An A-line skirt fits at the waist and flares evenly from the hip to the hem, like the letter A. It is one of the most useful skirts to sew: flattering at any length, quick to make and easy to vary. Sewly drafts the front and back from your waist, hip and waist-to-hip measurements, then adds the flare you choose at each side seam.
A-line skirt options
- Length: mini, above the knee, knee (the default), midi or maxi, plus a length adjustment of up to 25 cm (10 in) either way.
- Flare at each side: from 2 to 25 cm (3/4 to 10 in), 7 cm (2 3/4 in) by default. More flare means a wider hem and more swing.
- Waist: a waistband with a zip (default), or a pull-on elastic waist in a casing.
- Zip: in the left side seam (default) or at center back.
- Elastic width: from 1 to 5 cm (3/8 to 2 in), 3 cm (1 1/4 in) by default.
- Pockets: in the side seams (default), patch pockets, or none.
- Ruffle at the hem: off by default. When you turn it on, Sewly shortens the skirt so that the ruffle brings it back to your chosen length.
Sizes
Use your own measurements or a standard size: women's EU 32–54 (US 0–22, UK 4–26) or children's 2 to 14 years. For a skirt, waist and hip set the width and your waist-to-knee or waist-to-floor length sets the hem, so a few numbers are enough for a good fit.
Best fabrics for an A-line skirt
Medium-weight wovens hold the A shape: cotton twill, denim, linen, corduroy, wool flannel and chambray. A lighter linen gives a softer, swingier skirt; denim and corduroy stand away from the body. See how to choose fabric for a pattern if you are unsure about weight and drape.
How hard is it to sew?
It is an advanced beginner project. The waistband version has darts, an invisible zip and a waistband; the elastic version skips all three. Allow 3 to 5 hours for the waistband version and 2 to 3 hours for the elastic one.
What's in the pattern
- Skirt front, cut on the fold
- Skirt back, cut on the fold, or in two halves when the zip is at center back
- Waistband, given as cutting dimensions (waistband version)
- Pocket bags or patch pockets
- Hem ruffle strips, given as cutting dimensions
Notions: a 20 cm (8 in) invisible zip, fusible interfacing for the waistband and a button or hook and eye; or, for the pull-on version, elastic cut to your waist. Seam allowances are included, 1.5 cm (5/8 in) by default.
How to sew an A-line skirt
- Sew the darts (waistband version only).
- Make and attach the pockets.
- Sew and finish the side seams.
- Insert the zip and attach the waistband, or sew the elastic casing and thread the elastic.
- Attach the ruffle if you chose one, hem the skirt and press.
The guide gives each step for your options, with your elastic length and allowances. For the closures, see how to insert an invisible zip and how to sew an elastic waistband.
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need for an A-line skirt?
A knee-length A-line skirt usually takes 1 to 1.5 m (1 1/8 to 1 5/8 yd) of 140 to 150 cm (55 to 60 in) wide fabric. A midi or maxi length, a lot of flare, a hem ruffle or 110 cm (45 in) wide fabric can take it to 2 m (2 1/4 yd) or more. Sewly computes the exact quantity for your size and fabric width.
Can I make an A-line skirt without a zip?
Yes. Choose the elastic waist: the skirt pulls on, the darts are left out and the elastic sits in a casing at the top. It is the quickest version to sew.
Is there a PDF version of this A-line skirt pattern?
Yes. With a Maker or Atelier plan you can print it at true scale on A4, US Letter, A3, Tabloid, A0 or 36 × 48 in paper, or as a projector file, with the sewing guide as a PDF. Making and adjusting the pattern on screen is free.
How do I make the skirt fuller?
Increase the flare at each side, up to 25 cm (10 in). For a much fuller skirt that swings from the waist, the circle skirt pattern is a better fit.
