20 Free Skirt Patterns and Tutorials

Skirts are one of the easiest beginner projects to sew. Enjoy this list of free skirt patterns and tutorials so you can make your own!

I love sewing clothing for myself. It’s why I got into sewing in the first place. Handmade clothing can be really intimidating, but skirts (and free skirt patterns) are the best place to start. They are easy to sew and easy to fit.

Most of these free skirt patterns and tutorials can be adjusted for both women and children. Which one will you sew first?

Do you like free sewing patterns? I love using them here and there! I’ve also written lists of other free patterns that you can try!

What fabric is best to use for a skirt?

For a summer knit skirt the best fabric to use is cotton spandex jersey, cotton modal jersey, or bamboo rayon spandex jersey. For a winter knit skirt the best fabric is either a sweater knit or French terry.

For a summer woven skirt the best fabric is rayon challis or cotton lawn. For a winter woven skirt the best fabric is flannel or wool.

What is a PDF sewing pattern?

A PDF pattern is a sewing pattern designed on the computer and organized so that it can be printed on several letter or A4 size pieces of paper.

I love using PDF sewing patterns because if the pattern gets ruined or if my children or I changed sizes, I can always print it again. It’ll never be destroyed since I have a digital version!

How do you use a PDF sewing pattern?

Open the PDF on a computer and click print. When printing make sure that the scaling is set to 100% or no scaling so that the pattern prints at the correct size.

Once the pattern is printed it can be taped together to get the full size. Then the pattern can be cut for each pattern piece size or individual sizes can be traced so that the pattern can be used again and again. Learn how to use PDF sewing patterns.

Check out all these free PDF sewing patterns!

Free Skirt Patterns and Tutorials

DIY Mermaid Skirt

Learn how to sew a DIY mermaid skirt with knit fabric. This is a simple two tiered skirt that is a beginner sewing project!

DIY Half Circle Skirt + Free Pattern

Make a gorgeous DIY half circle skirt with this free sewing pattern! Learn how to measure yourself, use those measurements to create a sewing pattern that fits your body, and then sew it.

DIY Wrap Skirt + Free Pattern

Make a gorgeous DIY wrap skirt with this free pattern for any size! This skirt is fast to sew because it only has one seam and a lot of bias binding. The genius overlap prevents any flashing when the crossover flips up.

How to Make a Square Hem Circle Skirt

Learn how to make a square hem circle skirt with knit fabric. It’s a quick sew skirt with two seams, so it’s a perfect beginner sewing project!

Easy Flat Front Skirt + Free Pattern

Make an easy flat front skirt with this free sewing pattern and template! The skirt can be made for any size or age, and it’s really easy to sew!

How to Add a Skirt Overlay to Any Pattern

Learn how to add a skirt overlay to any sewing pattern. Add either chiffon, lace, or tulle for fun and easy sewing project.

Free Pencil Skirt Pattern with No Hem

A knit pencil skirt is a really simple shape and with this free pencil skirt pattern, it’s really simple to sew because there’s no hem to sew! You can sew yourself a custom fit pencil skirt in all your favorite colors and prints!

How to Turn a Men's Shirt to Skirt

Learn how to make a men’s shirt into a skirt. This upcycling project is quick and easy, and you keep the curved hem and button front!

Easy Circle Skirt Tutorial + Free Pattern

Circle skirts are also one of the easiest skirts to make. Use this easy circle skirt tutorial and free sewing pattern to make your own custom circle skirt!

DIY One Seam Wrap Skirt

Use this tutorial to make your own one seam wrap skirt! It’s fast and easy to sew, and there’s no flashing!

How to Add Side Seam Pockets + Free Pattern

Pockets just make all clothing better. Learn how to add side seam pockets to any skirt pattern with my free pocket pattern!

How to Refashion a Dress into a Skirt

If a dress isn't working for you, turn it into a skirt! I've cut a knit dress and a woven dress in half to become a skirt!

How to Add a Faux Button Placket to a Skirt

To make your skirts special and unique, learn how to add a faux button placket to any skirt pattern! It’s only decorative so the placket will never pop open!

Make a Mermaid Tail Skirt

Learn how to make a mermaid tail skirt! It’s perfect for a handmade costume or just dress up time, and it’s easy to run and play in!

DIY Fat Quarter Skirt for Little Girls

This fat quarter skirt is the perfect project for little girls. It’s fast, easy, and uses just one fat quarter of fabric! It’s a great scrap fabric project and would make an adorable gift!

Refashioned Skirt Tutorial with Scarves

Turn a gorgeous scarf into an easy refashioned skirt. Use three different kinds of scarves to make three different kids of skirts.

DIY Border Print with the Cricut Maker

Make a DIY border print design with the Cricut Maker! Create the custom design based on you or your girl’s favorite things, cut the fusible fabric with the Cricut Maker, and fuse and sew it to the skirt. You can even customize it more with unique details!

If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!