Draft an A-Line Skirt Pattern | BEGINNERs Guide

In this post, you will learn how to draft A-line skirt pattern from your measurements and how to hack it to receive different styles and features.

Love what you see ? Support me by snagging some cool items from my shop! Every purchase helps me bring you more awesome content. Thank you! 🤗💖 Shop Now

Have you ever wanted to make your own A-line skirt, but felt intimidated by the complicated patterns and measurements? Do you wish you could create different variations of A-line skirts with just one simple pattern? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this post is for you!

In this tutorial, I will show you how to draft an A-line skirt from your measurements, with step-by-step instructions and examples. You will learn how to make a basic A-line skirt pattern, and how to customize it with pockets, darts, gathers, and more. You will also discover how to hack your pattern to create other types of skirts, such as tulip, wrap, and mix and match skirts.

By the end of this post, you will have a versatile A-line skirt pattern that you can use to make many different skirts for yourself or your friends. You will also gain confidence and skills in pattern drafting, sewing, and designing. So, grab your measuring tape, paper, and scissors, and let’s get started!

What is an A-line Skirt?

An A-line skirt is a skirt that is fitted at the hips and gradually widens towards the hem, giving the impression of the shape of a capital letter A. The term is also used to describe dresses and coats with a similar shape.

Little history

The A-line skirt was first introduced by the French couturier Christian Dior in 1955, as part of his spring collection. He named it after the letter A, because he wanted to create a new silhouette that was simple, elegant, and flattering for all women1

The A-line skirt became more popular in the 1960s, thanks to Dior’s successor, Yves Saint Laurent, who designed the Trapeze Line, which featured dresses and skirts that flared out dramatically from a fitted shoulder line. The A-line skirt was also embraced by the youth culture and the mod movement, who loved its playful and modern look1

This skirt has remained a classic and versatile style ever since, as it can be worn by women of all shapes and sizes. It can also be cut at any length, from mini to maxi, and can be made with different fabrics, colors, prints, and embellishments. It can be paired with various tops, jackets, shoes, and accessories, depending on the occasion and the mood.

Some of the benefits of wearing an A-line skirt are:

It creates a balanced and feminine silhouette, by highlighting the waist and hiding the hips and thighs.
This shape adds movement and flair to the outfit, by creating a gentle swing and flow.
A-line skirt is comfortable and easy to wear, as it does not restrict the legs or the movement.
It is suitable for all seasons and weather, as it can be layered with tights, leggings, boots, or sandals.
It is timeless and elegant, as it never goes out of fashion and can be styled in many ways

I must say at the end that it’s my favourite type of skirt.

How to Measure Yourself for an A-line Skirt Pattern Drafting

Accurate measurements are super important for drafting a pattern and making a well-fitting skirt.

Tools and materials you need for measuring yourself

• A measuring tape
• A notebook and a pencil
• A mirror
• A friend or a helper (optional, but recommended)

To make a skirt pattern, you need to measure the following:

Waist circumference: Measure your waist at its narrowest part, usually above your navel. This is the natural waist and the top edge of your skirt.

Hip circumference: Measure your hips at their widest part, usually around the buttocks. This is the widest part of your skirt and determines how much fabric you need.

Skirt length: Measure the distance from your natural waist to the desired hemline of your skirt. This is the total length of your skirt and depends on your preference and style.

Check out my detailed post on how to measure yourself for self pattern drafting.

Tools and Materials for Pattern Drafting

Pattern drafting allows you to customize the fit and style of your clothing, and express your creativity and personality. To draft your own patterns, you will need some essential tools and materials that will make your work easier and more accurate. Here are the tools and materials you need for pattern drafting:

• A large flat surface for working: You will need a spacious and smooth surface to lay out your pattern paper and draw your pattern pieces. You can use a table, a desk, a floor, or a cutting mat.
• A large piece of paper, such as tracing paper, to draw your pattern on.
• Drafting paper
• A pencil, preferably with a fine point and a good eraser, to sketch and adjust your pattern lines.
• Notebook
• A French curve ruler. Grab my french curved rulers for free here.
• L ruler
• A measuring tape, to take your body measurements and check the length and width of your pattern pieces.
• A pair of scissors, to cut out your pattern pieces and your fabric. Check out my detailed post and learn what scissors are the best for your project.
• Tracing wheel: You will need a tracing wheel to transfer your pattern markings to another paper or to the fabric. A tracing wheel is a tool that has a serrated or smooth wheel at the end of a handle. You can use it to trace the outline or the details of your pattern piece, such as darts, pleats, or notches. There are two types of tracing wheels: pointed and blunted. A pointed wheel is used to transfer pattern shapes to the paper, while a blunted wheel is used with carbon paper to transfer pattern shapes to the fabric.

Ease and Seam Allowance for A-Line Skirt Pattern Drafting

What is Ease and Seam Allowance?

