Bias Cut Skirts sewing as beginner (Free PDF Pattern and Tutorial)

In this post, you will learn how to sew a basic bias cut skirts with an elastic waistband using a free PDF pattern .

Do you love the look of a bias cut skirts, but don’t know how to make one? A bias skirt is a flattering and versatile garment that can be worn for any occasion. It’s also easy to sew, even if you’re a beginner. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to sew bias cut skirts in 3 easy ways using a free PDF pattern. You’ll learn how to sew a basic bias skirt with an elastic waistband, as well as how to add different details and lengths to suit your style. Whether you want a midi, below knee, or maxi skirt, you’ll find a way to make it here. Plus, you’ll get a free PDF pattern that you can download and print at home. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

What is a Bias Cut and Why is it Awesome?

Bias is the term used to describe the diagonal direction of the fabric that is at a 45-degree angle to the selvage, which is the finished edge of the fabric. The bias has more stretch and drape than the straight grain, which runs parallel to the selvage. To find the bias, you can fold your fabric diagonally, aligning the selvage with the crosswise grain, which runs perpendicular to the selvage. The folded edge is the bias.

A bias cut is a technique that creates a flattering and fluid shape that hugs your curves and moves with you. It is a skirt that is cut on the bias, which gives it more stretch and drape than a straight-cut skirt. A bias skirt can be made in different lengths and styles, such as midi, below knee, or maxi, and with different details, such as zippers, buttons, ruffles, or pockets.

What do You Need to Sew a Bias Cut Skirts

Sewing Tools

To sew a bias skirt, you will need some basic sewing skills and tools, such as:

• A sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Pins
• Measuring tape
• Iron

You will also need a magnetic seam guide or a magnet to help you sew evenly.

Fabric Choices

You can use any fabric of your choice, preferably a lightweight woven fabric with a good drape, such as:

• Crepe, charmeuse, satin, and crepe de chine in silk, acetate blends or synthetic blends
• Satin, silk, rayon, or cotton lawn

Read more on fabrics in this post.

You will need enough fabric to cut two rectangles that are the desired length of your skirt plus 1 inch for hem allowance, and the width of your hips plus 4 inches for ease and seam allowance.

Sewing Tips 

To sew evenly, use a magnetic seam guide or a magnet

To cut the pattern on the bias evenly and without any problems, attach it with clips

How to Measure Yourself to Find Best Size for Your Skirt

To find your size for skirt , you need to measure your waist and hips, and add some ease for comfort and fit.

Here you can see where to measure your waist

and hips.

Check out my detailed post on how to measure yourself.

Size Chart

According to your measurements, you can check the size chart to find the best size for you.

Free PDF Pattern for Bias Cut Skirts

You will also need the free PDF pattern, which you can download from the link below. The pattern is a simple rectangle that you can print on A4 or letter size paper and tape together. The pattern has two sizes: small/medium and large/extra large. You can choose the size that fits your hips measurement. The pattern also has markings for different lengths: midi, below knee, and maxi. You can cut the pattern along the length that you prefer.

The pattern is available at the end of the post for blog subscribers. Subscribing is free.

Check out how to measure yourself to see what size is the best for you.

Check out as well:

Learn how to print and assemble free PDF patterns

How to cut out sewing patterns with tips and tools

Check out how to add seam allowance in sewing

How to Sew a Basic Bias Skirts with an Elastic Waistband

Now that you have everything you need, let’s start sewing the basic bias skirt with an elastic waistband. This is the easiest way to make a bias skirt, and it’s perfect for beginners. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Cut Out the Fabric Pieces on the Bias

First, you need to cut out the fabric pieces on the bias. To do this, fold your fabric diagonally, aligning the selvage with the crosswise grain. The folded edge is the bias. Place the pattern on the fabric, aligning the long edge of the pattern with the bias. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut along the edges. You will have two identical fabric pieces.

Step 2: Sew the Side Seams

Next, you need to sew the side seams of the skirt. To do this, place the fabric pieces right sides together, matching the edges. Pin along the side seams, leaving a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Sew along the pinned edges, using a straight stitch and a magnetic seam guide or a magnet to help you sew evenly. Press the seams open with an iron.

