How to DIY a Cute Maxi Skirt + 8 Ways to Style It

Tools and materials:

• 2.5 yards (200 cm) viscose or similar fabric
• Tailor's chalk
• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Scissors
• Large knitting needle
• Sewing machine

1. Fold the material

Fold your material in half lengthways and then widthways.

Lay it out with the folded edge on your left and the open edges facing away from you.

Pick up the corner nearest to your right hand and fold it towards the diagonally opposite corner, aligning the open and folded edges.

Turn the fabric clockwise so the corner is directly opposite you.

2. Cut out the skirt

Mark a curve with a radius of 12 inches (30 cm) from the corner on your left.

Draw a second curve with a radius of 29 inches (73 cm) from the same corner.

Cut along both lines. Also cut off the strip of fabric below the second curve.

Open out the main skirt piece and cut a curve into one side edge, starting 8 inches (20 cm) from the top edge.

Fold the skirt in half and cut the second side edge to match.

3. Create the ruffle

Cut two rectangles of fabric each 59 inches (150 cm) wide by 20 inches (50 cm) long and join the short edges together.

Turn up and sew a narrow double hem on the lower edge.

Sew two rows of gathering stitches along the top edge, leaving long ends.

Pull on the ends to gather the top edge to fit the lower edge of the skirt. Adjust the gathers evenly.

Sew the ruffle to the bottom of the skirt, with the right sides facing.

4. Make the waistband and tie belt

Fold the skirt in half lengthways and mark the center of the top edge with a notch.

Cut a strip of fabric 59 inches (150 cm) wide and 3 inches (8 cm) long, or use the strip you cut off earlier, and mark the center on the top and bottom edges.

Place the wrong side of the skirt over the right side of the strip.

Pin the top edge of the strip to the top edge of the skirt along the width of the skirt, matching the center notches. 

Sew the waistband to the skirt on the inside.

Fold the free strip at each side of the skirt in half, with the right sides together. 

Sew the long edge and the outer short edge of the tie belt, stitching the short edge on the diagonal. Trim the excess from the short edge.

Use a knitting needle to push the short edge inside the belt and out through the opening where the belt meets the skirt, to turn the tie right side out. 

Repeat for the tie on the other side.

Fold the free edge of the waistband to the outside, turn under a narrow hem, and top stitch in place.

8 ways you can wear your DIY maxi skirt

Wrap it around your waist from behind or in front and tie the belt at the side or the back, for two different skirt looks.

Put the waistband over one shoulder, wrap the fabric around you and tie around your waist.

Place the top of the skirt above your bust, wrap the ties behind you and tie them in front, below your bust.

Hold the skirt behind you, bring the waistband forward under your arms, wrap the fabric around you and cross the ties behind your neck, for a halter neck.

Wear it as a loose vest by bringing the ties under your arms and tying them at the back of your neck.

From the previous style, wrap the fabric around you and use a wide belt to fasten it.

Wrap the skirt over your bust from the front, cross the ties behind your back and tie them above your bust, to one side.

You can add a wide belt to many of these styles, for even more different looks.

DIY maxi skirt

This is such a versatile design, I’d love to see how you wear it and what fabrics you make it in. Leave a comment below and let me know.

Follow me on TikTok:  @tugbaisler and check out my post on  How to DIY a Cute Twist Hair Band.