Ease is the difference between your body measurements and the finished garment measurements. Ease allows you to move comfortably in your clothes and creates the desired fit and style. There are two types of ease: wearing ease and design ease. Wearing ease is the minimum amount of ease needed for basic movement, such as sitting, walking, and breathing. Design ease is the extra amount of ease added for aesthetic or fashion purposes, such as creating a loose, fitted, or tight silhouette

Seam allowance is the extra fabric between the stitching line and the edge of the fabric. Seam allowance is necessary for joining the pattern pieces together and finishing the raw edges. Seam allowance can vary depending on the type of seam, the type of fabric, and the type of garment. For example, a straight seam may have a smaller seam allowance than a curved seam, a woven fabric may have a larger seam allowance than a knit fabric, and a fitted garment may have a narrower seam allowance than a loose garment.

How to Calculate the Ease and Seam Allowance for A-Line Skirt Pattern Drafting

To calculate the ease and seam allowance for your A-line skirt pattern drafting, you will need to follow these steps:

Ease

• Decide on the amount of ease you want for your A-line skirt. This will depend on your personal preference, the type of fabric, and the style of the skirt. For example, if you want a fitted A-line skirt made from a woven fabric, you may want to add 2-4 inches of ease to your waist and hip measurements. If you want a loose A-line skirt made from a knit fabric, you may want to add 6-8 inches of ease to your waist and hip measurements
• Add the ease to your waist and hip measurements. For example, if your waist measurement is 28 inches and you want to add 3 inches of ease, your waist measurement with ease will be 31 inches. If your hip measurement is 38 inches and you want to add 4 inches of ease, your hip measurement with ease will be 42 inches.
• Divide your waist and hip measurements with ease by 4. This will give you the width of the front and back pattern pieces at the waist and hip. For example, if your waist measurement with ease is 31 inches, your front and back pattern pieces at the waist will be 7.75 inches each. If your hip measurement with ease is 42 inches, your front and back pattern pieces at the hip will be 10.5 inches each.

Allowance

• Decide on the amount of seam allowance you want for your A-line skirt. This will depend on the type of seam, the type of fabric, and the type of finish you want. For example, if you want to use a simple straight seam with a zigzag or overlock finish, you may want to use a 1/2 inch seam allowance. If you want to use a French seam or a flat-felled seam, you may want to use a 5/8 inch seam allowance
• Add the seam allowance to the width of the front and back pattern pieces at the waist and hip. For example, if you want to use a 1/2 inch seam allowance, you will need to add 1 inch to the width of the front and back pattern pieces at the waist and hip. If your front and back pattern pieces at the waist are 7.75 inches each, they will be 8.75 inches each with seam allowance. If your front and back pattern pieces at the hip are 10.5 inches each, they will be 11.5 inches each with seam allowance.
• Use the width of the front and back pattern pieces at the waist and hip with seam allowance to draft your A-line skirt pattern. Remember to mark the seam allowance on your pattern pieces and to cut the front piece on the fold and the back piece in two pieces.

Learn more:

How to add seam allowance in sewing

How to Draft a Basic A-line Skirt Pattern in 3 Ways

Fitted Waist | Waist With Darts A-Line Skirt

A fitted waist is a type of waistline that hugs the waist and hips, creating a smooth and slimming silhouette. A waist with darts is a type of waistline that has small stitches that shape the fabric to the body, creating a more tailored fit. An A-line skirt is a type of skirt that is narrow at the waist and flares out to the hem, creating an “A” shape.

Steps:

• Draw a line that represents the length of your skirt.
• Measure your waist and divide by 4. Add 3 cm for the waist dart. For example, if your waist measurement is 68 cm, then 68 : 4 = 17 cm. Add 3 cm to get 20 cm. Draw a waistline of 20 cm.
• Add darts at the waist that are 3 cm wide, 10 cm long in the front, and 12 cm long in the back.
• Measure 20 cm down from the waistline to the hip line.
• Measure your hips. For example, if your hip measurement is 98 cm, then 98 : 4 = 24.5 cm. Add 1 cm for ease to get 25.5 cm. Draw a hip line of 25.5 cm. You can add more or less ease (0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm) as per your preference.
• Draw lines at the bottom (hemline).
• Draw lines starting from the waist and connecting with the hip line all the way to the bottom, creating a line.

Gathered Waist A-Line Skirt

A gathered waist A-line skirt is a type of skirt that is narrow at the waist and flares out to the hem, creating an “A” shape. The waistline is gathered, which adds fullness and volume to the skirt. To create it cut out the pattern. After cutting out add 1.5 times the width of the waistband to the top of the skirt. This will allow you to gather the skirt. For example, if the waistband is 2 inches wide, then you would add 3 inches to the top of the skirt.

Dartless A-Line Skirt

A dartless A-line skirt is a type of skirt that is narrow at the waist and flares out to the hem, creating an “A” shape. Unlike other A-line skirts, it does not have any darts or pleats at the waist, which makes it simpler and easier to sew.

