Do you want to make a simple and flattering skirt but are feeling a little bit intimidated? A half circle skirt is a wonderful project for a beginner and it looks good on so many figures. As you make a half or full circle skirt you will learn a few handy techniques without the complicated fitting process.
I have created a detailed video tutorial and printable chart to help you along the way.
In this complete guide you will learn:
- Plaid Matching
- Invisible Zipper Installation
- Waistband Finishing
- Attaching a Skirt Lining
- Sewing a Curved Hem
Okay, before those techniques overwhelm you, let me tell you that you can do this. Focus on one step at a time and replay any of the instructions as many times as you need to. Watch the video once through and make sure you print the helpful chart that includes the materials, tools, math, and other details. Also, take your measurements and the chart fabric shopping so you can purchase enough fabric.
Are you ready to get started? Here we go!
Here are some details about the skirts I made:
The plaid skirt is made with wool suiting for the outer fabric and silk lining from Mood Fabrics in Los Angeles. For the tulle skirt, I used fine navy tulle and navy lining from Joann. The strip of velvet ribbon on the waistband is from an Etsy shop that I really enjoy called MaryNotMartha.
You will find my materials and tools recommendations all listed in my Amazon Storefront. *affiliate
Materials:
- main fabric
- lining fabric
- 9-16″ invisible zipper
- matching & contrasting thread
- interfacing
- waistband closure
Tools:
- tape measure
- chalk/marking pen
- scissors
- iron/ironing board
- pins
- hand sewing needle
- sewing machine
- zipper foot
- dress form or skirt hanger
Praise and FAQ!
P&Q: Thank you for making such a detailed tutorial! I look forward to making this and have already subscribed to your channel! But I have a question: how can I go about making this skirt with directional fabric? Do you have any tips? -Laura M.
ANSWER: You’re welcome! I would make the front (the fold) be where the directional pattern is oriented correctly. The only way to get the front and the back to have correct orientation is two cut the front and back separately. There would be two side seams and the center back seam.
P&Q: Thank you for the video! It’s exactly the style I’ve been looking for! Do you have a tutorial for the floral skirt you are wearing in this video? I’d love to sew a couple in this style as well! -Chandalaya M.
ANSWER: You’re welcome! I did create a tutorial for McCall’s 6706. Here it is!
P&Q: Hi! The video is super helpful but I wonder if I make 6 layers of tulle, do I stitch it all at once or layer by layer? -Violette P.
ANSWER: First, you can use as many layers of tulle as you want, even just one. If using multiple layers I recommend basting those layers together at the waist and even where the zipper will be installed. You can skip the interfacing on the tulle because it would show through. You can put interfacing on the lining (satin) if you need to stabilize it, but put it on whichever side will be concealed from the outside. I would attach the zipper to the tulle as you would normally attach to the main fabric. Then attach the lining to the inside of the zipper (the seam allowance can be turned either direction depending on your preference). The reason I would attach them in this way would be to keep them free of each other below the zipper. If you sew the lining and the tulle together it doesn’t flow or look as good as if you kept them apart. BUT they can be sewn together if you want to. I hope this provides the help you need.
I love hearing from you and seeing your work! Leave a comment or share your creations with me on Instagram @paigehandmade using #paigehandmade or #phcircleskirt.
I love how thorough this tutorial is! How much material would I need for this one?
Thank you!
It would depend on your size and length of the skirt, as well as the fabric width. I have a break down in the PDF linked in the blog post.
I’ve followed a few different tutorials for sewing invisible zips but have been unhappy with puckering at the bottom end of the zip. I followed your tutorial and for the first time I’m happy with the results – no puckering! Thank you so much.
I am so glad it worked out so well for you. The little bit of extra time and work pays off.
Does the zipper installation also work the same for a full circle skirt ?
Yes, it does.
Thank you for the in-depth tutorial! Would you recommend using a linen-blend material to make this skirt more summer-y?
Yes, that is a perfect fabric for summer. This skirt is so versatile it can be made in almost any fabric.
Hi Page, when attaching the belt to the skirt is all done by hand stitching or can it be done with the machine. What stitch
should be used
You video is great but that part is unclear to me
Thanks
When you first attach it I would use the machine, then after folding over the waistband I stitch it by hand on the inside. I hope this helps.
I have pi calculations for 1/3 circle skirt which I would prefer over a 1/4. . I am wary of making it in case it won’t be full enough. Have you ever made or seen a 1/3 circle? I may give it a try from an old sheet sometime. Excellent tutorial. I like your attention to detail.
