Inside: Learn how to sew an easy knit skirt with built in shorts in any size. Perfect for back to school playwear. This tiered skirt is super cute, but made for fun with the built in shorts. Free shorts pattern and skirt tutorial.
After a summer of not sewing as much, I’m back at my machines filling in the gaps in my daughters clothing. I realized she has a ton of t-shirts, but not as many school appropriate shorts/skirts. I also wanted to sew a couple skirts that were solid color so she can wear with a more colorful shirt. Here’s my version of a tiered knit skirt with built in shorts.
Tiered knit skirt with built in shorts
Skirts for school must have built in shorts. Rose plays way too hard on the playground for me to forget this element of a skirt. We also love comfy and this knit tri-blend fabric is so comfy and soft.
I decided to create a two-tier skirt to give a bit more flare to this. I’ve made lots of circle skirts with built in shorts, but I love this variation as well.
I added just a simple elastic waistband, but I did top-stitch around the middle. This project can be sewing in under and hour and I used my serger and sewing machine to complete the project.
How to sew a knit skirt with built in shorts
Supplies needed for tiered knit skirt with shorts:
- Knit fabric {amount will vary depending on size of skirt}
- I used tri-blend for skirt
- rib knit for under shorts {half yard of this should be more than enough}
- Free shortie legging pattern for under shorts -click to go to shop and download
- 1″ wide elastic
All seams should be sewn with 3/8″ seam allowance and using a serger or knit stitch to keep the fabric and seams stretchy.
Fold over the top 1″ of the shorts pattern before cutting out {we are adding the waistband back later} Cut two of shorts pattern. Cut 1 waistband of skirt fabric {cut the width of the shorts and 3″ tall} Cut 2 tier pieces. The first one should be 1.5x the width of the shorts top, and the second should be 1.5x the width of the first piece.
I cut my top tier 8″ tall and my second 7.5″ tall. The top one is a bit taller since it has a seam allowance on the top and bottom. You can measure how tall you want the skirt to be and just divide in half. Add some seam allowance in you want.
With right sides together sew the curved front and back seam of the shorts.
Open up the shorts and sew the inseam. Then hem both leg openings.
Sew the short ends of the top tier together to form a circle and gather the top edge of the tier to match the top of the shorts.
Sew the second tier into a circle as well, then gather the top of it to match the bottom of the first tier. Pine or clip together and sew with a knit stitch to connect the layers together.
Turn the shorts and skirt right side out. Slide the shorts inside the skirt. Make sure the line up the back and front if you skirt has a back or front. {I like to put the tier seams in the back} Pin or clip together.
Sew the waistband into a circle by sewing the shorts ends together. Measure it to be the same as the top of the shorts. Fold in half the long way and add it to the clips around the skirt top. Sew around and leave a 2″ opening to add elastic.
Measure your child and cut the elastic 1″ shorter than the waist measurement. Thread elastic through casing, then overlap ends and sew together.
Sew the opening closed where you threaded the elastic. Add a top-stitching down the center of the elastic/casing if desired. {for this part I do use a straight stitch, but I stretch the elastic and fabric while sewing so it can still be stretchy.
Now you have a cute skirt! I’m tempted to make one in my size using my womens free legging pattern for the shorts. Share your photos on social media and tag me @lifesewsavory. Can’t wait to see what you make!!
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