Sewing Pattern Ideas for Women’s Long Skirts

Today’s post is full of sewing pattern ideas for women’s long skirts to make yourself.

I am happy to report that the weather in Minnesota has finally transformed into Spring!

And I’m here to celebrate with a sewing project for warmer weather. Let’s get started!

Short Skirt Sewing Pattern HERE
Wrap Skirt Patterns HERE
Free Sewing Patterns HERE

Elastic Waist Skirt

A skirt brings less cling and more coolness, which is great for hot weather and better than even the loosest of pants.

An elastic waist means freedom and comfort!

It gives us that pajama feel and let’s be honest, they are also forgiving when we need it.

You can dress casual skirts up or down.

Try them with heels, flats, sandals, or even tennis shoes.

Pair yours with a light sweater or jean jacket in the evening, and it’s the perfect spring-to-summer piece.

Sewing for Beginners

Sewing a skirt, in my opinion, is the best way to begin sewing clothes.

The fit is much more forgiving. They have minimal detail and lots of straight stitching.

If you are a beginner, pick a pattern labeled “Easy to Sew,” “1-hour,” or “Learn to Sew,” etc.

Also, consider a style without pockets or zippers. Friends, this straight skirt was SO easy.

I know you can do this!

Choosing a Long Skirt Pattern

First, you’ll need to pick a pattern design. Patterns are abundantly available at your local sewing stores, on amazon.com, or you can find new and vintage patterns, on etsy.com.

My DIY straight skirt is Simplicity 8745.

I am most comfortable in straight styles, but I have friends who feel the opposite and prefer a fuller silhouette, such as an A-line.

Pick one that works well for your shape and size.

Accentuate your best features and minimize your least favorite.

Consider a straight style with a split; a bias cut flared style, an A-line, or even a tiered design.

A Line Skirt Pattern Ideas

For inspiration, check out the Simplicity Easy-to-Sew and New Look skirt styles below.

I’ve included my pencil skirt, other straight styles, and a few A-line varieties.

There are buying sources in the text below each photo too. (affiliate links)

A-line, Maxi Skirts | Gathered Skirt, Tiered Maxi Skirt

Cirle Skirt | Midi Skirt/Maxi Skirt Patterns

Straight and Pencil Skirt Pattern Ideas

Straight Skirt & Pencil Skirts | A-Line Skirts

What to Wear with Long Skirts

Below are cute shirt and blouse styles to wear with the long skirts you make!

Shirt Sewing Pattern
Blouse Pattern
Top Pattern

Lastly, two cute dress styles, for those who prefer one-piece dressing. 🙂

Maxi Dress Pattern
Wrap Dress Pattern

How to Find the Right Size Pattern

If you are new to sewing clothes with a pattern, take time to select the correct size.

First, pick an appropriate size range on the pattern sleeve.

Next, you need to narrow it down further for the best fit when cutting your fabric.

Get out the tape measure, and take your measurements, keeping in mind the garment you are making.

For a skirt, you will focus on the waist and hip sizes.

Look for the finished garment measurements on the package as well to see how much ease is built in.

Ease is the extra fabric allowed for movement.

Lastly, double-check the pattern measurements.

If possible, hold up the pattern pieces to your torso and see if it looks reasonably correct with an allowance for a seam.

Once you’ve committed to a particular size, there are two methods I would suggest if you’d still like some margin for error.

Firstly, start with a machine baste for the main seams.

Secondly, sew the side seams with half your intended seam allowance. This way, you can still easily take the garment in without difficulty.

Skirt Fabrics

I chose a medium-weight knit with a teal blue geometric pattern for my maxi skirt.

I love the feel and stretch of a knit, but there are many other fabric options for long skirts.

If you prefer a woven fabric, look for lightweight fabrics with drape, such as challis, chambray, soft cotton, cotton lawn, crepe back satin, double georgette, gauze, cotton types, linen types, lightweight denim, gauze, and silky types.

Where to Buy Fabric

Nowadays, you can get almost everything you need online; you can find the fabric, sewing patterns, and supplies.

Plus, you can have it delivered to your door!

Here are a few popular online fabric stores to help you locate your perfect fabric:

JoAnn Fabrics
Mood Fabrics
Harts Designer Fabric

Minnesota peeps!

If you are in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis or St. Paul, or just passing through, check out our local Minneapolis fabric stores and our St Paul fabric stores!

CLICK below for more information:

The Sewing Lounge
Treadle Yard Goods
S.R. Harris

Next, you will need to gather or purchase your sewing materials.

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

Many fabric and craft stores have a curbside pick-up service if you order online. This could be a great option also.

Sewing Supplies

Here’s what you need to get started. (affiliate links are underliined)

Pattern, mine is Simplicity 8745
Fabric for Skirt
Matching Thread
Elastic for Waist
Sewing Straight Pins
Sewing Scissors HERE or
Rotary Cutter HERE
Sewing Board HERE or
Safe Cutting Surface HERE
Paper Scissors not pictured
Sewing Machine not pictured
Notions per pattern

Sewing with Patterned Fabric

If you choose a fabric with a print or pattern, it can be tricky to match the connecting panels together.

It requires a bit of time and patience, but it’s worth it when your skirt is ready to wear.

It’s impossible to match everything perfectly on the entire garment, so choose the most dominant and noticeable areas.

For me, it was the sides of my long skirt.

Depending on your style, it may be the center front or the back for your pattern.

Here are some matching techniques to consider if you choose a stripe or pattern fabric.

How to Sew Elastic into a Waistband

I must say I really enjoyed making the elastic waist! It was super easy, and I know I will enjoy the comfort of wearing it too.

If you choose a skirt style with elastic, follow the pattern directions.

Basically, it involves folding the fabric over itself to create a casing.

Then sew that in place so that you can slide the band of waistband elastic inside.

Next, bring the ends together and connect them with a vertical stitch.

See specific directions for your skirt, but I think you will find it simple to do.

Sewing Stretchy Fabric

This was the first time I had sewn with knits in a long while.

I had forgotten it helps to know a few tips and tricks before you start.

If you decide to use a knit fabric for your skirt, you may want to review these important methods and considerations before you begin. Sewing with Knits.

Here’s to warm weather and a new project! Let me know if you make your own DIY long skirt.

Find a pattern you love. The beauty of that is that you’ll get to know your way around the pattern, then you’ll be able to easily recreate it in other colors and patterns in the future.

Thanks for stopping by!

xo,
Cindy

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