How to DIY a Cute and Easy Plaid Skirt for Fall

The DIY Designer
by The DIY Designer
11 Materials
$20
1 Hour
Easy

Hey there! This tutorial will show you how to create a stylish, layered plaid DIY skirt, with no pattern required.


This is going to be a straightforward sewing project that's perfect for any season. So, let's get started!

Tools and materials:

  • 1½ yards of fabric
  • Sewing elastic
  • Sewing machine
  • Sewing pins
  • Scissors
  • Iron
  • Safety pin
  • Measuring tape
  • Chalk or fabric marker
  • Ruler
  • Bleach (optional)
Choosing fabric

1. Choose your fabric

For this project, I'm using a reversible 100% cotton fabric with a plaid pattern. 


I used a rectangle of fabric measuring 46 x 56 inches, but you can customize the measurement to your liking. 

Cutting fabric

2. Cut the fabric

Start by cutting a 4-inch strip of fabric to use later for a waistband.

Cutting fabric

Fold your fabric in half to find the center, or fold it off-center if you want the front of your skirt to be shorter than the back.


Then fold it in half again, creating a square shape.

Radius

Before you cut the waist from your square, follow the math in the above image to get the radius of the hole you need to cut.

Marking fabric

Mark and cut that radius from the folded corner of your fabric.

Making waistband

3. Make the waistband

Measure the opening of your skirt and cut that length plus a half-inch for seam allowance from your 4-inch waistband strip.

Making waistband

Optionally, you could just use wide sewing elastic for your waistband.

Sewing elastic waistband

4. Sew the elastic waistband (option 1)

Sew the elastic ends together to form a closed loop.

Sewing elastic waistband

Pin the elastic to your skirt waistband.

Sewing elastic waistband

Sew the elastic to the skirt, stretching it as you go to create even gathers.

Sewing elastic waistband

Add a topstitch around the waistband for a clean finish.

Adding extra fabric

5. Add extra fabric for a stylish touch (option 1 - optional)

If you cut off a waistband piece earlier, like I did, you can reattach it to the skirt.


Fold the fabric strip in half and iron it to create a clean edge.

Adding extra fabric

Pin it to the bottom edge of the skirt, sandwiching the fabric between the layers of the band.

Adding extra fabric

Sew it in place, creating a cool, textured trim.

Sewing fabric waistband

6. Sew the fabric waistband (option 2)

Fold your waistband in half, creating a loop with the right sides facing each other. 


Pin the waistband to the top of the skirt, matching the edges.

Sewing fabric waistband

Sew the waistband to the skirt.


Take the raw edge of the waistband and fold and pin it back into the seam allowance, creating a casing.


Sew the casing to the skirt, leaving an opening for the elastic.

Sewing fabric waistband

Feed the elastic through the waistband using a safety pin, connect the ends of the elastic and sew them together. 


Close the opening in the waistband, securing the elastic inside.

Transforming into mini skater skirt

7. Transform into a mini skater skirt (optional)

To transform your skirt into a skater style, measure and mark your desired length.


Cut the fabric at these marks.


Wash the skirt to encourage fraying along the cut edges.

Adding grunge twist

8: Add a grunge twist (optional)

If you want a grungier look, consider bleaching your skirt in random but intentional spots.


Allow the fabric to fray naturally for added effect.

DIY plaid skirts for fall

DIY plaid skirts for fall

And there you have it! Two stylish skirt options to add to your wardrobe.


Whether you choose the layered plaid skirt or the grunge-inspired skater skirt, this versatile DIY skirt project allows you to express your personal style.


Enjoy wearing your unique creation, and leave a comment to let me know which style you chose to make!


Next, learn How to DIY Free People-inspired Glitter Cargo Pants.

Suggested materials:
  • 1½ yards of fabric
  • Sewing elastic
  • Sewing machine
See all materials

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