How to Make a Maxi Skirt with Elastic Waistband | Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners | DIY Skirt

Learn how to sew a basic maxi skirt with an optional slit in this easy sewing project for beginners. You can use stretch knit fabric or non-stretch (woven) fabric, you can add a slit or choose to use no slit, and you can make it high waist or low waist, so it’s totally customizable! You don't even need a pattern or zipper so it's the perfect sewing tutorial for beginners!
CHECK OUT MY FAVORITE SEWING SUPPLIES AND ACCESSORIES HERE: www.amazon.com... *
******
MATERIALS NEEDED:
-1.5 or more yards of fabric - To see exactly how much fabric you’ll need, follow the first couple steps of measuring to see how big your rectangular piece of fabric needs to be, and use that size to buy enough fabric (keeping in mind the width of the fabric, too). I used 1.5 yards of a fabric that was 58” wide.
-1.5 inch wide elastic - enough to wrap around your waist
-Basic sewing supplies - sewing machine, needle, thread, ball point needle (for stretch fabric), pins, tape measure, safety pin, scissors, etc.
*****
WHAT SUPPLIES DO I USE?
MY SEWING MACHINE: amzn.to/2HcBk3b *
MY FAVORITE THREAD: amzn.to/3eCdCfa *
MY SCISSORS: amzn.to/2NMnZBl *
PINKING SHEARS: amzn.to/3eHbuTt *
BALL POINT NEEDLES: amzn.to/2GTcuqg *
WALKING FOOT: amzn.to/2NkhoxP *
CAMERA I FILM WITH: amzn.to/2ItUghF *
Links with a * denote affiliate links, meaning if you purchase through the link it won't affect your price but I'll get a small commission which is much appreciated to help me make more tutorials! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
*****
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
You'll learn all the steps for cutting and stitching a maxi skirt, including: how to take a couple of easy measurements to cut out a rectangle of fabric, how to make a casing for the elastic waistband, how to sew the skirt together, how to make and hem the slit, and how to hem the fabric so it's finished neatly.
Because you can make it high waist, low waist, more fitted, or more flowy, this skirt is perfect for any figure, so if you're looking for petite or plus size sewing patterns/tutorials this would work great for you. I also give you tips on how to sew with and how to hem stretch knit fabric so if you choose stretchy fabric you’ll be able to sew it with success. It’ll be a quick and easy beginner friendly sewing project so you'll soon be cutting and stitching your own clothes!
******
MORE SEWING PROJECTS FOR BEGINNERS: • Beginner Sewing Projec...
SEWING 101: THE SEWING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT YOU NEED: • Sewing Basics: The Sew...
SUMMER SEWING PROJECTS:
• Summer Sewing Projects
******
SOCIAL MEDIA/GET IN TOUCH:
Email: [e-mail]
Instagram: comicatcreations
If you recreate any of my projects make sure to email me, tag me or use the hashtag #comicatcreations on Instagram. Thanks for watching and please don’t forget to subscribe for more easy sewing videos, fabric hauls, look books, and more!
XO, Monika

[@carolekus1715]

Oh my goodness just what I wanted to know, thank you so very much for sharing your the best💐

[@Malani74-oq6yo]

Thank you miss

[@EmilyFitzgerald-c9j]

I used this tutorial to make a maxi skirt for my toddler. Easy as pie (:

[@franneh]

This was so helpful!! I just made my first maxi skirt with your tutorial and it came out awesome :) Thank you!!

[@cruiserandtraveller]

Thank you so much for this easy tutorial. I finally got a new skirt of the fabric that I bought from the thrifty store for $2. Good way to save money.

[@camokitty]

Thank you for going into detail & not just showing how to cut and sew. I really appreciate you taking the time and giving clear instructions

[@yochi6727]

Wow so easy

[@MLK55GRAY99]

Love the simplicity of this tutorial! I’ve been so frustrated, trying to find something that I could understand! Thank you!!

