Elastic Waist Circle Skirt Pattern – Free Tutorial

circle skirt pattern

This elastic waist circle skirt pattern and tutorial is for a full circle with two seams on the side.

This skirt has an elastic waist that expands to the size of the hips.

This pattern is easily adjustable to lengthen or shorten the skirt.

circle skirt pattern

This elastic waist circular skirt pattern is one of the most requested pieces in this blog, and I am very happy to share it with you. It is a timeless piece of clothing that any woman of any age can possess. Depending on your fabric, you can go from casual to a wedding or a costume in two hours. It is that easy to make.

What Is a Circle Skirt?

A circle skirt is a type of skirt that is cut and sewn from a circular piece of fabric, with a hole in the center for the waist. The fabric drapes naturally in a full, flowing manner around the wearer's body, creating a wide, flared shape. The skirt can be made in various lengths, from mini to midi to maxi, and is known for its flattering fit on a wide range of body types. Circle skirts were popularized in the 1950s, often associated with the iconic “poodle skirt,” but they continue to be a staple in women's fashion due to their timeless and versatile design.

Materials

  • 3 to 4 yards of 60″ Linen, Cotton Batiste, Silk Back Crape, Wool Super 100 or above, Viscose, Rayon.
  • Thread to match
  • 1 1/2″ wide elastic the size of your waist

Tools

  • Sewing Machine
  • Circular Cutter or Scissors
  • Tape measure
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Iron
  • Zipper foot (Optional)

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

This skirt is perfect for the beginner that has never done this type of skirt before.

It is imperative you read the following article on how to make a tiny hem with a rolled hem foot and How to hem sheer or lightweight fabrics.

Fabric Recommendations From Amazon




Pattern Layout

circle skirt pattern

Preparing Your Fabric

Fold the fabric in the centre with the selvedge together. Lay the fabric folded on the table. Place the pattern on the fabric and cut the front. Repeat on the fabric's other end and cut the skirt's back.

If you are using a print and elongating the skirt, pay attention to the print of the fabric because the skirt is very wide, and you will have the pattern running horizontally.

How To Download And Print Your Elastic Waist Circular Skirt Pattern

Please use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which is entirely free—print on Actual Size and Landscape Mode.

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Sizes

Choose the size of the skirt according to your hips measurements.

The pattern is drafted for a 25″ skirt.

Size Hips
XS 30
S 34
M 38
L 42
XL 46
2XL 50
3 54
4XL 58
5XL 62

How To Cut Your Elastic Waisted Circular Skirt Pattern

The pattern is drafted as a circular skirt with two side seams. Cut the pattern on a fold twice. The pattern has NO seam allowance; I suggest a 1/2″ seam allowance.

How To Sew Your Circular Skirt

Use the French seam if you do not have a serger or overlocker.

Or, the Hong Kong Finish seam.

Drafting The Waistband

The waistband is not included in the pattern. So you will have to draft your own. Measure the waist of your skirt and make a long rectangle with that amount and 4″ wide. Cut the elastic to the size of your natural waist minus one inch.

Sewing The Waistband

I have to join two strips of fabric together to make my waistband.

circle skirt pattern

Sew the long rectangle of fabric to make a band and pin it to the skirt print facing each other.

Pin the waistband starting at the side, matching the seams.

Form a band with the elastic cut with your waist size minus one inch.

circle skirt pattern

Insert the band through the waistband.

Fold over the elastic and pin to the seam allowance.

I changed the normal foot to a zipper foot to be able to sew close to the first stitching line. This step is optional, but it is easier to sew close to the previous stitching line.

Use the serger or a medium to large zigzag to clean the seam allowance.

circle skirt pattern

Hemming The Skirt

Sew to rows of stitching lines 1/4″ apart, and cut close to the first.

circle skirt pattern

Fold the hem and stitch the hem down. Iron

circle skirt pattern

I have used a very inexpensive fabric as my muslin, and I have a wool fabric that I plan to use, and it is imperative I see what length I need but, more importantly, how it drapes and what type of blouse I need to make to have a balanced figure. I am lining towards a bustier-inspired top. What you would wear with this skirt?

I hope you like and use this elastic waist circular skirt pattern and show me what you make with it since you can make a timeless skirt to last you many decades.

Until then, Happy sewing, and let's keep the world together one stitch at a time!

But Wait… Do You Even NEED A Pattern?

One of the great things about circle skirts are that you don't necessarily need a pattern to make one yourself. If you don't feel like using our easy printable pattern above, with a little math you can tailor-make your own fairly easily.

To make a circle skirt, start by measuring your waist circumference and desired skirt length. Next, calculate the radius for the waist opening using the formula: radius = waist circumference / (2 * π). Add your desired skirt length to the radius to get the larger circle's radius. Fold your fabric in half, with the wrong side facing out, and then fold it in half again to create a square with four layers. At the folded corner, measure and mark the waist radius along the curve, and then measure and mark the larger circle's radius from the same corner. Cut along these marked curves, ensuring you cut through all four layers of fabric, to create the circular shape with the waist hole.

After cutting the fabric, unfold it to reveal the circle skirt shape. Sew a narrow hem along the outer edge of the skirt, either by folding the fabric edge over twice and sewing or using a rolled hem foot attachment. To create a waistband, either cut a waistband from a coordinating fabric or use elastic. If using fabric, measure the waist circumference and add seam allowances to create a waistband that will comfortably fit around your waist. Sew the waistband to the waist opening of the skirt, right sides together, ensuring you evenly distribute any gathers if using a non-stretch fabric. If using elastic, measure a length slightly smaller than your waist circumference, join the ends to form a loop, and then sew the loop to the waist opening, stretching the elastic as you sew. Finally, finish the waistband by folding it over and sewing it down, enclosing the raw edges.


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Judy
Judy

I love getting your emails/patterns. However I very rarely tackle them.
I lack confidence and hate it when something I make doesn’t turn out.

Carol
Carol
Reply to  Judy

Try with an old bed sheet. That’s what I end up using for my “test” material. If stretch material is required I try to find the cheapest stretch at the fabric store.

Sunny
Sunny

So cute! However, in my day these skirts had a poodle on them!!! Thanks for the memories, and I know a granddaughter who would love one!!