Is there any skirt more fun than the circle skirt? The name, of course, comes from the shape as the skirt, as when laid out, is in fact a perfect circle. If you're looking for an easy skirt that really full and twirlable, then the circle skirt is for you. I loved how this turned out and it was really easy to create.
I demonstrate how to create your own circle skirt pattern using the same techniques used in the 1940's. Your own measurements are used so you end up with a skirt that fits you perfectly. You can also choose your own length, from a short skirt to a long one. Just be aware that these skirts often take more fabric than a basic skirt, because of the fullness. Sometimes, in order to get the skirt to fit, you'll have to fold your fabric the opposite way than it normally comes. If you're still having trouble getting your pieces to fit, instead of creating the skirt out of two pieces, like me, you don't have to place the skirt on the fold and instead create it out of 4 pieces. Just realize you need to include seam allowance in your pattern for any area that will have a seam.
I'll also show you how to easily assemble your skirt so you can create it and wear it in the quickest time possible. This skirt looks great in fun prints and I bet you won't be able to wait to get started.
Doing two seams would be the simplest, with the zipper in a side seam. Whatever you get when you create the 3/4 circle skirt pattern, add 1/2 of it to one side. So the pattern would be 1 1/2 of the original pattern. Then you cut 2 of these out of your fabric.
Thank you! But I’m feeling kind of dense. I’m trying to figure out how to get a 3/4 skirt laid out and cut and have any seams fall on the sides, and maybe down the back with the zipper. And I’m trying to figure out how to do it with the full circle pattern I drafted. Is this even possible? Thanks for your patience!
Yes, the drafting would be the same. When we create the draft of the full circle skirt, you’re creating 1/4 of it. So, for the 3/4 circle skirt, you would essentially have a pattern that would look similar but you would be sewing 3 of the skirt pieces together instead of 4, making it less full. The waistline measurement then should be 1/3 of your total waistline measurement. With the full circle skirt, you’re finding the radius by multiplying your waistline by .167. The half circle skirt is waistline multiplied by .333. So If it were me, I would do something in between for a 3/4 circle skirt. Waistline measurement times .249. These are only giving you close approximations anyways. After you create the waistline curve, measure it and multiply that number by 3. If it’s too large, compared to your original waistline measurement, move this line up a little towards the corner. Too small, move it away from the corner. Hope that makes sense! 🙂 When you finish, please post a picture.
Hi! This is all new to me. I’d like to make a 3/4 circle skirt, just to complicate things. I assume the radius would be different and all geometry is long gone from my brain. Is there an easy formula? And once I get the radius, is the pattern drafting the same? Thanks!
Very formative clears up a few mishaps for me especially on the waistband construction
If you do a narrow hem, we have a separate tutorial on this, you shouldn’t need to do gathering or notches. It’s so narrow, it usually works and is perfect for curved hems.
Hi Professor Pincushion
I am almost done with my skirt I just need to hem it. How can I prevent the hem line from gathering….do I cut out notches or do I ease it in? I find as I am pinning the hem line it gathers. Looking at my daughter full skirt I bought at the store and the hem line looks like it was just sewn in without any gathering no notches. Thanks for the great website and I love the name
It’s been awhile but I think I used 2 yards. Don’t be scared, just bring your pattern with you to the fabric store and you can lay it on the fabric before cutting it out. Also, the person at the cutting counter can probably help you decide. You can do it! 🙂