Choose Skirt Length

PICK YOUR FAVORITE LENGTH

• Mini skirts are short skirts that end above the knee. The length of a mini skirt can change, but it usually goes from 11 inches to 17 inches
• Midi skirts are longer than mini skirts and usually go from the knee to the middle of the calf. The length of a midi skirt can change, but it usually goes from 26 inches to 30 inches
• Maxi skirts are the longest skirts and usually go to the ankles or the floor.  The length of a maxi skirt can change depending on the design and the use. Usually goes from 39 inches to 41.5 inches

Step by Step Video on A-line Skirt Pattern Drafting

I have created a step by step video tutorial. In it you will learn hack the pattern.

How to draft A-line skirt pattern for beginners.

How to Hack your A-line Skirt Pattern to Create Other Types of Skirts

Front | Side Slit Skirt

A front or side slit skirt is a type of skirt that has a cut on either the front or side of the skirt. It allows for more movement and adds a touch of style.

High-Waisted Elastic Waist Gathered Skirt

A high-waisted elastic waist gathered A-line skirt is a type of skirt that sits at or above the natural waistline and has an elastic band that is gathered to create fullness. The A-line shape is narrow at the waist and gradually widens to the hem, creating a flattering and feminine shape. The elastic band makes the skirt easy to put on and take off, while the gathers add texture and flow to the skirt. This style of skirt is often made from light and airy fabrics such as cotton, rayon, or chiffon, and can be styled for different occasions.

Tulip Wrap Mini Skirt

A tulip wrap mini skirt is a type of skirt that wraps around the waist and ties at the side. It is creating a flattering and feminine shape. The tulip shape of the skirt is made by overlapping the front pieces of the skirt. This creates a curved hemline that looks like the petals of a tulip flower. This style of skirt is usually short in length, ending above the knee. Iis often made from light and soft fabrics such as linen, cotton, or rayon. The tulip wrap mini skirt is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down .

Tie Side Wrap Skirt

A tie side wrap skirt is a type of skirt that wraps around the waist and ties at the side, creating a flattering and feminine shape. The wrap style of the skirt is made by overlapping the front pieces of the skirt, which allows the skirt to fit the wearer’s waist. The tie side detail adds a decorative element to the skirt and can be tied in a bow or knot. This style of skirt is usually made from light and flowy fabrics such as cotton, rayon, or chiffon.

High-Waisted Skirt With Slit At Hem

A high-waisted skirt with a slit at the hem is a type of skirt that sits above the waist and has a slit at the bottom. The slit can be on the side, front, or back of the skirt, and it can be short or long. Make this type of skirt from light and breezy fabrics, such as cotton, silk, or chiffon, and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. The high-waisted design of the skirt highlights the waistline and lengthens the legs, while the slit adds a touch of elegance and femininity.

Button Front Midi Skirt

A button front midi skirt is a type of skirt that falls below the knee and has buttons down the front. The buttons can be functional or decorative, and they can be made of various materials such as metal, plastic, or fabric. This type of skirt is usually made of light and flowy fabrics, such as cotton, linen, or rayon, and can be worn for different occasions. The button front detail adds a touch of charm and interest to the skirt.

How to Customize your A-line Skirt Pattern with Different Features

Pockets:

Adding pockets to your A-line skirt pattern is a great way to make it more functional. You can add side-seam pockets or patch pockets to the front or back of the skirt. To add pockets, you’ll need to cut out the pocket pieces from your fabric. After this sew them onto the skirt pieces before you start assembling the skirt.

 You can find detailed instructions on how to add pockets here .

Zippers:

Zippers can be added to the back or side of your A-line skirt to create a more fitted look. You can use an invisible zipper or a regular zipper, depending on your preference. To add a zipper, you’ll need to cut out the back or side pieces of your skir. Then sew the zipper onto the seam before you start assembling the skirt. .

Buttons:

Adding buttons to your A-line skirt pattern is a great way to create a more vintage look. You can add buttons to the front or back of the skirt, or even down the side. To add buttons, you’ll need to cut out the button placket pieces from your fabric. And next sew them onto the skirt pieces before you start assembling the skirt. 

Ready A- line Skirt Pattern !

Congratulations! You have just learned how to draft an A-line skirt from your measurements. Now you know also how to create different variations of A-line skirts with just one simple pattern. You have also discovered how to hack your pattern. You can easly create other types of skirts, such as tulip, wrap, gathered, and mix and match skirts.

Now that you have this versatile A-line skirt pattern, you can unleash your creativity and make many different skirts for yourself or your friends. You can also experiment with different fabrics, colors, prints, and embellishments to suit your style and mood.

I hope you have also gained confidence and skills in pattern drafting, sewing, and designing. You are no longer limited by the patterns available in the market. You can make your own custom-fit and unique A-line skirts anytime you want.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and found it useful. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you and see your creations.

Thank you for reading and happy sewing! 😊

In this post, you have learned how to draft an A-line skirt from your measurements. As well how to create different variations of A-line skirts with just one simple pattern.

This post has affiliate links * Affiliate Link. This means that if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive a small percentage of your purchase (at no extra cost to you).