Tiered Maxi Skirt Sewing Pattern
In this sewing tutorial, you get to learn how to make a beautiful tiered skirt. This tiered maxi skirt sewing pattern is a fun project that you can easily make in any size you wish. If you are looking for a fun and easy skirt sewing pattern that you can make in a short time, and enjoy wearing all year long, this is definitely a pattern you should try out!
What is Maxi Tiered Skirt
A tiered maxi skirt is a type of long skirt, and in this pattern it is made in three tiers or layers in addition to a waistband. This is a cute skirt that you can make in any size, or length you prefer.
These skirts are quite versatile in how you wish to style them, and they are super comfy. You will enjoy wearing this skirt no matter what the occasion.
Tiered Maxi Skirt
Tiered maxis are a lovely type of skirt that are the perfect go to skirt no matter what the occasion or your preferred style. These tiered maxi skirts are a lovely flowey type of skirt that you can easily add to your wardrobe and wear in a variety of ways, depending on what else you add to your outfit.
No matter if you are going for the boho style, housewife look, or professional style, this skirt pattern can provide it for you. All you have to do is add some accessories to match your preferred style, and you are good to go.
In these step-by-step instructions, you will learn the details of how to make your own tiered maxi skirt. Let’s get started!
Sewing Pattern for the Tiered Maxi Skirt
Materials
Jersey Knit Fabric
A sewing machine that can do a straight stitch and zigzag stitch
Rotary cutter
Ruler
Cutting board
Scissors
Seam Allowances
inch seam allowance
How to Sew a Multi-tiered Maxi Skirt
Sizing Instructions
Before you get started, you will want to first determine the size that is best for you. You can do this by measuring yourself, to see what size on the size chart you best fit, or you can use all of your own measurements to create your customized size that is perfect for your body.
Tools and materials you need for measuring yourself
In order to determine your size accurately, you will need a few tools. Those include:
- A flexible measuring tape for clothing
- A measuring tape to determine your length
Once you have your tools gathered, you will want to take your measurements. For these measurements you will want to measure your natural waist, your hip measurement, and the length measurement.
Waist Measurement. The waist measurement will be found by taking that flexible measuring tape, and measuring your waist circumference. This is typically your natural waist measurement, but could also be where you prefer your skirt to set.
Hip Measurement. Next, you will want your hip measurement. This is lower down, so that it measures your hips and butt.
Length Measurement. The final measurement you will need is the length measurement. If you wish to make a floor length skirt, it should go from the floor, up to where you want the skirt to rest on your waist. If you prefer, you can also measure from your ankles, or calves if you would rather make a shorter skirt.
How to Calculate the Width of Each Skirt Tier
If you are making a floor length maxi skirt, you will have three tiers to this skirt, including the waist band. Keep in mind, these are good rules of thumb, but do not have to be followed. Here is how to calculate the width of each skirt tier:
Waist Band: Your hip measurement plus at least two inches for seam allowance. Feel free to add another inch or two if you prefer the skirt to be looser.
Second Tier: To calculate the second tier, multiply 1.5 times your top tier measurement.
Third Tier: To calculate the second tier, multiply 1.5 times your second tier measurement.
Example Calculations for Determining the Width of the Tiers for the Maxi Skirt
The width of the tiers is based on your hip measurement. You will start with the top tier, then work your way down to determine the width of each tier.
For example, if your hip measurements are 40 inches around, your first tier will be 42 inches. Then the second tier would be 42×1.5=63, and the third tier would be 63×1.5=94.5.
To determine the finished length of the skirt, you will want to measure from your waist to where you would like the skirt to rest. Say for example you wanted the finished skirt to be 40 inches long. To determine the height of each tier, you would then take 40 inches and divide by 3, if you want three even tiers. This would make each tier 16 ⅓ inches high, with 1 inch allowance for each of the seams.
