How to Sew a Maxi Skirt in 4 Easy Steps
This A-line skirt pattern is suitable for beginners and more experienced sewists.
I made it in a size 36 European. If you want a different size, add 1.75 inches (4 cm) for each size increase.
So let’s see how to sew a maxi skirt the easy way!
Tools and materials:
- 2 yards (160 cm) of 36 inch (85 cm) wide medium weight stretch fabric
- Skirt zipper
- 2 inch (5 cm) wide elastic
- Measuring tape
- Fabric marker
- Scissors
- Pins
- Iron
- Zipper foot
- Sewing machine
- Serger (optional)
1. Draft the pattern
Fold your fabric in half widthways and in half again. Place it with the folded edge towards you.
Mark 7.5 inches (19 cm) along one of the short edges.
Connect it to the top opposite corner with a diagonal line to form the side edge of the skirt.
Measure 1 inch (2.5 cm) down the folded edge on the same side. Connect it to the first mark with a gently curved line for the waistline.
Working along the waistline, measure 32 inches (81 cm) down the length of the skirt to create a curved hemline.
You can adjust the length of the skirt by changing this measurement.
Cut out the skirt and separate the two pieces.
2. Insert the zipper
Place the skirt pieces side by side with the right sides uppermost.
Open the zipper.
Turn it over and pin it to one of the skirt pieces with the right sides facing.
Start half an inch (1 cm) down from the waistline and place the edge of the tape against the raw edge of the skirt.
Pin the other tape to the second skirt piece in the same way.
Finish the raw edges of the skirt with a serger or using an overlock or zigzag stitch on your sewing machine.
Using your zipper foot, sew the zipper in place as close to the teeth as you can. Stop about 0.75 inches (2 cm) from the lower end of the tape.
3. Sew the side seams
Join the side seam by continuing the stitching line from the bottom of the zipper, leaving the end of the tape free.
Sew the other side seam from the waistline to the hem.
Press the seams open.
4. Elasticated waistband
Cut your elastic to 26 inches (66 cm) long.
Fold it in half and mark the center point.
Pin the elastic to the right side of the skirt. Place the center point at the side seam without the zipper.
Pin the open ends the width of the zipper tape from the raw edge.
Sew the elastic in place along the top edge, stretching it slightly as you sew.
Turn the elastic to the inside.
Fold the zipper tape over it and sew the top section of the tape to the elastic.
Complete the other side to match.
Catch the bottom edge of the zipper to the side seam with a few hand or machine stitches.
Finish the skirt with a narrow double fold hem at the lower edge.
How to sew a maxi skirt
This is a great DIY skirt for beginners to tackle.
The pattern is very straightforward and it’s very easy to adjust the length if you prefer a shorter skirt. I think maxi skirts are perfect for winter though.
I’d love to know if you make this or if you have any questions. Just drop me a comment below.
And for more easy sewing ideas, please follow me on TikTok: @tugbaisler
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