Hang the garment up for at least 24 hours. This gives your fabric a chance to relax and stretch. The bias grain will stretch out overnight  all the irregularities will come out, which you can easily cut out and even out the bottom of the skirt.

Step 3: Finish the Raw Edges

Then, you need to finish the raw edges of the skirt. To do this, use a zigzag stitch or an overlocker to prevent the fabric from fraying. Trim any excess threads, and press the edges with an iron.

Step 4: Sew the Waistband

Then, you need to sew the waistband of the skirt. To do this, measure your waist and cut a piece of elastic that is the same length as your waist measurement. Fold the top edge of the skirt over the elastic, enclosing it inside the fabric. Pin along the folded edge, leaving a 2 inch gap at the back for turning the elastic. Sew along the pinned edge, using a zigzag stitch and stretching the elastic as you sew. Be careful not to sew over the elastic. Turn the elastic inside the waistband through the gap, and sew the gap closed.

Step 5: Hem the Skirt

Finally, you need to hem the skirt. To do this, fold the bottom edge of the skirt over 1/2 inch, and press with an iron. Fold it over again 1/2 inch, and press again. Pin along the folded edge, and sew along the pinned edge, using a straight stitch. Trim any excess threads, and press the hem with an iron.

Check out my detailed post on how to hem with tips and tricks.

Congratulations, you have just sewn a basic bias skirt with an elastic waistband! You can wear it as it is, or add some details to make it more interesting.

How to Sew the Bias Cut Skirts (Video Tutorial)

If you prefer to watch a video tutorial on how to sew these bias cut skirts, you can find it on my YouTube channel. I will show you how to cut the fabric, how to sew skirts, and how to make some adjustments if needed. You can also see how skirts looks on me .

Super easy video tutorial on how to sew these amazing bias skirts.

How to Style a Bias Cut Skirts

How to Style a Bias Skirt for a Casual Look

For a casual look, you can pair your bias skirt with a simple top, such as a t-shirt, a tank top, or a sweater. You can also add a denim jacket, a faux leather jacket, or a cardigan for some extra warmth and texture. For shoes, you can go for sneakers, flats, or boots, depending on the weather and your mood. You can also accessorize with a hat, a belt, or a scarf for some extra flair. For example, you can wear a white t-shirt, a black bias skirt, a denim jacket, white sneakers, and a black hat for a cool and casual outfit.

How to Style a Bias Skirt for a Chic Look

For a chic look, you can pair your bias skirt with a silky or lacey top, such as a cami, a blouse, or a bodysuit. You can also add a blazer, a trench coat, or a fur coat for some extra elegance and sophistication. For shoes, you can go for heels, pumps, or sandals, depending on the occasion and your preference. You can also accessorize with a clutch, a necklace, or earrings for some extra sparkle. For example, you can wear a black lace cami, a leopard print bias skirt, a beige trench coat, black pumps, and a gold necklace for a glamorous and chic outfit.

How to Style a Bias Skirt for a Boho Look

For a boho look, you can pair your bias skirt with a floral or printed top, such as a wrap top, a crop top, or a kimono. You can also add a denim vest, a fringe jacket, or a poncho for some extra bohemian vibe and layering. For shoes, you can go for wedges, espadrilles, or mules, depending on the season and your style. You can also accessorize with a straw bag, a headband, or a bracelet for some extra color and charm. For example, you can wear a white wrap top, a green bias skirt, a denim vest, brown wedges, and a straw bag for a cute and boho outfit.

I hope these ideas help you style your bias skirt for different looks. You can also experiment with different colors, prints, and fabrics to create your own unique outfits. A bias skirt is a great piece to have in your wardrobe, as it can be worn for any occasion and any season.

You have just learned how to sew a bias skirt in 3 easy ways using a free PDF pattern. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and found it helpful. If you did, please share it with your friends, leave a comment, or subscribe to my newsletter for more sewing tips and tricks. Happy sewing! 😊

In this post you have just learned how to sew a bias skirt in 3 easy ways using a free PDF pattern.

Free Bias Skirt Sewing Pattern