PLEASE NOTE: I made this skirt pictures with fewer gathers, and less fabric. I used the following measurements:
Waist Band: 32 inches wide by 12 inches tall
Second Tier: 48 inches wide by 22 inches long (this was the measurement from my hips to the top of my knees)
Third Tier: 60 inches wide (the width of my fabric bolt) and 13 inches length (from knee to calf measurement)
Measure, Cut and Sew the Tiers for the Multi-tiered Maxi Skirt
When you know the different measurements you need to make this maxi skirt fit you perfectly, you can begin making the skirt.
1. Waist Measurement:
Determine your hip and waist measurements using a flexible measuring tape.
2. Skirt Length:
Determine how long you would like the skirt to be.
3. Cutting the Tiers:
Once you know the dimensions of each tier, you can begin cutting out the fabric. It is entirely up to you if you want the front and back to be even, or if you want to conserve your fabric, and simply make tiers that go around with the seams falling as they may.
4. Creating the Waistband:
There are two ways you can go about making the waist band at the top of the skirt. That is by adding an elastic waistband, or simply making a folded waistband out of your knit fabric.
To make an elastic band, you will want to use 1 inch elastic, and make a fabric sleeve for it to go through. The fabric should be as long as your waist measurement, and approximately 3 inches wide.
Fold the band together so that the right sides face inwards. Then sew along the long raw edges. Turn the band right side out, and use a safety pin to fish your elastic through the sleeve.
Attach the elastic band to the top of the maxi skirt.
If you wish to make a waistband out of the knit fabric alone, you can do this by cutting a piece of fabric that is your waist measurement plus about 2 inches, by 10 inches wide. Fold the fabric so that the right sides are together. After sewing, turn the fabric right side out. Attach it to the top of your skirt.
5. Attaching Pockets (optional, not pictured):
With your leftover fabric, you can make pockets! To do this, cut out two rectangles for each side. Sew the pocket pieces together so that the right sides are facing in, leaving one side open. Zig zag stitch around the outside edge so that the pockets hold fast.
To attach the pockets, you will want to divide the second tier in half, and pin the pockets in place. Sew the side seams around the pockets to attach them.
6. Sewing and Attaching the Tiers:
To assemble the tiers, there are a few different ways you can gather the fabric. Let’s look at the different options.
How to Gather the Tiers for the Multi-tiered Maxi Skirt
Add Gathering Stitches to the Tiers
The first method is to add gathering stitches. If you machine has this function, you can use the specific stitch. Otherwise, you can use a long straight stitch as your gathering stitch. When the stitch is finished, you will pull on the thread and make your gather. After your gathers are in place, sew the tiers together.
Pin, Gather and Stitch the Tiers Together
Using pins to gather my fabric is my personal preferred method. I like this way best because it allows me to have much more control, and I don’t have to sew twice.
To use pins to gather then stitch the tiers together, you will first want to make a loop with the cut tier. Line up the sides and pin them in place with the wrong side facing out.
Then take each section, divide it in half, and pin it in place. Divide the next section in half, and pin it in place. Repeat this process all the way around your tier, until your gathers are small and pinned in place.
You can then sew the tier together. Repeat these steps with each tier as you assemble the skirt.
7. Hemming the Skirt:
The last thing to finish up is to complete the bottom hem of the maxi tiered skirt. To do this, fold the edges under twice, then sew a straight line around the bottom of the skirt.
Before your skirt is done, it is a good idea to go back and zigzag any raw edges of your skirt.
Now your custom tiered maxi skirt is complete and ready to enjoy!
Estimated Size Chart
Size | Average Waist | Average Height |Avg Hip
Extra Small 27 inches 5’3” 35”
Small 30 inches 5’5” 38”
Medium 32 inches 5’6” 40”
Large 35.5 inches 5’8” 42.5”
Extra Large 40 inches 5’9” 45.5”
2 XL 44 inches 5’10” 48”
Tiered Maxi Skirt Pattern Copyright
Please note that this pattern is intended for personal use only, and is not for commercial distribution. By copyright, unless otherwise noted, you are not authorized to copy or claim my content as your own. You are, however, more than welcome to sell your finished products made with my patterns. I always appreciate it when you link to my patterns so that others can find them too!
