Are you interested in making a skirt? Come along and try this easy elastic waist skirt tutorial with a free DIY pattern. We’ll start with a simple style that’s great for beginners and flattering on just about everyone.
Nothing is easier to wear when warm weather arrives than a breezy skirt. It can be surprisingly hard to find the perfect one in stores though, the right cut, size, or color. The good news is that you can easily make one yourself.
If you’ve never tried sewing clothing before, this project is a wonderful place to start. This elastic waist skirt is simple, comfortable, and a great way to build your confidence while making something you’ll actually love wearing.
“Finally I found just normal simple explanation of sewing a simple skirt!!! Yeah!!!! Going to do it now! Will let you know of a result!”
Irina
Why You’ll Love Making This Skirt
Back in middle school, I loved whipping up a new skirt in an evening and wearing it proudly the next day. Most of them had elastic waists, simple, comfy, and so fast to sew!
This elastic waist skirt tutorial is perfect for beginners because it’s easy to follow, yet so satisfying. Plus, there’s something special about wearing something you made yourself, and soaking in the compliments, just like my 7th-grade self did. 😂
Once you find a style that flatters your shape, you can make it again and again in fresh fabrics and prints. It’s so fun, and I know you’ll agree.
PS I have made 5 of these elastic waisted skirts so far!
Check out these two simple skirt posts: one on summer skirt patterns and the other on 12 styles of summer skirts that are perfect for the warm-weather style. Another outfit idea to sew for summer is a midi skirt with a feminine peplum top. Then, add a DIY fabric scarf. Finally, check out my post on mid and ankle-length stretchy skirt patterns.
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What Is an Elastic Waist Skirt?
An elastic waist skirt is a versatile and super comfortable skirt style that uses an elastic band at the waist instead of buttons or zippers. It’s quick to make, easy to fit to your body, and perfect for casual, everyday wear.
When you’re planning your next project, consider a long maxi skirt, long wrap skirt, or long midi skirt. Then, get inspiration to create a floral wrap around skirt or a patterned wrap skirt for flowy, comfortable looks. Elevate your style with these pencil skirt sewing patterns and layered skirt patterns, perfect for flattering fits.
Measurements and Fabric Yardage
Before purchasing fabric, take a few simple measurements.
With a tape measure close to your body, measure:
Natural waist the narrowest part of your waist
Lower waist about 1 inch below your natural waist
Hips the fullest part of your hips
Write these measurements down.
To estimate yardage, sketch your skirt and add your measurements to determine how much fabric your skirt will require. You can adjust the skirt length to be as short or long as you like, and add more width if you prefer a fuller skirt.
You may also want to reference skirts you already own to get a good idea of the length and width that you enjoy wearing.
Discover elastic waist pants patterns, halter dress patterns, and sleeveless blouse pattern ideas you can sew yourself for comfortable, stylish handmade outfits. Explore all my DIY sewing tutorials from sewing a blouse to pouches, bags and more.
Best Fabrics
Some of the best choices for an elastic waist skirt are lightweight to medium-weight fabrics, such as:
Cotton lawn
Quilting cotton
Chambray
Lightweight denim
Rayon challis
Twill
Voile
Woven polyester blends
I used a breezy, lightweight gauze fabric for this little black flowered number and about 1 7/8 yards.
If you are unsure how much fabric to purchase, your local fabric store employees are usually very helpful with yardage questions.
Check out more short skirt styles with these simple short skirt styles and mini styles. For other super comfortable handmade pieces, consider an easy shift dress pattern or this 2 piece set.
Materials
It’s time to gather or purchase your sewing supplies for the project. See below for the basic materials you will need. Affiliate shopping links are included.
Fabric
Free Pattern
Thread
Elastic 1.5 inch
Pins
Paper Scissors
Fabric Scissors or
Rotary Cutter the best brand!
Cute Cutting Mat
Snippers my favorite!
Sewing Machine
Pencil
Ruler
Pattern Paper optional
Create your own DIY coordinated skirt sets or these coordinated patterns for a stylish, handmade wardrobe.
Preparing for the Project
Before you start sewing, it’s important to prep your fabric and pattern, and decide on any optional adjustments for fit or style.
Fabric
Prewash your fabric
Washing ahead of time will prevent shrinkage later. When dry, press it with an iron.
