Maxi skirts are one of my all-time wardrobe faves. Just when I think I may be over the maxi skirt trend, BAM. I suddenly realize that I need a new maxi skirt in my life. I think it is because this fabulous skirt silhouette tends to fill a wardrobe void in between transitioning seasons. When it is not quite hot enough to be Summer temps, yet too warm for jeans – maxi skirts tend to slip right into that sweet spot of uncertainty. And it is during this time that I remember just how much I love them. The sweet release from tight jeans! There is just something about putting on a nice, long, flowy skirt that makes me feel pretty. And oh. so. comfortable.
When I started to debate what new maxi skirt I should make this Spring, it was actually a difficult decision. Did I go with the basic yoga-waist maxi skirt I often wear, or did I try to find a new silhouette? I wanted a skirt that would remain within my comfort zone, yet still be an every day skirt.
Enter the maxi wrap skirt.
Wrap Maxi Skirt DIY
MATERIALS:
- 2.5 yards fabric
- Measuring tape
- Basic sewing essentials
*I used a ponte knit for my skirt, for a nice mid-weight fabric with drape. But you can use woven fabric for this skirt.
HOW TO SEW A WRAP MAXI SKIRT:
Step One – Measure your waist circumference. Add 15″ – 17″ -or- (approx. one half of your waist measurement) to that number. For example, my waist is 31″. 31 + 15 = 46″. Determine the length of your skirt by measuring from your waist to the floor.
Step Two – Divide your waist circumference number (46″) by 4 (11.5″). Cut (4) skirt panels with the top waist width equal to your divided number, arcing out at the sides to your desired length.
Step Three – Cut (3) waistband pattern pieces 4″L x Width of fabric.
Step Four – Place (2) skirt panels right sides together, matching up the side seam. Pin and sew. Press seam open. Repeat for all 4 panels, until you have one piece of fabric for the main skirt.
Step Five – Using a pair of fabric scissors or rotary cutter, curve one bottom side edge of the skirt (this should be the side of the skirt that you want to overlay).
Step Six – Fold the side edges and the bottom hem 1/2″ towards the wrong side and press. Pin in place and sew using a straight stitch or double needle.
Step Seven – Place (2) waistband pattern pieces right sides together, matching up the side seams. Pin and sew. Repeat for last waistband piece, resulting in one very long waistband pattern piece. Press seams open.
Step Eight – Fold waistband in half, wrong sides together, and press.
Step Nine – Determine the center of the waistband, and the center of the skirt. Match raw edge of center waistband with raw top edge of center skirt and pin. Continue pinning the skirt to the waistband on both sides. Sew waistband closed all around, sewing the skirt to the waistband where pinned. Press skirt seam up and edge stitch to secure.
And you are done!
HOW TO WEAR THE WRAP MAXI SKIRT:
To wear, simply wrap the skirt around matching up the center skirt seam with you back center. Wrap skirt towards the front, keeping the curved skirt hem in front. Wrap waistband around multiple times, and tie to secure.
I found the skirt looked great dressed up with the white button down and a statement necklace, with a tank top and sandals, or even with a comfy tee (not pictured here, but I swear it looked great!).
I will definitely be wearing this skirt all Spring / Summer long.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time…
Happy sewing!
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Nice 🙂 this will be a challenge for me 🙂 your blog is full of inspiration
My wardrobe definitely needs some maxi skirts!! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for this evening that features your tutorial: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=87774 –Anne
cute! I have a gazillion maxi dresses/skirts in my closet. But that wont stop me from making one!
Very Pretty and how NICE of you to share this!
Hi Jess!
What a fun tutorial. So right, a maxi keeps the sometimes spring chill off the legs and primes us for summer dresses 😌. I’m wondering how you finishe the waistband ties?
X,
Genevieve
beautifu .. thank you so much for shairing your post
Hello! Just wanted you to know I just started following you – found your Wrap Maxi Skirt on Pinterest, and then subscribed. I had a date with Mr. Fizzyknits this weekend, and wanted something fun to wear. I love maxi skirts, but this was the first one I’ve made. I found a tshirt knit material (in blue ombre!!), and got busy. The only thing I didn’t do was flare out the bottom – that tshirt knit was a pain to lay still to let me cut it, but oh so worth it when I wore it. I’m on the voluptuous side, so I was super-duper happy this skirt stayed closed, even while sitting. The pattern was super easy to follow, and I’ve already got “orders” from my teenage daughter to make her one, and I plan on making several more for me. Thanks for sharing the pattern! Looking forward to reading more from you.
I love this DIY! Gorgeous. Jessica, I love your posts and your stories are always great. I shared your wedding dress post on my FB page https://www.facebook.com/aclassicstitch/.
Your directions are so easy to follow! I’m hoping to try this for my 2 daughters. I always read through patterns to see if they’re quick and easy enough for someone who hates complicated and will leave it in a pile somewhere if it takes too long to finish! Thanks for sharing your expertise in sewing – you have to know what you’re doing to make it easy for others.
amazing tutorial.
That being said, I’d also like to know how you finished the raw edges on the wrap belt.
Your response is appreciated!!
Thank you,
Danielle
Very cute! I will definitely be making one for summer as I like long flowing skirts. It does remind me of a dress I used to make for myself and friends that could be worn 5 different ways back in the 70s and 80s during the disco era. OK now I am dating myself, but I had many in different colors. I am a little too old and fluffy to wear such a dress now, but as a skirt I think I can still pull it off.
What does “arcing out at the sides ” mean?