Some trends are vibrant and loud, taking the stage when worked into an outfit. Others are versatile and timeless, with the ability to transform themselves for any style or look. The bias-cut skirt is the latter, and every one needs at least one in their wardrobe. With simple seams and elegant lines, our Indigo Skirt free sewing pattern is designed to let the fabric do all the work. Choose your favorite silk print like we did, or opt for a chic solid charmeuse!
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 2 yards Italian Pink, Orange and Blue Painterly Floral Digitally Printed Silk Charmeuse
- Note: For directional prints or sizes above 10, you may want to get an extra yard.
- 1 yard 1″ Black Elastic
- MDF192 – The Indigo Skirt Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.
Step 1
A bias-cut skirt is one of the easiest garments to put together, so you’re bound to start adding a few of these to your wardrobe after this!
Step 2
First, make sure your grainline follows the guide on your pattern when you cut your pattern pieces, or your skirt will not have the flowy fullness at the bottom that’s typically seen in a skirt like this.
Step 3
Before we start, it’s important to note that I cut two of the back panel in order to save some fabric as this print isn’t particularly directional. If you do this, be sure to add seam allowance to what will become the center back seam.
Begin by attaching your two back skirt pieces at the straight center back seam, like you see above. I recommend using French seams here to hide your raw edges. (Note: If you cut your back panel on the fold, you can skip this step.)
Step 4
Lightly press your seam, and then attach your front skirt panel to the back at the side seams. Again, I recommend French seams. Lightly press your side seams as well.
Your skirt is beginning to take shape already!
Step 5
To form your waistband, fold the top edge of your skirt inward 1/4″ toward the wrong side of the garment and lightly press. Fold the top down again another inch (or however wide your elastic is).
Step 6
Pin into place and edge-stitch along the bottom fold of what is now the waistband casing. Cut a piece of elastic that’s 1″-2″ shorter than your waist measurement. Carefully seam rip a portion of the center back seam on the inside of your waistband and feed the elastic through the casing. Sew the ends of the elastic together once it’s fully through and then slip-stitch the waistband closed.
Step 7
Lastly, hem your skirt with a 1/4″ rolled hem and the garment is ready to wear!
It would be much simpler to leave a small portion of the back seam open for elastic insertion instead of chancing a tear at a point that repair is extremely difficult! Lovely skirt, I can’t wait to try it.
Me gusta
Lovely pattern, easy to sew in a few hours , it works great with the sewing planner, to make in 2 evenings before i take the plunge with another more complex pattern , would you please tell me if the printed pattern includes the seams allowances? For the perfect fit , as i am in between 2 sizes between waist and hips thank you in advance
Yes, the pattern includes a 1/2″ seam allowance. 🙂
Thanks for these free patterns makes learning to sew so much easier and fun looking forward to try new designs
Would this pattern also work with a heavier fabric like wool?
Hi there! I haven’t tried it with a wool yet, but I think it would work with some lightweight wool like crepe or suiting! 🙂
How many panels do you cut? Is it one front piece and one back piece?
Hi Laurie, the front is one piece and the back is two. 🙂
the cutting layout gives 2 panels to cut. You say 3? Do you halve one for the back? Is not clear..
I mention the edits I made to the pattern to cut 2 panels for the back in order to save fabric in the post above. 🙂
Me gusta mucho tus diseños
I should cut the pattern three times then? Could the skirt still work with just 2 panels (a front and back) of the same size?
Yes, you could do just two, but you’d need more fabric since the skirt panel needs to be cut on the bias.
What does cut on the bias mean? Also would you say this skirt is beginner friendly? As in never sewn a single thing before beginner?
Hi Edie! Cutting a pattern piece on the bias means it’s placed at a 45 degree angle to the selvage. There are lines on the pattern piece depicting where the grainline should be to help you out. 🙂 This skirt is pretty simple to sew, but the usual fabric options such as charmeuse and satin can be kinda tricky.
I have a sateen cotton with a paisley print
It’s lightweight
Would I have a nice drapy skirt or would I be better off using a different fabric?
Thanks!