Choose the right fabric type
Stiff fabrics
More rigid fabrics like quilting cotton, lightweight denim, or chambray hold their shape and don’t drape well around curves. If your waist is smaller than your hips, you may want to add a slight inward curve on the side seams (see optional fit variations below) to create a subtle, flattering shape.
Soft or drapey fabrics
Fabrics such as rayon challis, gauze, or lightweight voile fall naturally around your curves. With these fabrics, you usually don’t need to shape the side seams, and a straight seam works beautifully.
Reference your own skirts
Look at a similar skirt you already own to help guide length, width, and how it hangs on your body.
Pattern
Make or trace the pattern pieces below using your own measurements. You can use pattern paper or draw directly on your fabric with a removable fabric pen.
Optional Waist Adjustment
If your waist is noticeably smaller than your hips and you’re using stiffer fabrics, gently curve the side seams inward by about ½ inch to 1 inch on each side starting one-third down from the top of the skirt. Adjust slightly more or less depending on your waist-to-hip ratio and the stiffness of your fabric.
Refer to the drawing above to see how the (dotted line) side seam tapers inward toward the waist. This subtle shaping helps the skirt hug your waist and upper hips without altering the overall length or flow.
Optional Extra Width for Soft Gathers
If you want a looser, breezier skirt, you can add a little extra width to the skirt panels. This creates soft gathers at the waist, which look especially lovely in lightweight, flowing fabrics.
If you enjoy gathered skirts, explore these ruffle skirt patterns for more pretty and wearable styles to add to your handmade wardrobe.
Cutting Fabric
Lay out your fabric and pattern pieces on a flat surface. If not using pattern paper, mark the pieces directly on the fabric. Double-check the grain and pattern placement, especially if using prints or stripes. Cut carefully and mark any important points for sewing.
Sewing Instructions
Let’s get sewing! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your elastic waist skirt.
Step 1 Sew the Side Seams
Stitch the skirt front and back together along the side seams, right sides facing. Leave about 4 to 6 inches open at the bottom on both sides if you would like a small kick slit. Press the seams open.
Step 2 Make the Waistband
With the right sides together, sew the two waistband pieces together at both ends. Leave a small opening on one end for the elastic to pass through. Sew the other end completely. Press both seams open.
Next, fold the waistband in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together and press. This creates the elastic casing.
Step 3 Attach the Waistband
With the skirt body turned inside out, position the waistband inside the skirt with right sides together. Pin all the way around the waistline.
Sew the layers together, then stitch again about ¼ inch from the first seam to reinforce the waistband. Finish the raw edges as desired using a serger, zigzag stitch, or pinking shears. Press the seam downward toward the inside of the skirt.
Step 4 Insert the Elastic
Cut the elastic about 2 inches longer than your waist measurement so you have room to overlap the ends. Attach a large safety pin to one end and thread the elastic through the waistband casing.
When they meet, pin the two elastic ends together and try on the skirt. Adjust the fit if needed. Once the fit is right, stitch the elastic ends together by overlapping them and securing with two vertical rows of stitching. Trim any excess elastic. Finally, stitch the opening closed and distribute the gathers evenly around the waist.
Step 5 Finish the Side Slits and Hem
Finish the side slits first by either serging the raw edges or folding the fabric under twice and stitching.
Try the skirt on and decide on the final length. Pin the hem in place. Next, create your hem. I used a 1¼ inch hem to add a little extra weight so the skirt drapes nicely. Fold the raw edge up about ¼ inch, press, then fold the full hem depth and press again. Topstitch, zigzag, or hand-stitch to finish the hem.
Yippee! Your skirt is finished and ready to wear.
Styling Ideas
This skirt pairs beautifully with any combination of the pieces below.
simple tank top
graphic tee
polo shirt
lightweight sweater
denim jacket
If you love this Elastic Waist Skirt Project, let me know if you made it in the comments section further down the page. I love hearing from you!
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FAQs
Most elastic waist skirts require about 1½ to 2 yards of fabric, depending on the length and fullness you prefer.
Lightweight to medium-weight woven fabrics like cotton lawn, chambray, rayon challis, and quilting cotton work beautifully.
Yes! Elastic waist skirts are one of the best beginner sewing projects because they require only a few pattern pieces and no zippers or buttons.
