Double Layer Circle Skirt tutorial

inside: Sewing tutorial to create a double layer circle skirt. Two layers of fabric can create a beautiful circle skirt. Easy to dress up with fancy fabric or keep it simple for play. Circle skirt sewing tutorial.

I’ve wanted to make a skirt like this for awhile now. Rose loves twirly skirts so I had an idea to create a double layer circle skirt. I’ve sewn these cute tulle/cotton skirts before, but it wasn’t a circle skirt. The skirt being a circle helps it to be extra twirly and perfect for a play or fancy skirt.

Double Layer Circle Skirt tutorial

For this version of a double layer circle skirt I used a layer of thin french terry and a layer of lace. I had both in my stash and I think they go together pretty well. The french terry is a stretch fabric and the lace isn’t stretchy. It wasn’t too difficult to combine the two kinds of fabric and I love the outcome.

I did notice that due to the stretch in the under layer the skirt hangs slightly uneven. When laid flat the skirt layers line up, but when vertical there some sides that are just a bit longer. You can see this in a couple of the photos.

What I love about this skirt is it will look great dressed up, but it also looks adorable with a t-shirt for play as well. Pair this skirt with some legging undershorts for a great play outfit.

What kind of fabric should I use for a circle skirt?

The good thing about a circle skirt is that you can use any fabric you want. Knit fabric or woven {non-stretch} both work well for circle skirts. Ideally fabrics that are lighters and with good drape are best for circle skirts.

For a double layer skirt the base layer usually is a solid fabric and the second layer should be lighter and a bit see through. Good bottom layers are cotton, cotton lycra, brushed poly, quilting cotton, light french terry, etch. For the top layer you can use tulle, lace, chiffon, or any light airy fabric.

More free skirt patterns/tutorials to sew:

• Half Circle Skirt tutorial
• How to sew a skirt with a ruffle
• Gathered Skirt with pocket
• Paper bag style skirt
• Tiered Skirt tutorial
• Free Skirt pattern with button front {printable pdf}
• Add a skirt to leggings

How to sew a circle skirt with two layers

Ready to sew a circle skirt with two layers of fabric for yourself or daughter? Let’s get started. If you aren’t familiar with circle skirts you will want to review my HUGE circle skirt tutorial here. This tutorial post will give you the basics for circle skirts of all kinds and explains the math and the steps I will show here in more details.

Gather the two types of fabric you want to use as well as some elastic for the waist. Use 1″ or 1.5″ elastic for the skirt.

In addition to the two circles you will want to cut a waistband. I used my more solid fabric for the waistband. The elastic I’m using is 1″ so I cut the waistband 2.75″ wide x a few inches longer than I needed. Cut the waistband 2x the width of the elastic PLUS seam allowance. 2.75″ is good for 1″ elastic and 3.75″ is a good width for 1.5″ elastic.

Cut two layers of skirt. Here are the basics for cutting this shape. Remember if you aren’t familiar with cutting a circle skirt check out the full tutorial linked above in this post.

1. Create a double fold with the fabric, the center where you cut the waist opening should be the double fold corner.
2. Take waist measurement {ex.22″} divide by 6.28″. This equals 3.5″. Measure from the double fold corner this distance and mark several places. Cut out this corner notch.
   • NOTE: if you are using woven fabric with no stretch, add at least 2″ to the waist measurement before dividing for ease. this will allow the wearer to get the skirt over their hips.
3. Decide the length you want your skirt and measure down from the waist cut down and mark length {ex. 12″ here} Measure and mark several places then cut around skirt. If you are using woven fabric that needs a hem, add a hem allowance.

Place the two layers of skirt together. The right sides of both layers should be facing out. Line up the top edge and pin or clip together. Sew these two layers together with a basting stitch to hold them together.

Time to cut the waistband. Fold it in half and place on one side of the skirt. I always like to cut my waistbands a couple inches bigger than I need. Press the skirt flat and line up with the waistband. Cut the waistband to size and sew the short ends together with right sides of fabric together.

Fold the waistband together with the long raw edges together. Place the seam of the waistband at the back of the skirt {the circle shouldn’t really have a back, but choose a spot} Pin or clip the waistband the rest of the way around the skirt top.

Sew the waistband to the skirt with a serger or zig-zag {to retain stretch} Leave a 2″ opening to thread the elastic through.

Cut the elastic to the correct length and then thread it through the casing. When you get all the way around, overlap the elastic and then sew the ends together.

Sew the opening closed with the same stitch you sewed the waistband on. Use a straight stitch down the back seam to keep elastic from twisting. I also added two stitch lines on the sides. These three lines will keep the elastic from twisting.

Now you have the cutest skirt ever!! Ok… all skirts are cute! {haha} Be sure to tag me if you make a skirt like this! I can’t wait to see what you come up with.