Hi Sandra, you would be better off using a fabric that already has a good drape. If you want something other than silk, we recommend rayon batiste!
Thank you, Courtney. Your instructions are super clear. And what a gorgeous skirt. :O
Can you also use this pattern cut on grain?
Hi Cindy! You could, but it would lose the slightly flared fullness that you get when you cut it on the bias.
Simple quick pattern, cannot wait to make it. Thank you!
I love the look of this skirt, but I think the sizing might be off.
It looks like it sits on the natural waist, but a size 0/2 is coming out with 34″ waist, The pattern is printed to size correctly, but the pieces are just way too wide.
Hi Kim! Since this is a pull on skirt, the waist needs to be wide enough to fit over the hips – for a 0/2, that’s about 34″. The elastic that goes into the waistband is what cinches it to your waist size.
Can this be made with a knit fabric?
Yes, it can! 🙂
hi
ive just started sewing. im really enjoying it. MY waist size has growm and all my favourite clothes are tight so Ive had to adjust them where I can. This is a great pattern. I will also be playing and singing along in my fake girl band whilst sewing. Thanksxx
Thank you very much for your free patterns. It’s quite hard to find good ones, without all the advertisements and risks of viruses. I appreciate your community spirit and will recommend your site to my friends. 🙂 xx
is it possible to add pockets to the design?
Hi Mourvarid! We have a tutorial for how to add in-seam pockets here. Hope it helps! 🙂
Would this work with gabardine? (Thinking a lined gabardine skirt for the oncoming New England winter.)
Hi Deborah! Yes, that should work well. 🙂
But with the thinner fabric wouldn’t that mess with the shape? I’m pro-pockets but would that work here?
With something thin like charmeuse, it may. I’d recommend adding pockets only if using a thicker fabric.
Hi Courtney since the skirt is 2 panels can I add a side zipper and facing instead of elastic?
Hi Tondani! You could, but you’d need to take in the waist to account for no longer needing the stretch there. I’d recommend trying it out on muslin first. 🙂
Thank you so much Courtney
hi! i love this skirt so much! i was wondering if i would be able to use rayon satin with this pattern? thanks 🙂
Yes, that would likely drape very well!
Okay so storytime: Modcloth has a skirt that’s very similar but not in my size. I’m really sad about it but I went on here and downloaded this pattern and now will be making this skirt for half the price. Thank you so much for making these patterns accessible in a world where fashion feels really inaccessible to me at times.
Is this skirt highwasted?
Yes, it is! 🙂
Love this pattern! I’ve already made it twice. I shortened the length about 4 inches. It’s my new fav! Thank you.
Wow, Zina! What fabrics did you use? I’ve been thinking of doing one with two layers- a silky print with a chiffon overlay.
I realise this is years later but….to treat them as one fabric…. if you cut the overlay with an extra half inch beyond the seam allowance and sew the layers together at the side seams of each piece, then sew the pieces together without the French seams the inside will look as if you have bound the seams.
Dios le bendiga gracias por su patrones
Great pattern and soooo easy! I’ll be making this many more times!
Hey Courtney, Awesome dress and pattern. Will it be possible to use this pattern and simply add an elastic waistband? Or will I need to make the garment a little bigger so it can be worn with an elastic waistband?
Hi James! This pattern already includes an elastic waistband. 🙂
Hi! I was wondering if you use a stretch fabric can it be cut on the straight grain instead of the bias?
Hi Tati! This skirt can certainly be cut on-grain and be made with a stretch fabric, but may have less flare and be more of a straight silhouette. 😀
hi i am a beginner at sewing. i can see you need charmeuse/silk/satin to get that beautiful drape but i am worried this fabric is outside my sewing ability. is there any other fabric you recommend instead?
Hi Katie! If you are concerned about using silk, you can try a polyester variety of satin or charmeuse. 😀
Hi ! The pattern looks as if it is specifically for a shorter skirt. Can I simply extend the pattern to make an ankle-length skirt ?