[@user_2383]

this helped me so much thank you

[@BarekahK]

Thank you so much❤

[@meredithschnoll7126]

I really appreciate this tutorial. I just made the skirt in one hour. The directions are very easy to follow. Thank you!

[@yvonnewilliams8975]

Awesome! These were wonderful instructions I am a seamstress and I enjoyed your explanation of everything. Thanks

[@jauston7689]

Just tried this today. I’m beginner. It was very easy to follow and I have a skirt that you’d never know was homemade!!!! Thanks!!!

[@ComicatCreations]

Aw that’s so great to hear!!! Fantastic job! I’d love to see a picture if you’d like to share 😃 Thank you for following one of my tutorials!

[@jannolan6597]

Thank you for this I'm boarded my material I'll let you know how I get on

[@dvn.pod.2023]

Thank you so very much for this tutorial! With this video, I was able to sew my first maxi skirt and an accompanying top (just based on tracing a garment that I have), along with a scarf from only 1.5 yards of fabric. I am thoroughly pleased and thankful! Peace and Blessings!

[@ComicatCreations]

Wow, that's awesome you made so many things from your fabric 😃 It always makes me happy to hear when someone has made something from my tutorial so thank you for letting me know! Blessings back to you as well!

[@jem4643]

Excellent. Thanks for telling us the measurement of fabric.

[@MLK55GRAY99]

Love the simplicity of the instructions!

[@cw107]

Only just discovered your tutorial whilst looking for help to make a straight viscose fabric summer skirt with slits either side. Your tutorial is excellent. You spoke clearly without rushing which is so useful for a novice sewer. Thank you very much from Norfolk in the UK!

[@gem1273]

I want to make a viscose maxi skirt with a slit too! Did yours turn out fine?

[@kathey1981]

Thank you so much. I just bought some fabric that was bundled in 3 yard sections. I knew I wanted a long skirt like this. This was a good video! My skirt I wanted to make has slits on both sides. I guess that's easy enough for next time. Keep up the simple videos!

[@ComicatCreations]

I’m glad this video was helpful! I’m hoping to eventually do a maxi skirt with two slits, but I have some videos planned ahead of it so it may be a while. It is pretty simple, though! You’ll want to add 1 extra inch to the width you calculate that your large rectangle of fabric should be to add the extra seam allowance for that second slit, and then after cutting out that one large rectangle like I do, cut it in half to create two rectangles. This way you’ll have one for the front and one for the back. Sew them together along both sides leaving the slits open. Then you can make a casing along the top of the skirt for the waistband, hem the slits and bottom of the skirt, etc. This way you’ll have two slits instead of one! I hope that helps 😃

[@kschallert3569]

You are such a darling girl! I could listen to you talk all day long, your voice is so soothing and I love the way you explain everything so simply and straightforward. You should consider a career in teaching people to speak correct English. You are so precise and all the immigrants could learn a lot about the proper way to speak English from the way you speak. The government should pay you to teach English online. I mean it. I'm a vocal coach and one of the things that drives me crazy is that so many people do not know how to properly annunciate! You do it perfectly! And if you happen to be a singer people could understand every single word of your song. Just sayin..... I've been sharing your videos with some of my students and friends who are interested in beginning sewing. You are an excellent teacher! Thank you so much for all the hard work you put in to make such good videos! I've never sewn stretchy fabric, yet. But you have motivated me and I am currently working on two projects with a stretch knit or jersey fabric, not cheap, so I hope I don't mess it up! I'm making my daughter a this maxi skirt and I'm making my granddaughter one of your cute skater dresses. Looks easy enough, although I've never made anything like that before! Thanks again for all do! God bless you!

