A tiered skirt is a skirt which is made of multiple horizontal layers (or tiers) of fabric with each lower tier wider than the one above it to create nice volume and movement. The number and height of different tiers significantly influence the skirt´s overall aesthetic and proportions. The most common types (and the ones you can generate in the pattern generator below) are the following:

Since all three designs feature an elastic band, you need to provide your hip measurement instead of your waist measurement to ensure an optimal fit for the skirt.

Custom Skirt Pattern Generator

Enter your measurements below to generate a personalized sewing pattern.

Hip Measurement (cm): Desired Skirt Length (cm):

Select Skirt Type:

equal tier height increasing tier height decreasing tier height

I understand that no warranty is given for the produced patterns, as mistakes can always occur despite best efforts to avoid them.

Download PDF Pattern

For instructions of how to print and assemble your free sewing pattern click here. Note that the pattern does not have a seam allowance.

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Which fabric to choose?

Lightweight cottons like lawn, voile, or poplin are excellent for beginners due to their breathability, ease of sewing, and casual vibe. They’re ideal for everyday tiered skirts, especially in warmer weather, and hold gathers well for a soft, flowy look. Chambray is another good variant for a slightly structured yet comfortable feel.

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How to sew the design?

Once you have assembled your pdf pattern (note the pattern does not have seam allowance), it will have the following form:

Cut the three pieces from your fabric and watch the video tutorial or read the instructions further below:

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1. Prepare the Fabric Pieces:

• Cut three rectangular pieces from your fabric according to these dimensions. Add 1/2-inch seam allowances on all sides if not already included in your pattern.
• For each tier, fold the rectangle in half lengthwise (right sides together) and sew the short ends together to form a tube. Press the seam open and finish the raw edges with a zigzag stitch or serger to prevent fraying.

2. Hem the Bottom Tier:

• Fold the bottom edge of Tier 3 (the widest and lowest tier) and sew along the folded edge with a straight stitch to make the skirt´s hem.

3. Gather the Tiers:

• For Tier 2 and Tier 3, you’ll need to gather the top edges to match the width of the tier above them.
• Set your sewing machine to the longest straight stitch (basting stitch). Sew two parallel lines 1 cm apart from the top raw edge of Tier 2, leaving long thread tails at both ends.
• Pull the bobbin threads gently to gather the fabric until the top of Tier 2 matches the width of the bottom of Tier 1. Distribute the gathers evenly and pin in place.
• Repeat for Tier 3: Gather its top edge to match the bottom width of Tier 2 (after gathering, it should match the bottom width of Tier 2).

4. Attach the Tiers:

• Attach the top of the second tier to the bottom of the first tier.
• Attach the top of the third tier to the bottom of the second tier.

5. Create the Elastic Waistband Casing:

• At the top of Tier 1, fold down the upper thin rectangle to form a casing for the elastics.
• Sew along the bottom folded edge, leaving a 2-inch opening at the back seam for inserting the elastic.
• Cut your elastic to length of your waist measurement. Attach a safety pin to one end and thread it through the casing.
• Overlap the elastic ends by 1 inch and sew them together securely. Close the casing opening with a straight stitch.

6. Done!

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Final Notes

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