Tips and Tricks
Press your seams as you sew
Pressing after each step helps your skirt look much more professional and makes the sewing process easier.
Use a safety pin to guide the elastic
Attaching a large safety pin to the end of your elastic makes it much easier to thread through the waistband casing.
Try the skirt on before finishing the elastic
Pin the elastic ends together and test the fit before stitching them permanently.
Distribute the gathers evenly
Once the elastic is secured, gently spread the gathers around the waistband so the fullness is balanced.
Ways to Customize
Once you’ve made your first skirt, there are many fun ways to customize the design and create new looks.
Change the length
Try making a mini skirt, knee-length skirt, midi skirt, or ankle-length skirt depending on your style.
Add pockets
Side seam pockets can easily be added to this skirt for extra on-the-go convenience. We just love ours pockets!
Experiment with fabrics
Lightweight cotton creates a casual everyday skirt, while rayon challis or gauze gives the skirt a softer, flowy look, and a satiny or pleather cloth elevates your whole look.
Make a fuller skirt
Add extra width to the skirt panels to create more gathers at the waistband for a breezier silhouette.
Create seasonal versions
Use lighter fabrics for summer skirts and heavier fabrics like corduroy or denim for fall and winter.
If you make this Elastic Waist Skirt, let me know in the comments below. I love seeing your creations. Once you make your first elastic waist skirt, you may find yourself wanting to sew several more in different fabrics!
Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and subscribe to my newsletter for more sewing inspiration.
xo,
Cindy
Did you make an elastic waist skirt?
I would love to hear all about it! Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!
Thank you!
About Bloom
Cindy Munson is a lifelong sewer, pattern designer, and former graphic design studio owner. She shares approachable, stylish sewing projects through her blog, Be Brave and Bloom. Her mission is to help others discover the joy of making and live a more creative life. Cindy works from her sunny sewing studio in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband of over 30 years.
Thanks a lot, Cindy !!! Finally I found just normal simple explanation of sewing a simple skirt!!! Yeah!!!! Going to do it now! Will let you know of a result!
My best for you,
Irina
Irina, thank you so much! I do my best to make my instructions easy to follow. Please let me know how your project turns out! 😊
Such a gorgeous and flattering staple! I featured your elastic waist skirt on Crafts on Display, I hope you enjoy it. https://craftsondisplay.com/sewing/elastic-waist-skirt-pattern-243262/
If you are able a lighter fabric would have been easier to visualize than the black print. I am interested in this pattern . Thank you.
Hi Cheryl, You are so right! I am planning to update this post and create a video too. Thanks for confirming it would be helpful to you! 🙂
Curious if I could just extend the length 2” and make a casing on the skirt piece for the elastic rather than cutting and sewing a separate casing and then attaching it.
Hi Kim, Yes, you can definitely extend the top of the skirt by about 2 inches and fold it down to create a casing for the elastic, instead of attaching a separate waistband!
Just make sure to add enough length to fit the elastic width, plus about ¼ to ½ inch for seam allowance and ease. Finish the raw edge before folding it down—either by serging, zigzag stitching, or folding under—and leave a small opening to insert the elastic. Once the elastic is in and adjusted, just stitch the opening closed. Good luck! 🙂
I’m confused about what you mean about folding the waistband in half (which way?) and how to attach it to the skirt?
Sharon, sorry to confuse you! Fold the waistband height in half.😃 Next, pin the raw edges of the waistband to the top edge of the skirt. Sew. Then, stitch again, 1/4 inch from your first stitches to reinforce. Hope that helps!
and then…how do you attach the other side (inner) of the waistband to the skirt and do you finish the raw edge, by cutting it previously on the selvedge, serging the raw edge, tucking under and top stitching or what? I think you missed adding this step in instructions.
Hi Darlene! Sorry to confuse you. I adjusted my wording. This is all in the sewing instructions, step 2. You fold the waistband in half heightwise. This is your elastic casing waistband. You can then sew it shut and finish as desired. Hope that helps. 🙂
Can I use quilt cotton for this? I have some beautiful Alexander Henry fabric I would like to use.
I think so, Erin! It may be a little stiffer but if it is above the knee I think you don’t need as much drape. Good luck! 😃 Check out another skirt where I used quilting cotton here: https://bebraveandbloom.com/make-a-colorful-diy-skirt-simplicity-8300/