[@ComicatCreations]

Aw thank you so much for your extremely kind comment!!! It means a lot because I’ve actually really worked hard to improve my speech. In many of my early videos sewing was my comfort zone but talking and voiceovers were not my strength at all so I’d talk way too fast and try to cram all the info I could into as short a tutorial as I could which I cringe at now 😣 In the last couple of years I’ve worked really hard to improve my speech and speak clearly so it’s nice to hear your comment!! Thank you so much for watching and sharing my videos with others, that is much appreciated 😃 Good luck with your projects, I hope you have so much fun making them! Your granddaughter is lucky to have a grandma to make her special things!! Happy sewing 🧵 ✂️

[@lorrainecoyne1944]

very clear and thorough instructions. Thank you

[@LibAlcock]

you could make an easy pair of wide leg pants 👖 with this method too. Instead of slit at the sides, fold skirt vertically then cut in middle up from bottom. Lay out skirt with slit forming two pant legs. Sew pant seams in the middle, then hem at bottom. Voila!

[@littleseamstress]

thank you! im a beginner and cannot wait to make one of these!

[@curiousone2657]

Hi I just love your video on how to make a maxi skirt. I love to sew and you just showed me a great way to sew in an elastic waist band and correct measuring. I like the way you talk slow and not too fast and show how to make it. I have seen previous videos by people who talk too fast and I have to go back and rewind to understand the steps - that is frustrating. I find I can remember things better by watching video and writing things down - your video helped me so much. I also love to make slits in my skirt. Thanks so much!!!

[@ComicatCreations]

Thank you so much for watching my tutorial and leaving such a kind comment! 😊 I’m so glad you liked the video and it was a good speed for you. In a lot of my earlier videos I actually used to talk too fast too because I was still learning how to make videos and thought I needed to fit all the information in as quickly as I could, but in the last couple of years I’ve worked really hard at speaking slower and improving my speech so it’s so nice to hear you were able to understand and follow the steps easily - it makes me feel like my work has paid off!! I hope you enjoy making your maxi skirt 😃 Happy sewing!!

[@dianneunderwood8456]

Great to watch and easy to follow! Am planning to make up a skirt with the elastic waist (maxi length). My fabric is 55" wide woven (am using it at 54") with non-directional print. My idea was to fold the fabric in half as off the bolt and place my front & back pieces side by side but upside down to each other - fabric now 27" wide. This would give me up to 10" at each waist (actual waist is 27 and hip 35) and up to 17" across each at the hem. I am hoping for some nice draping folds as the fabric is lighter weight and a bit see through. I guess what I am asking is how that pattern may look compared to yours. Or would it be better to just make a large rectangle and have the same width from top to bottom of skirt? Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

[@dhanghale3761]

Very easy and simple méthode...I am so happy finally I found it more easier and more confident to sew my skirt..

[@ComicatCreations]

Thank you! I'm really glad this is easy for you to follow 😃Happy sewing!!!

[@odettadarden4494]

Wow. Thank you so much. You are awsome with these easy sewing tutorials for begginers like myself. It is so easy to follow, thank you very much 💖

[@jenkev944]

Thank you for the tutorial. I was able to make a lovely flannel skirt for winter today.

[@ComicatCreations]

That's so awesome to hear! Thank you for letting me know and for following my tutorial 😃

[@PreciousLoveMusic]

You're amazing, thank you for posting this and I'm Definitely feeling much more confident about making my own skirts now :D

[@summithellfire992]

So I couldn't find the right tutorial. I'm so glad I stumbled onto yours this has helped a lot! ❤️❤️

[@ComicatCreations]

Yay I'm so glad it helped! Thank you for watching 😃

[@GrammyVulture]

Cute skirt! Good job!

[@ComicatCreations]

Thanks!!! I appreciate you watching the video 😃 And I’m glad you liked the skirt!

[@cakesglenn1354]

Brilliant!!! I know I am a year late finding this tutorial video. Your skirt is lovely. I am going to try and make one for church. Thanks for the advice.

[@ComicatCreations]

Aw thank you!! I’m glad it was helpful for you and I’d love to hear how it turns out 😃 Thanks for watching!

