Easy DIY Elastic Waist Skirt Pattern

Are you interested in making a skirt? Come along and try this easy and free DIY elastic waist skirt pattern.

We’ll start with a basic style that’s great for beginners and looks great on everyone.

Nothing is easier to wear when the warm weather hits than a breezy skirt.

It’s often hard to find the perfect one, though…the right cut, size, or color. But you can make it yourself.

If you’ve never tried making clothes before, this is a perfect opportunity to push yourself a little and get creative!

Elastic Waisted Skirts

When I was in middle school, I would make a skirt one night and wear it the next day. They were usually elastic waist styles because they are so quick and easy!

It is a straightforward process and perfect for a beginner.

Sewing your clothes is rewarding, and you’ll enjoy the compliments. I know my 7th-grade self did. 😂

When you find a good pattern style, tweak the fit for your figure; you can make it repeatedly in different fabrics.

See 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 garment idea to sew for summer are feminine peplum tops.

Skirt Sewing Patterns

Check out more skirt posts on my site below, or click to see more sewing projects.

Okay, back to the skirt tutorial …

Taking Measurements

You will need to take measurements to determine how much fabric to purchase.

With a tape measure close to your body, take the measurements for your natural waist (the skinniest part of your waist), lower waist (one inch below your natural waist), and hips.

Write them down.

How Much Fabric for a Skirt?

To determine how much yardage you’ll need, it’s easiest to sketch out your skirt and add in your measurements to calculate how much fabric your skirt requires.

Use the drawing below as a guide, but customize it to your size and preferences.

Remember, you can adjust the skirt’s length to as short or long as you wish, and you can add fullness in the width if this skirt is too straight for you.

What is the Best Fabric for an Elastic Waist Skirt?

Some of the best choices for an elastic waist skirt is a lightweight to medium-weight fabric. Consider cotton lawn, quilting cotton, chambray, lightweight denim, rayon challis, twill, voile, and woven polyester blends.

I added one inch at the bottom to both the front width and the back for the fullness because I prefer a straighter silhouette.

You may want to reference other skirts you already own to get an idea of length and width.

Skirt Pattern Pieces

Fabric Selection

It’s time to find your fabric when you have completed your drawing.

I used a lightweight gauze fabric. Look for quilting cotton

Take your estimate with you to the store or as you shop online.

I used approximately 1 7/8 yards.

If you are unsure how much fabric to buy, ask your local fabric store employees.

They are always ready to help with yardage questions.

Sewing Supplies for a DIY Skirt

It’s time to gather or purchase your sewing supplies for the project.

See below for the basic materials you will need and ideas on where to purchase them.

Fabric
Thread
Pins
Paper Scissors
Sewing Scissors HERE or
Rotary Cutter HERE
Sewing Board HERE or
Safe Cutting Surface HERE
Sewing Machine
Pencil
Ruler
Pattern Paper optional (affiliate link)
Cutting Board optional

Sources for Buying Fabric

freespiritfabrics.com
joann.com
hobbylobby.com

Preparing to Sew

Below are the step by step skirt instructions.

Prewash Your Fabric

1 First, wash your fabric to help prevent any shrinkage in future washings that would compromise the fit. When it is dry, press it with an iron.

Make Your Pattern

2
 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.

Here is the pattern paper that I use for all of my pattern-making. I found it on Amazon (affiliate link).

It’s similar to the weight of a commercial sewing pattern. Easy to write on and see-through if you want to trace anything. The paper is very reasonably priced too.

Measure and cut out your pattern pieces. Refer to your original drawing and measurements.

You can certainly skip making a pattern. An alternative method would be using a removable fabric pen and drawing directly on the fabric with a straight edge.

Lay out Pattern and Cut Fabric

3  Next, lay out 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 Skirt

Skirt Front and Back

1 Now, the fun begins! Stitch the skirt front and back at the side seams with the right sides together.

Leave the bottom open 3 to 4 inches on both sides for a kick slit. Iron the side seams open.

Skirt Elastic Waistband

2 With the right sides together, sew together the two waistband pieces at both ends.

Leave an opening for the elastic to pass through on one end.

On the other end, sew the whole way.

Press both seams open, then trim the seam allowance, or with seams pressed open, sew each seam flap down flat on the waistband so that the elastic moves freely in the casing.

Next, with the wrong sides together, fold the waistband height in half. Press. (This will be your elastic casing. When sewn shut, it will hold the elastic band inside.)

With the skirt body inside out, position the waistband (open side up) inside the skirt. Pin all the way around, right sides together.

Sew all three layers of fabric together. Then, stitch again, 1/4 inch from your first stitches, to reinforce.

Finish raw edges as desired, serge, zigzag stitch, or cut with pinking shears.

Press the finished seam downwards towards the inside of the skirt.

Cut elastic to be 2 inches longer than your waist measurement.

Insert the elastic into the waistband through the slit you left open.

I used a very large safety pin to help thread the elastic through the waistband tube.

When you are done, pin the two ends of the elastic together. Try the skirt on and adjust the elastic as needed.

When the fit is right, stitch the two ends of elastic together with two vertical machine stitches to close.

Trim excess elastic flaps. Feed the elastic fully into the casing, so you can’t see it.

Now you can close up the opening. Gently pull the fabric sides to meet to cover the elastic, and make a vertical stitch through all of the layers.

Distribute the waistband fullness evenly around the top of the skirt.

Hem and Side Slits

3 We are almost finished!

Go ahead and try on your skirt again to decide on the right length. Pin. Now off to the ironing board.

We will finish the side slits first. For these, our mission is to either finish the raw edges or hide them.

I chose to finish them with my serger, but it’s also nice to fold tightly once, press, and then fold tightly again and press.

This makes a nice finish. Now, topstitch for either option.

Next, we will finish the hem. It’s up to you to decide how deep you want it.

I chose to have a 1 1/4-inch hem.

A) because I had the fabric to spare and B) my fabric is so light and airy. I wanted some extra “weight” to hold the skirt down so it would drape well.

Press the raw hem edge up just a tiny bit, like 1/4 inch, then fold up the rest of your hem’s depth.

This will hide the raw edge nicely and allow you to stitch the opening to close and finish the hem.

Okay, ready? Go ahead and hand stitch, use a zig-zag stitch, or machine topstitch the top of the hem.

Yippee! You are finished and ready to rock your new skirt!

It pairs well with a simple tank, a graphic tee, or a polo shirt.

Please let me know if you make a skirt in the comment box below.

I would love to see your creations!

Are you inspired to sew? Check out these halter dress patterns, make a crossbody purse bag, or how about sewing a blouse this season?

xo,
Cindy

More Clothing Patterns

Beyond elastic waist skirt patterns, click below to see many other styles on the site.

Mini Skirt Patterns
Long Wrap Skirt Patterns
Sewing Tutorials
Sleeveless Blouse Pattern Ideas
Pattern Ideas for Skirt Sets
Long Midi Skirt Pattern
Layer Skirt Patterns
Wrap Around Skirt Patterns
DIY Wrap Skirt
Long Skirt Patterns
A Line Skirt Patterns
DIY Athletic Drawstring Skirt Tutorial (Free Pattern)

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