Unleash Your Inner Fashionista: Learn How to Sew a Skater Skirt Today!

Are you looking to add a unique and versatile piece to your wardrobe? Look no further than the skater skirt! This trendy and flirty garment is a must-have for any fashion-forward individual. The best part? You can easily create your own by learning the art of sewing. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to sew a skater skirt. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced seamstress, follow along for some helpful tips and tricks to create the perfect skater skirt that will have heads turning wherever you go. Let’s dive in and discover the joy of sewing your very own stylish skater skirt.

What is a Skater Skirt?

A skater skirt is a type of flared, full skirt that is shorter in the front and longer in the back. It gets its name from its similarity to the skirts worn by figure skaters. It usually sits at the waist and has a fitted waistband, creating a flattering silhouette. Skater skirts can be made from a variety of fabrics including cotton, denim, or even leather, and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

The History of Skater Skirts

The origins of the skater skirt can be traced back to the 1950s when women’s fashion was heavily influenced by figure skating costumes. These skirts were often made from lightweight fabrics such as chiffon or tulle and were worn with fitted tops for a feminine look. In the 1970s, the skater skirt saw a resurgence in popularity as part of the punk fashion trend, often paired with fishnet stockings and combat boots.

In recent years, skater skirts have become a staple in women’s wardrobes with high-fashion designers incorporating them into their collections. They have also been spotted on celebrities and influencers alike, solidifying their place as a trendy and versatile piece.

Types of Skater Skirts

Skater skirts come in various lengths and styles to suit different body types and personal preferences. Here are some common types of skater skirts:

Mini: This type of skater skirt falls above the knee and is perfect for petite figures or anyone looking to show off their legs.

Midi: As the name suggests, this style falls between your knee and mid-calf. It offers more coverage than a mini skirt while still maintaining its fun and flirty vibe.

Maxi: This long version of the skater skirt is a popular choice for taller women or those looking to achieve a more bohemian look.

High-Waisted: The high waistband on this style of skater skirt offers a cinched-in waist and can be flattering for all body types.

How to Sew a Skater Skirt

Sewing your own skater skirt is not as difficult as it may seem. With some basic sewing skills and the right materials, you can easily create your own custom skater skirt in just a few hours. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. You will need fabric (recommended: medium-weight cotton or a cotton blend), matching thread, scissors, pins, a measuring tape, an invisible zipper, and a sewing machine.

Step 2: Take Measurements

Measure your waist and desired skirt length. Double the measurement of your waist and add two inches to allow for seam allowances.

Step 3: Cut Your Fabric

Using your measurements, cut out two rectangles from your fabric – one for the front of the skirt and one for the back. The width should be equal to the doubled waist measurement and the length will depend on how long you want your skirt to be.

Step 4: Sew Side Seams

Place the front and back pieces together with right sides facing each other. Sew along both side seams using a zigzag stitch or an overcast stitch to finish off the raw edges.

Step 5: Create Waistband Casing

Fold down one inch along the top edge of the fabric and press. Then fold over again by one inch and press. This creates a casing for your elastic waistband.

Step 6: Insert Elastic

Measure out elastic equal to your waist measurement minus two inches. Using a safety pin, insert the elastic through the casing. Overlap the ends of the elastic by one inch and sew together.

Step 7: Add Zipper

On the back seam, sew a zipper using an invisible zipper foot. This will create a seamless look on the outside of your skirt.

Step 8: Hem Skirt

To finish off your skater skirt, hem the bottom edge by folding it under twice and sewing in place.

Tips for Styling a Skater Skirt

Skater skirts are an extremely versatile wardrobe staple that can be styled in many different ways. Here are some tips for incorporating it into your outfits:

Casual: For a laid-back look, pair your skater skirt with a graphic tee and sneakers.

Dressed Up: Dress up your skater skirt by tucking in a blouse and adding heels or ankle boots.

Layered: In cooler weather, layer tights and an oversized sweater over your skater skirt for a cozy yet chic look.

Cropped Top: Balance out the fullness of your skater skirt by pairing it with a

Understanding the Basics of Sewing a Skater Skirt

Sewing is a skill that requires patience, precision, and practice. For those who are new to sewing or even for experienced sewers, making a skater skirt can seem like a daunting task. But fear not, as this guide will walk you through the basics of sewing a skater skirt from start to finish.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand what exactly a skater skirt is. A skater skirt is a full, flared mini skirt that is fitted at the waist and flares out at the bottom. It gets its name from its resemblance to the skirts worn by figure skaters. This type of skirt can be made from a variety of fabrics such as cotton, denim, or even lightweight polyester.

Gathering Your Materials

Before we dive into the sewing process, it’s important to have all the necessary materials on hand. Here’s a list of materials you will need for sewing a skater skirt:

– Fabric (preferably 1-2 yards depending on your size and desired length)
– Matching thread
– Measuring tape
– Fabric scissors
– Sewing machine (or needle and thread if hand-sewing)
– Pins or clips
– Iron and ironing board
– Ruler or straight edge

It’s important to note that although these are the essential materials needed for sewing a skater skirt, you may also require other supplies such as zippers, elastic waistband material or additional embellishments depending on your chosen design.