Hi Leandri! Yes, I think that would work perfectly. 😀
Thank you ! I’m going to try ! =)
I’ve just finished making one for myself in champagne viscose satin. I had to alter the pattern a bit because of the big difference between waist and hips measurments but the garment came out extremely flattering! Thank you for your hard work and sharing this lovely slip skirt pattern with us for free 🙂
Could you place a zip in the back seam if the fabric doesn’t have a stretch to it? Rather than elastic? How might you suggest that? I’d love to try and put a waist band in, but not sure!
Hi! The skirt was drafted for non stretch fabric to be cut on the bias. So as long as you cut on the bias, you don’t need stretch fabric! But if you still want to put a zipper in, I suggest sewing it into the side seam.
can a serger be used instead of French seams
Hi Erin! Yes, you can use a serger!
Is the recommended fabric breathable? I live in Hawaii and need something fairly lightweight.
Hi Jill, the fabric used for this project is 100% silk, which makes it a suitable choice for warm climates. Linen would also be an excellent choice!
hello, i made this skirt last night for my daughter and myself. the fabric on the side seams bends in a little. i cut on the bias and i was very careful with the second skirt when i saw what happened. Also, is it two panels but if you saving money then you cut the back panel in two halves. im sorry but i am a bit confused. at the end, is it one panel in the front and one at the back unless you cut the back panel in half?
Hi Michele, a few possible causes for the bending side seam: The fabric wasn’t laying properly when cut, it stretched as it was being sewn (even the slightest stretch on the bias can throw the shape off!), or the tension on the machine wasn’t quite right. Next time I suggest sewing stay stitches on each seamline first. Then lay the pieces flat, and compare to the original pattern to make sure the fabric hasn’t been distorted.
You can cut the back panel in two halves, but that leaves more room for error with being cut on the bias. I strongly suggest keeping the skirt in 2 pieces – 1 front and 1 back.
I got super excited to use my lilac satin for this skirt… and it came out completely shapeless 🙁 what a shame
I didn’t not see the link to the pattern
Hi Amanda, if you’re still having trouble downloading the pattern, email info@moodfabrics.com and they’ll send the pattern directly to you!
Gorgeous pattern, Thank you! Could you let me know what are the printer settings for it?
Hi Nelly, just print at actual size or 100% on US Letter or A4 paper!
Can this be made in a faux leather
If you do, I recommend using something that has a little stretch to it so that it mimics the same movement as a bias cut woven fabric.
Hi. Can you use scuba crepe to make this skirt?
Hi Keveena, I’m not sure that I’d recommend scuba crepe if it has stretch in it. If you decide to give it a try, I suggest cutting on the crossgrain instead of the bias. You might also need to adjust the size.
Can you use a pleated silk or satin fabric?
Hi, this partten would look great in a pleated silk or satin fabric
Hola quisiera el patrón para aprender muchísimo más
Hola, aqui puedes bajar y imprimir el patron gratis!
Hello there, thank you for this beautiful pattern. I am very tall and like a long skirt. Most patterns have a place somewhere in the middle where they recommend you lengthen it. Would you recommend the same for this pattern? Otherwise, I think, it will become very wide if you make it longer at the bottom. I look forward to your advice.
Hi Annemarie, usually mid-thigh is a good point to lengthen. 🙂
Hi,
I’m a beginner sewer. If you sew a French seam, will the first seam be 1/4 inch and the second seam 1/4 inch as well so that they add up to the 1/2 inch seam allowance that the pattern calls for?
Hi Linda, we’re sorry for the delayed response! We get dozens upon dozens of questions each day, and sometimes a few might slip through the cracks! Regardless, we wanted to answer this: yes that’s correct!
Hi, Thank you for this pattern. I am only 5’1″. Where would I shorten this pattern as I don’t see any shorten or lengthen line on the pattern.
Thanks,
Polly
Hello, you can try on the garment before finishing the hem, then determine how much you want to shorten it according to your preference.
Try adjusting the pattern at the mid thigh.
Hi I am not sure which line is a size 4 there are only 8 lines on the pattern for sizing and no number on each line
Thank you for reaching out! The line guide for size 4/6 is located on pattern page 9, which corresponds to PDF page 10. Our pattern includes 8 sizes ranging from 0/2 to 28/30, with size 4/6 being the second line. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to ask. Happy sewing!
