circle skirt calculator

Circle Skirt Calculator

The circle flare skirt is a full skirt and the pattern pieces are the same in the front and the back.  This basic skirt can be used for many different garments including dresses. Once you know the waist calculation, it is very easy to make.

 

circle skirt calculator

Circle Skirt Calculation

To calculate the 1/4 of the waist circumference it is a little more complex than just dividing by 4 (you’ll get a huge waist if you calculate it this way).

Step 1 – divide your waist measurement + ease (1″) by 4

Step 2 – Use the table below to add the amount indicated to your result on step 1

Step 3 – Divide result on step 2 by 2

circle skirt calculation

 

 

Example

For example, to calculate a 28″ waist, these are the calculations:

28 (waist + ease) / 4 = 7

7 + 1 3/4 = 8 3/4″

8 3/4 / 2 = 4 3/8″

 

I found this circle skirt template in the Italian website Cucicucicco.  It might be a good option to skip all the calculations and it is a handy template to have!

DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE

 

Circle Skirt Pattern

Your Circle Skirt Pattern should look like this (using the example of a 28″ waist)

 

Circle Skirt Calculator

 

 

Step 1 – Square your pattern paper

Step 2 – Use your calculation (4 3/4″ in this example) to draw a 1/4 circle – you can slide your ruler and mark points at 8 3/4″ from the left top corner and then connect the dots. This is the waistline.

Step 4 – From the waist line, use your desired skirt length to draw the hemline.

Step 5 – Measure your waist (from the inside of the pattern) and confirm that it measures 1/4 of your desired waist (7″ in this example) – Make any adjustments if needed.

Step 6 –  Add seam allowances

Step 7 – Cut – You can decide on the grain line to cut your skirt – typically the center front is parallel to the grain-line.  There are a few different options to cut your circle skirt:

Cut 4 times (if you want seams on the front, back, and sides)

Cut 2 times on the fold if you want side seams

Cut 1 time folding your fabric in quarters (your skirt will look like a doughnut and make an opening for a back seam and zipper.

 

To finish your skirt you can add a facing or a waistband, or use it as the skirt of a dress.

 

Style Ideas

A leather circle skirt looks great!
circle skirt calculator

 

For a fashionable and modern look, layer your skirt with tulle!

circle skirt calculator

 

 

You can also make a hi low circle skirt! I love them!
circle skirt calculator

 

For the hi low look, the front piece is shorter than the back.

circle skirt calculator

 

You can also play with different lengths – a full length circle skirt also looks great!
circle skirt calculator

The Ruby Dress (one of the favorites patterns published in this blog) uses a circle skirt.

 

ruby dress

 

 

 

I hope you find the circle skirt calculation useful!

 

Other Skirt Sewing Patterns and Tutorials:

Free Pencil Skirt Pattern
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This FREE Pencil Skirt Pattern is for a lined skirt with two darts on front and two darts on back. The waist is finished with facings and it has an invisible zipper and a slit. The pattern... Read More

Pencil Skirt Tutorial and Sew Along
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Pencil Skirts are very narrow straight skirts; they vary in length and depending on the fabric you choose they can be very casual or very sophisticated. In this Pencil Skirt Tutorial you’ll find examples of... Read More

Circle Skirt Calculator
| |

The circle flare skirt is a full skirt and the pattern pieces are the same in the front and the back.  This basic skirt can be used for many different garments including dresses. Once you know... Read More

Paper Bag Skirt Tutorial
|

This Paper Bag Skirt tutorial is for a skirt with pleats on the waist, a belt, and belt loops. It is slightly tapered in at the thighs, usually a fairly short length.  Depending on the look... Read More

Asymmetric Wrap Skirt Tutorial
|

The Asymmetric Wrap Skirt Tutorial shows how to draft your own pattern for this beautiful and modern skirt inspired by a Vanessa Bruno design (collection A/H 2013).   I found this tutorial in the French blog Bee Made.... Read More

 

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3 Responses

  1. Nadia
    |

    thank you for the detailed explanation , attempting to make a fishtailed one for my sister, let’s hope it comes out good lol…Happy holidays!!!!

  2. Teach You To Sew
    |

    Thanks for this, Anabelle. This is going to save me (and a lot of readers) a lot of trouble!

  3. Angely Collection
    |

    Another formula is to add your seam allowance to your full waist measurement and devide by 6 28.
    Ex 28+1″=29÷6.28
    I use this and it works for me.