Beginner-friendly Tutorial on How to Sew a Maxi Skirt
Today, I want to show you how to sew a maxi or midi skirt with six gores.
The pattern is very simple and I draw and cut it directly on to the fabric. You’ll need a material that drapes well, such as viscose.
I used 2 meters for my size, which is 38 - 40 European.
Tools and materials:
- Viscose or similar fabric
- 1.6 inch (4 cm) wide elastic
- Fabric marker
- Measuring tape
- Pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Serger (optional)
1. Cut out the skirt
Trim your fabric to 80 inches (204 cm) wide by 36 inches (90 cm) long.
Fold it in half widthways and then lengthways. Lay it flat with the double folded edge on your right and the main folded side towards you.
Mark 4 inches (10 cm) from the folded edge up the right side and 7 inches I17 cm) from the folded edge up the left side of the fabric.
Join the two marks with a straight line.
Cut along the line.
Cut through the two side folds on both sections.
Pin the layers of the larger section together so they don’t slip.
Unfold the smaller section. Flip it top to bottom and place it on top of the larger piece of fabric, aligning the cut edges.
Cut along the angled edge, so you have six matching pieces in total.
Cut shallow curves from the two side edges to shape the top and bottom of the skirt.
At this point, the top edge of each piece should measure 8 inches (20 cm) and the lower edge should measure 14 inches (34 cm).
2. Join the skirt panels
Lay the skirt panels out with the right sides uppermost.
Pin each panel to the next with the right sides facing to form a circle. Sew, taking a half inch (1 cm) seam allowance.
Finish the raw edges with a serger or use an overlock or zigzag stitch on your sewing machine.
3. Waistband
Cut your elastic to 25 inches (64 cm) long or a length that fits comfortably around your waist with an overlap.
Overlap and join the two ends securely.
Fold the elastic circle in half and half again and mark the quarter points.
Find the quarter sections of the waist edge of the skirt in the same way and mark with pins.
Pin the elastic to the inside of the skirt at the waist, matching the marks you made.
Sew in place around the top edge of the elastic with a zigzag or overlock stitch or use your serger.
Stretch the elastic between the pins as you sew.
Fold the waist edge and elastic to the inside and sew to the body of the skirt, stretching the elastic as before.
Turn up and sew a narrow double hem at the lower edge of the skirt.
How to sew a maxi skirt
This makes an elegant skirt that moves and drapes beautifully. If you want to modify the size, the top edge of the joined skirt panels should be just under double your waist size before you add the elastic.
My skirt measured 45 inches after joining the panels to fit my 25 inch waist.
I’d love to know if you make this and even see your results. If you have any questions or comments, please post them below.
Next, learn How to Sew a Cozy Cape Cardigan.
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