Hello everyone!!! I don’t know why I can’t find the pattern yet, I have been looking for it at my email I received the mail but not the patterns
Hello, Please email info@moodfabrics.com for any issues with pattern downloads.
I have made this skirt three times! I LOVE IT!!!!!
Gracias
Hi! This might be a dump question but I want to lengthen this skirt to reach my ankles. I’m about 5’9. Could I just reprint numbers 7-12 & attached them under the original row of numbers
7- 12 to lengthen? Or would that not work?
Unfortunately, since the pattern is at an angle, it may not work. To extend the length of the skirt, you can use a pencil and pattern paper to fill in the space between the row before them hem.
Buenas tardes !
Imposible descargar el patrón , no me envían el enlace … lástima
Hola, envíe un correo electrónico a info@moodfabrics.com si tiene algún problema para descargar patrones.
Hola , ya no se como puedo conseguir el patrón de la falda indigo.Solo me envías propaganda a mi correo electrónico y el patrón no ….. gracias
Hola, envíe un correo electrónico a info@moodfabrics.com si tiene problemas con la descarga de patrones.
hola, como hago si quiero alargar la falda hasta 2cm arriba de los tobillos.
Hola, antes de cortar la tela, puedes usar papel de patrón para pegar una tira de 2cm en la parte de abajo de el patrón.
Hi, thank you for this pattern! I was just wondering if you were to make this low-waisted would you cut the waist on the pattern/skirt or just make the elastic longer? Thanks! 🙂
Hi Mia! Great question. I recommend shortening the waist by cutting it down by an inch or two, but you’re right that you’ll also want to cut the elastic longer to fit around the wider part of your hips.
I just downloaded the pattern but there is no indication of different sizes? How we can know which size to cut?
Hey Marie! I just downloaded the pattern myself and the size chart is on the page with the huge number 9 on it. It’s right under the name of the pattern piece. Make sure you used the size chart in the blog post to pick the size that will fit you best!
If I wanted to make this with a zipper how many sizes would you recommend I go down? According to the size chart I should make a size 26. Also, the pattern does not include lengthening/shortening lines. If I want to make it longer is there a specific place on the pattern you recommend cutting to lengthen or just add length at the bottom? Thanks!
Hey Abby! Honestly I wouldn’t size down too much, maybe just 1 size.
As far as shortening or lengthening the dress, I would just do it from the bottom hem.
Hi! Is it possible to sew a slit in this skirt?
Yes, you could totally add a slit to this skirt. Since this skirt is made out of silk and cut on the bias, I just recommend cutting out a facing for the inside of a lining. This just means that you should cut two long rectangular pieces of silk that are the same length as your slit and sew them right sides together with both sides of the slit opening, then iron them towards the inside of the skirt. This will keep the slit from ripping or warping.
Hi, I can’t see anywhere how much fabric this pattern needs.?
Hey Anna, the “shop this look” widget on the desktop browser says that for a size small, you would need 2 yards of fabric. If you choose a different size, it will tell you the recommended yardage for that size as well.
Beautiful drape and style to the skirt!!
Very beautiful
Vers beautiful
beautiful
Hello
Could you send me the pattern of the skirt please.
Thand you so much
Sabine
Hey Sabine! You can download the pattern for free by entering your name and email address into the field under “Download Your Free Sewing Pattern”. Then, check your email inbox (and your spam, just in case) for an email from Mood Sewciety Patterns with the subject line “Your Free Download from Mood Sewciety”. Scroll down to the blue link under the title of the email and click on that. That button will redirect you to the webpage with the PDF of the pattern, which can be printed on 8.5×11 paper on your printer at home. Let me know if you need any additional help accessing the pattern!
Jolie jupe en satin ou en soie
thks
Wonderful
Parfait
Thank you for that skirt pattern.
Merci
Merciiii !
Gracias
Muchas gracias
Gracias
Thanks
Thanks a lot. Best regards.
Merci de bien vouloir m’envoyer le patron de cette jupe
Thank you
Great !