A wrap skirt is an A-line skirt whose two front panels cross over each other and close with ties at the waist. With no zip and no buttons, it is forgiving to sew and adjusts a little as you wear it. Sewly drafts it from your waist, hip and length, extends the fronts by the overlap you choose and makes the waistband long enough to tie.
Wrap skirt options
- Length: mini, above the knee, knee, midi (the default) or maxi, plus an adjustment of up to 25 cm (10 in) either way.
- Flare at each side: from 2 to 20 cm (3/4 to 8 in), 8 cm (3 1/8 in) by default.
- Overlap: from 50 % to 100 % of the front, 80 % by default. The more overlap, the less the skirt opens when you walk or sit.
Sizes
Use your own measurements or a standard women's size, EU 32–54 (US 0–22, UK 4–26), or a children's size from 2 to 14 years. Waist and hip set the width; the waist-to-knee or waist-to-floor length sets the hem. Because the ties close the skirt, it still fits if your waist changes by a few centimeters.
Best fabrics for a wrap skirt
Soft, drapey wovens: linen, viscose, cotton lawn, Tencel twill or crepe de chine. The front edges can flip open as you move, so a fabric that looks good on the reverse, or a solid color, is a plus. Light fabrics also make the long ties easier to turn.
How hard is it to sew?
An advanced beginner project. The darts and side seams are quick; the time goes into hemming the long front edges neatly and turning the ties. Allow 3 to 5 hours.
What's in the pattern
- Two wrap fronts, cut as a mirrored pair, with the center front marked
- Skirt back, cut on the fold
- Waistband and ties: one long strip, given as cutting dimensions, with 75 cm (29 1/2 in) ties at each end
Notions: fusible interfacing for the waistband. The guide lists the fabric quantity for 110, 140 and 150 cm (45, 55 and 60 in) wide fabric, with a cutting layout, and seam allowances are included at 1.5 cm (5/8 in) by default.
How to sew a wrap skirt
- Sew the darts at the front and back waist.
- Sew and finish the side seams.
- Hem the two front edges with a 2 cm (3/4 in) double fold.
- Make the small opening that one tie passes through.
- Attach the waistband and finish the ties.
- Hem the skirt and press.
For crisp front edges and a level hem, see how to hem. If you are sewing it in linen, our post on sewing with linen covers pre-washing and pressing.
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need for a wrap skirt?
A midi wrap skirt usually takes 2 to 3 m (2 1/4 to 3 1/4 yd) of 140 to 150 cm (55 to 60 in) wide fabric, because of the overlap and the long waistband with ties. A knee-length version needs about 1.5 to 2 m (1 5/8 to 2 1/4 yd). Sewly computes the exact quantity for your size and fabric width.
Will a wrap skirt blow open?
It can if the overlap is small. Keep the overlap at 80 % or more for a skirt that stays closed when you walk, or choose 100 % for a windy day at the beach.
Does a wrap skirt need a zip?
No. The skirt wraps around you and the ties close it at the waist, through a small opening in the waistband area. That is why it is a good skirt to sew before you tackle zips.
Can I make it shorter or longer after seeing the 3D preview?
Yes. Change the length or use the length adjustment, and the pattern redraws instantly. Changes made by hand are free and unlimited.