Taking Accurate Measurements

To ensure that your finished skater skirt fits you perfectly, taking accurate measurements is crucial in this process. The key measurements you will need are your waist measurement and your desired length for the skirt.

To determine your waist measurement, wrap the measuring tape around your natural waistline, which is the narrowest part of your waist. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight. For the length, measure from your natural waist to where you want the skirt to end.

Drafting Your Pattern

Once you have your measurements, you can now draft your pattern. If you’re new to sewing, it’s recommended to start with a simple pattern such as a basic skater skirt rather than a more advanced design.

To draft your pattern, you will need a large sheet of paper or pattern-making material. Using your waist measurement and desired length, use a ruler or straight edge to draw a rectangle on the paper. The width of the rectangle should be half of your waist measurement plus seam allowance (usually 1 inch) and the length should be your desired skirt length plus seam allowance.

Next, draw a curved line at one end of the rectangle to create the fullness of the skater skirt. To do this accurately, measure out about one-fourth of your waist measurement on either side of the width and use that as a guide for drawing the curve.

Pro tip: To make sure you have an even curve on both sides, fold the paper in half and cut along the curved line.

Cutting and Preparing Your Fabric

With your drafted pattern in hand, it’s now time to cut out your fabric pieces. Lay out your fabric on a flat surface with the right side facing down. Pin or clip your pattern pieces onto the fabric and carefully cut around them leaving about 1-2 inches of excess fabric for seam allowance.

Before moving on to sewing, make sure to iron all fabric pieces so they are wrinkle-free and easier to work with.

Assembling Your Skirt

The first step in assembling your skater skirt is sewing up the back seam (if you are using a zipper, this step will come later). Place the two back pieces together with the right sides facing each other and sew along the back seam using a straight stitch.

Next, attach the front and back pieces of the skirt together by sewing along the side seams. Again, make sure to use a straight stitch and remember to leave an opening for the zipper if you are using one.

Adding Finishing Touches

Once your skirt is assembled, it’s time to add any finishing touches such as a hemline or waistband. For a neat and professional finish, fold your hemline or waistband over twice and sew it down using a straight stitch or a blind hem.

If adding a waistband, make sure to carefully measure out and cut your elastic band to fit your waist measurement. Attach it to the inside of your waistband using a zigzag stitch.

Finishing Up

You’re almost done! Once all sewing is complete, trim any loose threads and give your skirt one final press with an iron. If desired, you can also add any additional embellishments such as buttons or pockets at this stage.

Congratulations! You have now successfully sewn your very own skater skirt. With practice and experimentation with

Q: What materials do I need to sew a skater skirt?
A: You will need fabric, thread, scissors, pins, a sewing machine, measuring tape, and a pattern (or create your own).

Q: Can I use any type of fabric for the skater skirt?
A: Yes, you can use any type of fabric depending on the desired look and comfort. However, lightweight fabrics with some stretch such as cotton or rayon blends work best for this style.

Q: Do I need to have sewing experience to make a skater skirt?
A: No, you do not need prior sewing experience. Basic knowledge of using a sewing machine and following instructions is sufficient.

Q: How do I take my measurements for a skater skirt?
A: Measure your waist and hip circumference, as well as the desired length of the skirt. You can also use an existing well-fitting skirt as reference.

Q: Can I adjust the length of my skater skirt?
A: Yes, you can easily adjust the length by simply cutting or folding the pattern accordingly before cutting the fabric.

Q: Do I need to do any finishing techniques on my skirt?
A: It is recommended to finish the raw edges of your fabric with a serger or zigzag stitch to prevent fraying. You can also hem the bottom edge for a clean finish.

In conclusion, learning how to sew a skater skirt can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to customize and create a garment that fits your personal style and body shape. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily create your own skater skirt with minimal supplies and basic sewing skills.

We began by discussing the key materials and tools needed for this project, emphasizing the importance of selecting the correct fabric, pattern, and sewing machine for optimal results. Next, we explored the step-by-step process for cutting and preparing the fabric, sewing the waistband, inserting a zipper or elastic waistband, attaching the skirt panels, hemming the bottom edge, and adding final touches such as pockets or embellishments.

Throughout this guide, we highlighted important tips and techniques to improve your sewing skills and achieve a professional-looking finished product. We also provided alternative options for some steps to accommodate different preferences or skill levels.

Sewing a skater skirt not only allows you to express your creativity but also promotes sustainability by reducing waste from fast fashion. Additionally, it can save you money in the long run by making your own clothes rather than purchasing them.

Whether you are new to sewing or looking to expand your repertoire of skills, learning how to sew a skater skirt is a

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.