Tiered Maxi Skirt Tips and Tricks
Fabric Suggestion:
There are many different fabrics to choose from. I like to use jersey knit fabric, because it makes such a nice comfortable skirt. However, you don’t have to use this fabric is you prefer another option.
Other great fabric choices include cotton fabric, or even flannel fabric if you want to enjoy your skirt especially in the winter or fall. I would not recommend using fleece, silk, or linen fabric to make this skirt.
How much fabric do you need for your diy tiered skirt?
How much fabric you need to make your skirt will depend on the size you are creating. It’s always a good idea to make sure you have enough fabric on hand, in order to complete your project. To be sure, measure yourself thoroughly, then double check the amounts needed to be sure there is enough to go around.
How To Style And Wear Your Tiered Skirt Sewing Pattern
The great thing about these tiered maxi skirts is that they can go with anything, or any style you enjoy. Simply add your favorite top and accessories to style the skirt in a way that expresses your personal style.
Can I make this skirt knee length?
Yes, you can easily adjust the length of the skirt to fit your preferences. You can do this either by removing a tier, or by changing the height of each tier.
Tiered Maxi Skirt Pattern Free
In this maxi skirt tutorial you can enjoy making your own skirt, as an easy sewing project. The actuarial sewing of this skirt is not difficult, especially after you determine the best size to fit you, and how much material you need. Once you know those, the making of the skirt is fun and easy to do.
Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my free tiered maxi skirt sewing pattern! I hope you will give the pattern a try, and I hope you enjoy making this fun sewing project!
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Tiered Maxi Skirt Sewing Pattern
Materials
- Jersey Knit Fabric
- A sewing machine that can do a straight stitch and zigzag stitch
- Rotary cutter
- Ruler
- Cutting board
- Scissors
Instructions
- Sizing Instructions
Before you get started, you will want to first determine the size that is best for you. You can do this by measuring yourself, to see what size on the size chart you best fit, or you can use all of your own measurements to create your customized size that is perfect for your body.
Tools and materials you need for measuring yourself
In order to determine your size accurately, you will need a few tools. Those include:
A flexible measuring tape for clothing
A measuring tape to determine your length
Once you have your tools gathered, you will want to take your measurements. For these measurements you will want to measure your natural waist, your hip measurement, and the length measurement.
Waist Measurement. The waist measurement will be found by taking that flexible measuring tape, and measuring your waist circumference. This is typically your natural waist measurement, but could also be where you prefer your skirt to set.
Hip Measurement. Next, you will want your hip measurement. This is lower down, so that it measures your hips and butt.
Length Measurement. The final measurement you will need is the length measurement. If you wish to make a floor length skirt, it should go from the floor, up to where you want the skirt to rest on your waist. If you prefer, you can also measure from your ankles, or calves if you would rather make a shorter skirt. - How to Calculate the Width of Each Skirt Tier
If you are making a floor length maxi skirt, you will have three tiers to this skirt, including the waist band. Keep in mind, these are good rules of thumb, but do not have to be followed. Here is how to calculate the width of each skirt tier:
Waist Band: Your hip measurement plus at least two inches for seam allowance. Feel free to add another inch or two if you prefer the skirt to be looser.
Second Tier: To calculate the second tier, multiply 1.5 times your top tier measurement.
Third Tier: To calculate the second tier, multiply 1.5 times your second tier measurement.
Example Calculations for Determining the Width of the Tiers for the Maxi Skirt
The width of the tiers is based on your hip measurement. You will start with the top tier, then work your way down to determine the width of each tier.
For example, if your hip measurements are 40 inches around, your first tier will be 42 inches. Then the second tier would be 42×1.5=63, and the third tier would be 63×1.5=94.5.
