Skirt in a Jiffy

A Very Simple Sewing Pattern

This skirt is so quick and easy to make, I bet I can give you directions in 200 words or less. This fabric is stretch jersey but the style also looks nice in cotton batik. It's comfortable and figure-flattering.

I'm 5 ft. 7 ½ inches tall, have a 30-inch waist (youch!) and am 61 years old. That's probably more than you ever wanted to know about me, but I tell you my age, because if you're younger or have really smashing legs, you may want to make the side slit higher.

Just adjust the pattern to suit you. If you're thinner or shorter or taller, you can use my measurements to figure the necessary adjustments.

Start word count now:

Cut a rectangle 47 inches wide and 40 ½ inches tall. Fold right sides together. Pin side seam.

Mark the top of the slit with a pin 12 ¼ inches from the bottom edge of the fabric. Sew ½ inch seam from the top to the marker pin.

Iron seam open. (If you're using stretchy fabric, don't bother.) Fold and pin hems on the front and back flaps of the slit.

Topstitch the front flap from the bottom. Make a right angle and stitch across the flattened seam. Make a right angle and stitch back down the back flap.

Fit a piece of waistband elastic around your waist; cut; sew the ends together - end over end.

With the skirt still inside-out, position the elastic. Fold over and pin the waistband. Stitch, taking care not to catch the elastic. It needs to move freely.

Sew a hem if needed. (The bottom of my stretch jersey skirt is the selvage edge and didn't need hemming.)

Word count: 163. Can you believe how easy this was?

Now let's consider some options.

Skirt Option 1: Sash

Cut a rectangle 84 inches long by 10 inches wide. If your fabric is not long enough, cut two 42 ½-inch strips and piece them together.

Fold right sides together. Hem from one folded end and across the long side. Leave the other end open for turning. Turn the sash right side out.

For cotton, fold in the open edge; press flat and blind stitch by hand. For stretch fabric, fold in the open edge and top stitch around the entire sash to keep it laying flat.

Skirt Option 2: Waistband

If waistbands tend to curl and roll on you, stitch the elastic in place thus. Stretching tight as you sew, sew a seam around the waistband through the center of the elastic.

This also gives a nice finished look to the waistband, so is a good idea if you may sometimes wear the skirt without the sash.

Let me know how you do. I would love to see pictures of your creations.

For more sewing tips, techniques and patterns, visit our Sewing Index page.