measure where you intend to wear it. I like to wear skirts around 1 inch (2.5cm) below my belly button.

Taking Length Measurements

Also measure from your waist to where you would like the skirt to end. The easiest way to do this is to hold the tape measure at your waist and let it drop down to where you would like the skirt hem to stop. You could also grab a skirt from your cupboard and compare the length of that.

Here are some suggested skirt lengths. I like to wear skirts just on the knee which is around 22 inches for me.

Lengths for a Simple Skirt Pattern
Lengths for a Simple Skirt Pattern

Making the Pattern

You will be cutting 2 rectangles for your simple skirt pattern.

  • Width = (Hip/2 x Volume factor)
    • For a regular skirt, use a volume of 1.5
    • For a wide skirt, use a volume of 2
    • For an extra-wide skirt, use a volume of 3
    • Keep in mind the width of the fabric you purchase as that may determine how much volume you can add to the skirt.
    • I usually use a volume of 1.5 to 2 simply because it fits better into most fabric widths.
    • The sample chambray skirt photo has a volume factor of 2.
  • Length = Desired length + 2.5 inches
    • The 2.5 inches (6cm) is added to allow for the elastic casing and the hem that we will create.

Example of Simple Skirt Pattern:

If you have a hip of 40 inches and desire a skirt to go to the knee with a total length of 22 inches. For a medium amount of volume, we will use a factor or 2.

Cut 2 rectangles width (40/2 x 2)=40 inches and length 24.5 inches

Optional - Add Inseam Pockets

It is actually possible to add easy inseam pockets into the sides of this skirt. Here is my tutorial on how to add inseam pockets to any side seam. I quite like a pop of color but you can make yours matching the outside fabric for an invisible finish.

Simple Skirt Pattern with Inseam Pockets
Simple Skirt Pattern with Inseam Pockets

Sewing the Simple Skirt Pattern

Step 1 - Pre-Wash

First, pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinkage or color bleeding later on. This can be time-consuming but is always worth it when you are tackling any sewing project.

Step 2 - Side Seams

Put the rectangles with right sides together and stitch the side seams with a ½ inch (12mm) seam allowance. Use a seam finish on the sides. The easiest to use if you don't have a serger is a simple zig-zag stitch.

Simple Skirt Pattern - Side Seams
Simple Skirt Pattern - Side Seams

Step 3 - Casing

On the top of the skirt, press the raw edge over by ½ inch (12mm). Press it over again by 1 inch (2.5cm) to create a casing. If you have a fabric clothing label, insert it just under the casing fold at the back of the skirt.

Stitch all the way around the casing, leaving a 1 inch gap (2.5cm) on one of the sides.

Simple Skirt Pattern - Casing
Simple Skirt Pattern - Casing

Step 4 - Elastic

Cut the elastic the same length as your waist plus 1 inch (2.5cm) for the overlap. Attach a large safety pin to one end and thread it through the casing. Pin the ends of the elastic together and try the skirt on for comfort. Cut a little extra off the elastic if you need to.

Overlap the ends of the elastic by 1 inch (2.5cm) and stitch. By stitching 2 rows you will get a nice flat join for your elastic.

Push the elastic back inside the casing.

Simple Skirt Pattern - Overlap Elastic
Simple Skirt Pattern - Overlap Elastic

Stitch the gap in the casing closed.

Simple Skirt Pattern - Stitch Gap Closed
Simple Skirt Pattern - Stitch Gap Closed

Step 5 - Hem

For the bottom hem, press the raw edge up by ½ inch (12mm). Press it up by ¾ inch again. Stitch around the hem.

Simple Skirt Pattern - Hem
Simple Skirt Pattern - Hem

Simple Skirt Pattern - In Conclusion

Now you have made one of these skirts you will want a whole wardrobe full! Simple skirt patterns are easy and flattering and best of all take very little time. This should be one of your "go to" patterns for new and exciting fabrics that you find.

Simple Skirt Pattern

Now decorate the skirt with lace, pom-pom trim or even some applique or pockets. Use your imagination!

  • sewing ric rac
    Ric-Rac Trim
  • How to Sew Lace Trim
    Lace Trim
  • how to reverse applique
    Applique
  • How to Sew Lace
  • Sewing Pom Pom Trim
  • Sewing Ric Rac
  • Applique
  • How to Sew a Pocket

Premium Skirt Patterns

If you don't feel like making your own simple skirt pattern, then I have lots to choose from in the Treasurie pattern shop. These patterns come in multiple sizes and are instantly downloadable. Here are just a few choices.

Simple Skirt Pattern
(1) High Waist Skirt Pattern (2) Woven Straight Skirt Pattern (3) Stretch Straight Skirt Pattern (4) Girls Skirt Pattern (5) Asymmetrical Skirt Pattern (6) Stretch Flared Skirt Pattern
Rate this post

More Free Sewing Patterns & Tutorials

  • How to Make a Headband
    How to Make a Headband (Free Sewing Pattern) 3 STYLES
  • Headband Sewing Patterns
    35+ FREE Headband Sewing Patterns - Best DIY Headband Patterns
  • DIY Plastic Bag Holder
    DIY Plastic Bag Holder Pattern - 10 Minute Easy Project
  • How to Make a Patchwork Cushion Tutorial
    How to Make a Patchwork Cushion The Easy Way

Bestselling Sewing Patterns

  • Girls Dress Pattern
  • Dress Pattern
  • Bodysuit Pattern
  • Skirt Pattern
  • Bloomers Pattern
  • Hat Pattern
  • Girls Dress Pattern
  • Dress Pattern
  • Bodysuit Pattern
  • Skirt Pattern
  • Bloomers Pattern
  • Hat Pattern

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Pattern Shop

Newsletter

loader

Popular

  • Face Mask Pattern 
  • How to Make Cushion Covers 
  • Burp Cloth Pattern – 3 Styles
  • How to Make a Scrunchie {2 sizes}
  • How to Make a Pillowcase
  • 6 Best Seam Finishes for Fabric
  • How to Gather
  • How to Make Curtains
  • How to Make a Quilt
  • How to Tie Dye
  • Sewing Machine Brands
  • How to Make a Scrunchie
  • How to Sew a Rip
  • How to Make Tassels
  • Types of Skirts
  • Sewing Projects for Beginners
  • Fabric Names

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy/Copyright
  • Sewing Pattern Shop
  • Printing Help
  • Disclaimers/Affiliate/Advertising
  • Site Map

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Popular

  • How to Sew
  • How to Embroider
  • How to Crochet
  • Fashion Styles
  • How to Macrame
  • How to Knit
  • How to Tie Dye

Copyright © 2022 Treasurie. All rights reserved.