[@hannar7205]

Oh my lord! I am so glad I found your channel. Love your content. ❤️

[@ComicatCreations]

Aw I’m so glad you like the channel! Thank you so much for checking it out 💕 Happy sewing! 😄

[@wiktoriawojciechowska8418]

I love you skirt projects!😍

[@ComicatCreations]

Thank you! 😄 I’m so glad you like them! I’m sure I’ll do more skirts in the future - I love wearing them!

[@pinkcrystals535]

I just made my daughter's doll a skirt after watching this tutorial. You are awesome.

[@ComicatCreations]

Oh that’s so cool!!! What a great idea 😃 I bet it’s so cute! And thank you so much, you are too kind 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@pinkcrystals535]

Comicat Creations I'm preparing to make my daughter leggings (a bit on loose side). You have a vid on some pants I am going to rewatch to get ready. I bought stretch fabric and some nice elastic for waistband.

[@ComicatCreations]

Ooh I bet those are gonna be great!!! Your daughter gets the coolest stuff you make 😃 I can’t wait to hear how they turn out!

[@locurintegritytm3266]

Hey Lady!I truly Appreciate your Tutorial!This Is Really The *Easiest* Method!My Aunt told me this method but you gave me the visual I needed & The added Tips about how to adjust for Fabric Stretch saved this project!Thx 🙌🏽💕

[@ComicatCreations]

I'm so glad this helped you visualize the method your aunt taught you! :) Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment :) Happy sewing!

[@leticiazelaya9387]

Thank you, this is nice and easy! You are a good teacher too.

[@Jaisha26]

Loved this tutorial!! I'll be making a ton of these. I'm transitioning my wardrobe. Thanks!

[@ComicatCreations]

I'm so glad you liked the tutorial!!! :) I hope you have fun making the skirts! I've been wanting to make more as well to have a bunch of options to wear - a maxi skirt is a definite staple! Thank you for watching and happy sewing :)

[@lynetterene]

Why is this so easy tho? 😊 Thank you so much

[@foxxybrown291]

I have a piece of jersey knit I was gonna make a making dress but I think a skirt with a split will be cuter xx

[@ComicatCreations]

Oh awesome!! 😃 I hope it turns out well! And why do I have a feeling I’d love your fabric choice?!? 😂😉😄

[@Steeleezndeeleezthrift]

OMG I SIMPLY LOVE YOUR TUTORIALS!!!!

[@ComicatCreations]

That means so much to me!!! Thank you so much for watching my channel💕Stay safe and healthy!

[@joytovar6834]

do you have any tutorials on how to make a maxi dress? Just thought i would ask. thanks

[@asola4567]

Your easy sewing skills are amazing! More of the world needs to know about you! Blessings =)

[@ComicatCreations]

Aww thank you! This comment means so much! I so appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment 😃 And blessings to you too!

[@therryjims9407]

Good presentation. Well done

[@ComicatCreations]

Thank you for watching! 😃

[@francinemayomboilunga667]

I enjoy watching your tutorial because you are so nice and easy to follow thank you. Can you show how to put zipper on skirt?

[@fatimacapidos4788]

Super easy and simple, thanks for this tutorial

[@ComicatCreations]

I’m so glad it was easy for you to follow 😃 Thanks so much for watching!

[@pppppppieeeeeee]

Thank You so much!

[@ameliatribeofissachar7311]

Love it. Thanks. Can't wait to see more video

[@hayleyhugo7237]

Easiest tutorial I have found on you tube .. thank you ❤

[@ComicatCreations]

Aw thank you, I’m so glad you liked it!! I try to make sure my tutorials are clear to follow so I’m happy you thought it was easy 😃 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@patrysnel1392]

Thank you so much..wanted to make a skirt for myself and this tutorial is perfect and well put together!

