Easy Drawstring Skirt Pattern Tutorial

Tools and materials:

• 30 inch (75 cm) wide stretch fabric
• 2 inch (5 cm) wide elastic
• Safety pin or kirby grip
• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine

1. Skirt sewing pattern

Trim your fabric to 29 inches (74 cm) wide by 36 inches (90 cm) long.

Fold it in half widthways with the folded edge towards you.

Measure and mark 20 inches (50 cm) from one side edge along the open edges furthest away from you and the folded edge.

Cut a strip 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide from the other side edge down to the mark on each side. This will form the slit below the drawstring.

Cut along the folded edge to separate the two pieces.

2. Make the drawstring channels

Sew one side seam down to the slit, taking a 1.2 inch (3 cm) seam allowance.

Open the seam and sew the raw edges to the skirt on the inside, creating two channels.

Turn in the edges of the slit by 1.2 inches (3 cm) to match the side seam and sew them in place.

3. Make the drawstrings

Cut two strips of fabric 24 inches (60 cm) long by 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide.

Turn in the long edges and fold the strip in half lengthways with the wrong sides facing. Sew the long edges together.

Open the skirt out flat. Use a safety pin or kirby grip to thread the drawstrings through the channels from the slit to the top edge.

Pin the drawstrings in place at the waist.

Join the other side seam and make the channels and drawstrings in the same way.

4. Waistband

Cut a strip of fabric for the waistband 32 inches (81 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide.

Cut a length of elastic long enough to fit around your waist comfortably with an overlap.

Sew the ends of the drawstrings in place at the waist edge.

Join the short ends of the waistband together.

Fold the waistband in half lengthways with the wrong side inside. 

Sew it to the right side of the waist edge, matching the waistband seam to one of the side seams.

Leave a small section unstitched to insert the elastic.

Use a large safety pin to thread the elastic through the waistband.

Overlap the ends and sew them together securely.

Sew the opening closed.

Turn up a narrow double hem at the lower edge of the skirt.

Drawstring skirt pattern

You can make this skirt as modest or as daring as you feel comfortable with.

Make the slits smaller and start the drawstring channels lower down for a more modest look, or pull the drawstrings up high on your thighs. It’s entirely up to you!

The skirt shape is flattering to most body types and the elasticated waist is comfortable to wear, so go ahead and make yourself one today.

Do you like it? Let me know if you’re going to make it or ask me any questions in the comments below.

And for more great sewing tips, follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tugbaisler