Today’s copycat item is an easy DIY Drawstring Skirt that includes a free pattern. It’s similar to the one I own from Evereve retail stores.
Follow along and make one for yourself!
Free Sport 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 comfortable, stylish, and flattering for all body types.
They cover up just enough and allow for lots of summer fun and movement.
Long skirt pattern ideas
Wrap skirt patterns
See more sewing patterns or sewing project ideas.
Other Skirt Tutorials
Below are two more skirt posts on my site with tutorials and sewing pattern inspiration.
Taking Measurements
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.
How much Fabric do I need to Make a Skirt?
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 draw your skirt and add 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.
Skirt Pattern Pieces
Sewing Patterns for Skirts
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.
Simplicity Pattern 8651 | New Look Pattern 6271
Fabric and Sewing Supplies
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, buying ideas below
Matching Thread
Drawstring
1/4 wide Elastic, to fit your waist
Sewing Straight Pins
Paper Scissors
Sewing Scissors or
Rotary Cutter
Paper Scissors
Pencil
Paper
Note Pad
Sewing Board or
Safe Cutting Surface
Ruler
Sewing Machine
Serger, optional
Pattern Paper, optional
Buying Sources
freespiritfabrics.com
joann.com
hobbylobby.com
SR Harris Minnesota-based
Treadle Yard Goods, Minnesota-based
The Sewing Lounge, Minnesota-based
Preparing to Sew
1 Prewash Fabric
First, prewash your fabric to help prevent any shrinkage in future washings that would compromise the fit. After it is dry, press it with an iron.
2 Make or Buy your Pattern
If you are not buying a commercial pattern, it’s easiest to make your own pattern pieces; then, you can reuse the pattern again and adjust for a better fit as you learn.
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
Next, position your fabric and the pattern pieces on a cutting board or a surface that is safe to cut on.
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.
How to Sew a Skirt
The Waistband and Side Seams
1 The Skirt Side Seams and Waistband
With the right sides together, stitch the skirt front to the skirt back at the side seams.
Iron the side seams open.
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
Now, take the waistband seam you just pressed open and press it downwards towards the skirt.
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!
Drawstring and Elastic
3 Opening Slots for the Drawstring
Locate the center front of your waistband.
Within the lower half of the waistband, closest to the skirt body, make two buttonholes, two inches apart, using your machine or hand stitch to finish the edges.
4 Preparing the Elastic
Cut a piece of 1/4 inch elastic the length of your lower waist so it fits comfortably but not tight.
Add one additional inch for the overlapping seam. Overlap the ends of the elastic and sew them together to make a complete circle.
Stitch and backstitch once or twice to reinforce.
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
Finally, fold the waistband in half, using the crease line you made earlier. Enclose the elastic inside 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.
Hem
6 The Skirts Hem
Try on your skirt and mark your hem. Press. Topstitch with two lines of stitching 1/4 inch apart.
Finishing with the Drawstring
Many drawstring sets available on Amazon include a handy threading tool.
Here are a few ideas for drawcords, drawstring cords, and colored cords for you. (Affiliate links)
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, it is 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 in the comments below if you make your own version of this drawstring skirt.
I would love to see what you are creating!
Thanks, friend!
xo,
Cindy
Clothing Sewing Patterns
Discover more DIY clothing and accessories styles and patterns in these posts.
They include beginner-friendly sewing projects, too!
Hooded Cape DIY
Easy Summer Dress Patterns
Halter Dress Patterns
Tie Front Blouse Pattern
DIY Crossbody Purse or Bag (Free Printable Pattern)
Crossbody Baguette Style Purse
DIY Child or Adult Apron
Pattern Ideas for Skirt Sets
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