I haven’t made a 1/3 circle skirt. A quarter circle is very mild and I like the idea of 1/3. I would go ahead and make a muslin from the old sheet.
Just diving into this tutorial now! So excited. What type of interfacing did you buy? There seems to be a lot, and based on weight. Any advice would be appreciated. It’s my first time using interfacing.
Hi! I use lightweight, iron-on interfacing. Here is an interfacing I always have on hand… https://amzn.to/3dmcWMd (affiliate link).
I wish to make it in very similar size, can you tell me what the circumference is, I am thinking of overlocking the hem then just machine a single turn up. I have a purchased skirt finished in this way and it has worn well.
Thank you for posting this tutorial! I’m working with directional fabric and I’m a bit confused by your response for it. I am a newbie and just unsure of how many pieces this now requires for cutting. Is it two or three? Im not sure when it comes to the waist since it sounds like I would no longer be cutting the fabric while it’s folded in half. It sounds like I’d have to make 3 panels on the flat sheet of fabric. I’m just unsure of how to cut it now. Can you explain it with a bit more detail? Have you made any new videos addressing this? Thank you again for your time!!
To fully and properly answer your question it would require another tutorial. BUT the quick answer would be that you can make it with two panels. Put the zipper in on one of the seams and wear it at your hip. The math can be a bit tricky. My advice would be to make your half circle skirt pattern on a big piece of wrapping paper, cut it in half to make two quarter circle shapes, fold those in half and that fold is your grainline for the directional fabric. You will need to add seam allowance to both sides. I hope that helps a bit.
Thank you so much for the details on how to actually do the initial measurements. I’ve avoided circle skirts because I know my measurements but not how to actually draft the pattern, now I can finally try!
You’re welcome! I hope it turns out perfectly.
I somehow created my skirt to be too big—I heard you mention to adjust the basting tighter—do you have a good example of how to do this? I am a beginner and not quite sure what you mean. Thank you!
I don’t have a video demonstration, but it is the same technique as gathering a skirt. If you machine basted the waist you will hold one of the threads and gently pull the thread. This will make the fabric begin to gather. You can evenly distribute the gathers so they don’t create little folds. A gentle press with an iron can help, but be careful to avoid making wrinkles. This is a fabric manipulation technique (“shrinking” fabric, sort of). It will be easier on the sections where the fabric is cut on the bias.
I love watching your tutorials; you explain things beautifully, and I find your voice soothing. I love circle skirts, and have worn them for most of my life. I miss clothes made of woven fabric, but I’ve shied away from woven skirts lately, because a waistband that fits me perfectly when standing can become too snug when sitting. This complicates a medical condition I have. Do you have a suggestion for a waistband adjustment to address this problem? I am an intermediate/advanced seamstress.
Thank you! Yes, I have an idea. There are two roads you can go down, with or without the zipper. Let me explain… the front of the skirt will look exactly the same; the waistband will be stabilized and smooth. The waistband of the back of the skirt will be different; it will be gathered with elastic. The amount of gather depends on if there is a zipper or not, because you will need to be able to get it over your hips. You’ll need to add more gather if there is not a zipper. Anyway, you’ll cut the circle skirt bigger than it needs to be and the back of the waistband will have a wide elastic band in it. I can’t write out all the exact steps to take because it would be an entire tutorial, but I’m guessing you’ll understand what I mean and come up with a plan that works for you. Personally, I would move the zipper to my hip and add about 3 inches of ease to the back of the waistband. It would be enough to make it comfortable, but not extremely gathered compared to the smooth front. I hope that makes sense. Good luck!
I cant find the measurement instructions for the waist.
The free worksheet has the information on the last page, I believe.
Paige Handmade, your tutorials are inspiring!
Being a beginner+/intermediate, fabric content intimidates me *sigh*…
What sort of silk lining (for a skirt) could I/should I look for at Mood? I am overwhelmed by the choices they have. I also feel like I attract a lot of static. What might be best to counter that? 😊 Many thanks in advance! (I hope this isn’t a silly question.)
Hello! I would love to add side seam pockets to this skirt but am unsure about how to cut the half circle in order to successfully add them. Do you have any tips?! Thank you!
The half circle instructions seem to be for just half of a full circle skirt rather than for a half circle skirt or else the waist turned out to only half the size it should be. Would love a proper set of instructions for a half circle skirt. Any suggestions where to look?
Hi! I just found this video and I was wondering if I could put elastic in the waistband and not do a zipper. I’m a beginner and I don’t feel confident enough for that.