To determine the finished length of the skirt, you will want to measure from your waist to where you would like the skirt to rest. Say for example you wanted the finished skirt to be 40 inches long. To determine the height of each tier, you would then take 40 inches and divide by 3, if you want three even tiers. This would make each tier 16 ⅓ inches high, with 1 inch allowance for each of the seams.
PLEASE NOTE: I made this skirt pictures with fewer gathers, and less fabric. I used the following measurements:
Waist Band: 32 inches wide by 12 inches tall
Second Tier: 48 inches wide by 22 inches long (this was the measurement from my hips to the top of my knees)
Third Tier: 60 inches wide (the width of my fabric bolt) and 13 inches length (from knee to calf measurement) - Measure, Cut and Sew the Tiers for the Multi-tiered Maxi Skirt
When you know the different measurements you need to make this maxi skirt fit you perfectly, you can begin making the skirt.
1. Waist Measurement:
Determine your hip and waist measurements using a flexible measuring tape.
2. Skirt Length:
Determine how long you would like the skirt to be.
3. Cutting the Tiers:
Once you know the dimensions of each tier, you can begin cutting out the fabric. It is entirely up to you if you want the front and back to be even, or if you want to conserve your fabric, and simply make tiers that go around with the seams falling as they may.
4. Creating the Waistband:
There are two ways you can go about making the waist band at the top of the skirt. That is by adding an elastic waistband, or simply making a folded waistband out of your knit fabric.
To make an elastic band, you will want to use 1 inch elastic, and make a fabric sleeve for it to go through. The fabric should be as long as your waist measurement, and approximately 3 inches wide.
Fold the band together so that the right sides face inwards. Then sew along the long raw edges. Turn the band right side out, and use a safety pin to fish your elastic through the sleeve.
Attach the elastic band to the top of the maxi skirt.
If you wish to make a waistband out of the knit fabric alone, you can do this by cutting a piece of fabric that is your waist measurement plus about 2 inches, by 10 inches wide. Fold the fabric so that the right sides are together. After sewing, turn the fabric right side out. Attach it to the top of your skirt.
5. Attaching Pockets (optional, not pictured):
With your leftover fabric, you can make pockets! To do this, cut out two rectangles for each side. Sew the pocket pieces together so that the right sides are facing in, leaving one side open. Zig zag stitch around the outside edge so that the pockets hold fast.
To attach the pockets, you will want to divide the second tier in half, and pin the pockets in place. Sew the side seams around the pockets to attach them.
6. Sewing and Attaching the Tiers:
To assemble the tiers, there are a few different ways you can gather the fabric. Let’s look at the different options.
How to Gather the Tiers for the Multi-tiered Maxi Skirt
Add Gathering Stitches to the Tiers
The first method is to add gathering stitches. If you machine has this function, you can use the specific stitch. Otherwise, you can use a long straight stitch as your gathering stitch. When the stitch is finished, you will pull on the thread and make your gather. After your gathers are in place, sew the tiers together.
Pin, Gather and Stitch the Tiers Together
Using pins to gather my fabric is my personal preferred method. I like this way best because it allows me to have much more control, and I don’t have to sew twice.
To use pins to gather then stitch the tiers together, you will first want to make a loop with the cut tier. Line up the sides and pin them in place with the wrong side facing out.
Then take each section, divide it in half, and pin it in place. Divide the next section in half, and pin it in place. Repeat this process all the way around your tier, until your gathers are small and pinned in place.
You can then sew the tier together. Repeat these steps with each tier as you assemble the skirt.
7. Hemming the Skirt:
The last thing to finish up is to complete the bottom hem of the maxi tiered skirt. To do this, fold the edges under twice, then sew a straight line around the bottom of the skirt.
Before your skirt is done, it is a good idea to go back and zigzag any raw edges of your skirt.
Now your custom tiered maxi skirt is complete and ready to enjoy!
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