Easy DIY Drawstring Skirt Pattern

If you like to sew or are willing to learn, you can reproduce your favorite athletic items and make dupes in your fabric choice with my easy and free pattern!

Sports skirts are very popular at stores such as Athleta and Lululemon. They are equal parts comfort, style, and flattering for all body types. They cover up just enough and allow for lots of summer fun and movement.

Below are two more skirt posts on my site with tutorials and sewing pattern inspiration.

Click Here or Click Here

First, you’ll need to take measurements to determine how much fabric to buy. With a tape measure close to your body, take the measurements for your lower waist (one inch below your natural waist) and your hips. Write them down.

Most skirts take under 2 yards of fabric. For example, a mini skirt takes approximately ½ yard; a knee-length skirt will use about 1-yard. A midi takes 1½ yards, and a long skirt takes up to 2 yards of fabric. Of course, all of these measurements will vary slightly depending on the style and size of your pattern.

For your sports skirt, it may help you to draw your skirt and add in your measurements, to calculate how much fabric the skirt requires.

Use the drawing below as a guide, but customize it to your size and preferences. You can adjust the skirt’s length or add fullness in the width if this skirt is too straight for you.

Pull out your favorite skirts for the best fit and style for your taste. Measure their length or width to compare and guide you.

If you’d prefer, you can also buy a commercial pattern. Below are sporty drawstring skirts, shorts, and pant options available on Amazon.

These printed sewing patterns are typically easy to follow and contain multiple sizes within one pattern. Be sure to read the details before purchasing.

When you have completed your pattern drawing or purchased your pattern, it’s time to get your supplies and find your fabric.

Bring the yardage estimate with you to the store or as you shop online. Ask your local fabric store employees if you are unsure how much to buy. They are always ready to help with yardage questions.

See below for a list of basic materials and ideas on where to purchase them. Affiliate links are underlined.

Fabric for Skirt, see buying ideas below

freespiritfabrics.com

SR Harris Minnesota-based

1 Prewash Fabric

2 Make or Buy your Pattern

I really like this pattern paper I found on Amazon (affiliate link). It’s similar to the weight of a commercial sewing pattern. You can write on it and see through it if you want to trace anything. but it’s very reasonably priced.

Measure and cut out your pattern pieces. Refer to your original drawing and measurements; however, you can undoubtedly skip making a pattern. An alternative method would be using a removable fabric pen and drawing directly on the fabric with a straight edge.

3 Lay out the Pattern and Cut the Fabric

Draw out the pieces on the fabric if you are not using pattern paper. Pay close attention to the grain of the fabric and ensure the pattern pieces are positioned correctly. If you are using a patterned fabric, be extra careful.

Make the markings where you want them on the different pieces before cutting them out.

The Waistband and Side Seams

1 The Skirt Side Seams and Waistband

Next, with the right sides together, sew the two waistband pieces together at both ends. Press seams open. Then, sew the waistband to the skirt. Again, iron the seams open. This opens up the seams and gives the skirt a nice finished look.

2 Finishing the Waist

Fold the waistband in half lengthwise to the inside/unfinished side of the skirt, and press to create a crease line to help guide you later.

Unfold and finish the edges at the waistband’s top and the skirt’s bottom with a serger or a zig-zag stitch. Knits do not fray like woven fabrics, so this finishing step is optional.

Next, fold up and press the hem. You can also wait until the skirt is finished, so you can try it on and be sure to get the length correct!

3 Opening Slots for the Drawstring

4 Preparing the Elastic

Open the waistband up, and position the elastic circle within the waistband casing. Using a vertical stitch, tack the elastic to one of the side seams of the waistband below the fold crease line. Stitch and backstitch once or twice to reinforce. The rest of the elastic will float loosely in the waistband casing.

5 Closing up the Waistband

Pin all the way around the waistband. Stitch the waistband closed. Ease in the elastic, and most importantly, keep it free of your stitches. Sew from the outside, so you can make sure the stitch line is in the perfect spot.

6 The Skirts Hem

Finishing with the Drawstring

Thread your drawstring through the waistband buttonhole openings. You are finished!

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining six of my Wisconsin high school buds for a girls’ weekend of fun, laughter, and catching up.

All photos were taken in beautiful Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This charming historic town is close to Beaver Lake, where our consummate host, Judy, and her husband have built their dream home.

It’s gorgeous here! In short, definitely worth a visit if you haven’t seen this lovely part of the United States. It is a hidden gem in the Ozarks.

Many thanks to Judy, and each one of my patient friends for scouting locations, taking pics, and putting up with my rookie modeling sessions.

Please let me know if you make your own version of this drawstring skirt in the comments below. I would love to see what you are creating! Tag me @bebraveandbloom or use or on your pics.

Thanks, friend!

xo,

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The products with underlined text may contain affiliate links. When you buy through affiliate links on my site, I may earn a commission, but at no cost to you. See the shop page for more information.