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Which skirt shape suits you?

Skirts look similar on a hanger but fit and sew differently. Choose by shape, fabric and how much sewing you want to do.

A-line (NO. 04)

Fitted at the waist and widening gently to the hem. A friendly shape and a good first project.

Pencil (NO. 05)

Narrow and straight. It needs a stretch fabric or a slit or vent so you can walk, and it shows fit mistakes more.

Gathered (NO. 06)

Fabric is gathered into the waist for fullness. It uses more fabric and has simple shaping, so it suits beginners.

Circle (NO. 07)

Cut as a full circle for a wide swing. It uses the most fabric, and the hem needs time to settle because of the bias edge.

Wrap (NO. 08)

Overlaps at the front and fastens with a tie or button, so it adjusts to the wearer.

Maxi (NO. 09)

Long, around the ankle. Needs more fabric for length and a long hem to sew.

Which first?

For a first skirt, pick the A-line or gathered. Move to pencil or circle once you are comfortable with fitting and hems.

Try it in Sewwren: open the Patterns page and compare the six skirt patterns.

Quick check

1. Which skirt needs a stretch fabric or a slit to walk?
2. Which uses the most fabric?
3. A good first skirt?
4. Which skirt adjusts to the wearer at the front?
Open in Sewwren: NO. 04 A-lineNO. 05 PencilNO. 06 GatheredNO. 07 CircleNO. 08 WrapNO. 09 Maxi