Simple Skirt Pattern - Easiest Skirt to Make

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stitch the gap in the casing 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 - 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.

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.