Stitch up a breezy skirt to add to your summer wardrobe. Skirts are easy to construct and can be customized in so many ways. They are a stylish and fun way to stay cool this summer! Sew one for yourself with one of these women’s skirt sewing patterns.
Recently my daughter and I were going through our closets to see what things we had to wear this summer. We live in a hot and humid climate, and it can be hard to find things to wear that keep us cool and are still stylish. I’m not a huge fan of shorts and have always felt that skirts were a great alternative to shorts for the summer months.
I’ve gone through my fabric stash and have a big “to-do” list right now. I’ve sewn several women’s skirts in the past and am sharing some of my favorite patterns below. The circle skirts I created several years ago remain one of my favorite tutorials. I’ve also included on the list many skirt patterns that I’ve wanted to try for a while! A few of them are even skirts with pockets (yay for pockets!) If you make one of them, please let me know how it went in the comments section.
Many patterns on the list are free skirt patterns & skirt tutorials; a few of them are pdf sewing patterns that have a fee. The skirt patterns that are for sale are all well written and fairly priced.
Table of Contents
What Fabric is Best to Use for Summer Skirts?
Most of these patterns have specific fabric recommendations. Certain patterns work with stretch fabrics, and others work with woven fabrics.
As a general rule, if you’d like to make a skirt for summer that is lightweight and easy to care for, I recommend the following fabrics.
- Lightweight Woven Fabrics including 100% Cotton and Linen blend fabrics.
- Cotton Lawn Fabrics (these are very lightweiht, and may be a bit sheer, so you will need to add a lining).
- Knit Fabrics. These are wonderful to use for skirts, since they travel well and are easy to care for. Double check that your pattern can be made from stretch fabrics before purchasing.
- Rayon.
Do I need to add a Zipper?
Some of these skirt patterns do feature a zipper closure. A few feature an elastic pull-on waist. I would not recommend eliminating a pattern because of a zipper. Zippers are not hard to insert into skirts, and most patterns contain clear, easy-to-follow directions. I have found that skirt patterns with zipper closures fit better and are more flattering than elastic waist skirts.
How Do I Finish the Seams?
The method you use to finish the seams of your skirt will depend a lot on your equipment and the type of fabric you are sewing with.
If you are sewing with a woven fabric, you will need to finish your seams since they will fray with wear and washing.
The simplest way to finish a skirt seam is with an overlocker or serger. If you don’t have a serger, you can use a zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine or use one of our recommended methods.
If you are sewing with a knit fabric, you will not need to finish your seams since the fabric will not fray.
Free & Paid Women’s Skirt Patterns
15+ Women's Summer Skirt Sewing Patterns
There are few things more cool and stylish to wear during the hot summer months than a flowy skirt! We've rounded up our favorite 15 women's skirt sewing patterns for you.
Many of the skirt patterns on this list are free. Some are paid patterns. I don't mind supporting fellow pattern Makers and figured you would not either!
Learn How to Sew a Circle Skirt
A few years ago, my daughter spent a summer studying in Europe. She wanted a few skirts to take with her, so we stitched up a couple of circle skirts. The skirt in the photo is made from rayon, and I also constructed one from seersucker fabric.
DIY Ruffle Hem Wrap Skirt
This sweet skirt features a stylish ruffle hem and would look great with a graphic tee!
Cute and Easy 15 Minute DIY Skirt
This simple-to construct, a-line skirt would be a great project for a beginning seamstress.
Sew a Full, Gathered Skirt
I've had this full gathered skirt on my "to sew" list for years! This sewing blog walks you through all the steps to create the skirt, from fabric selection to finishing.
How to Make a Button Front Midi Skirt
I see these button front midi skirts popping up in stores everywhere this summer! Merrick walks you though the steps to create one yourself.
How to Sew Cropped Wide Leg Pants (Beginner Sewing Tutorial)
Okay, so not a skirt, but a cute alternative. I love these wide-leg linen pants!
How to Make a Wrap Skirt; a Fat Quarter Fabric Project
I created this skirt several years ago when I had a fat quarter package of fabric that I could not bear cutting up! I did convince myself to cut into it and stitched up this skirt which has become an all-time favorite.
Maxi Skirt Pattern and Tutorial
I have sewn this skirt in two lengths. The maxi length and a knee-length version. Both were simple to construct. The pattern contains clear and easy-to-follow directions.
Everyday Skirt Sewing Pattern
I'm a big fan of Liesl +Co patterns. I've made this everyday skirt a few different times. Most recently I stitched it up in chambray fabrics.
Cleo Sewing Pattern
The Cleo skirt is a full, knee-length skirt pattern with a flat-front elastic waist.
Easy Flat Front Skirt + Free Pattern
Heather shares a free pattern for a simple flat-front gathered skirt.
Simple Start Bassline Skirt
I've sewn with several Anna Maria Horner patterns in the past and have always had great results. The Simple Start skirt was designed as a beginner pattern.
Estuary Skirt Digital Sewing Pattern — Sew Liberated
I adore these stylish midi skirts. It can be lengthed or shortened and features POCKETS!
Brumby skirt pattern
This gathered skirt pattern features a zippered closure and deep pockets. It would be beautifully made out of linen.
Wattle skirt pattern
This pattern features a unique crossover closure at the side seam. It has 3 length options, slash pockets, and multiple customization options.