[@dinahewing2717]

I liked the video before watching it. I like this skirt. Ooh- Could you do a peplum top?😍

[@ComicatCreations]

Aw thank you Dinah!! 😃 I’m glad you like the skirt! And great idea - I’ll add it to my project idea list! Thanks for the suggestion 😃

[@sonamardirossian3242]

lovely video, thank you very much

[@ComicatCreations]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to watch 😃

[@ditrataral]

Easy to follow, thanks !

[@ComicatCreations]

Glad to hear it! Thank you for watching and happy sewing 😄

[@giodrakes]

I love this tutorial. Thank you!

[@josieditrapani4883]

You say to cut it based on your waist size, but don't you mean hips? Otherwise it wont fit around your hips.

[@ComicatCreations]

I cut the skirt based off of hips so it'll fit, but I cut the elastic based off of the waist so it'll cinch the skirt in and keep it in place around your waist. The elastic will stretch around you so you can take the skirt on and off. Thanks for watching!

[@rosebarrette6292]

I loved your video, your instructions are great! I'm going to make a Maxi Shirt!

[@ComicatCreations]

Thanks, I’m really glad you liked it! I’d love to see it when you’re done if you’d like to share a picture 😃 Happy sewing!!!

[@thehendyimage]

Very thorough:) Thank you!

[@ComicatCreations]

Thank you, I’m glad you thought so! Thank you so much for watching 😃

[@elliesilva1907]

You did such a great job on this video thank you for making this!

[@ComicatCreations]

Aw thank you!! I’m so happy you enjoyed one of my tutorials 😃 Thanks for watching!

[@shirleyjohnson7284]

Nice and simple thank you

[@ComicatCreations]

You’re welcome 😃 I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks so much for watching! Happy sewing 😄

[@KathyaKalinine]

Really cute skirt! ♥️

[@ComicatCreations]

Thank you so much! 😃 Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@LilRegn]

Aaaa thank you for this tutorial! I'm working on a costume for my 6th grade fashion show and I needed a skirt tutorial

[@ComicatCreations]

Oh how awesome!!! Good luck and I hope you have tons of fun at the fashion show! 😃

[@LilRegn]

@@vescenti yes

[@1Glitterado]

Great job here sweet girl!!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️👍🏻❤️👍🏻❤️👍🏻

[@lindamalyanrickard9047]

Great Job! Love watching this tutorial, thank you so much.

[@ComicatCreations]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that and I'm so happy you liked the tutorial! :) Thank you for watching!

[@drewjung9884]

Great video! Thank you

[@ComicatCreations]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it 😃

[@fayzooncooper9218]

I love your tutorials. Can you make a tutorial on how to make a Turtle neck top. long or short sleeve... thank you

[@ComicatCreations]

Aw thank you, I'm so happy you've enjoyed them! :) Oh that's a great idea with the cold weather coming up, I'll definitely add that to my list, thank you for the suggestion!!!

[@EmeraldRiceBrown]

Love your videos. Will you do a video on the machine you use for your stretch fabric projects. I think we have the same Singer type of machine but I have problems with knowing what type of needles and thread to buy as well as figuring out the tension setting so my thread stops popping every couple of inches. Very frustrating!!!!. I would love to see how you set yours up from beginning to end with any tips you are able to share.

[@ComicatCreations]

That’s a great idea for a video, thank you for the suggestion! I’ve definitely learned through trial and error over time which stitches, threads, etc. have worked best for me so I’ll definitely add that to my future video list and try to make it as soon as I get through the ones I’m currently working on 😃 Thanks so much for watching my channel!

[@Purple-gl4vy]

Hello I am missing something. Are you cutting the with of the fabric the size of waist measurement? Or hip measurement? Thank you!

[@sweetiedahling8137]

According to her reply to another comment it's the hip measurement. But I agree that it was a bit confusing since the image said waist.

[@barbniantic]

Nice and easy....thanks

[@ComicatCreations]

Thank you! I’m so glad you found it easy! 😃 Thanks for watching!

[@soniasantana1177]

Hello. What about you? I miss your videos. Thanks from Puerto Rico

[@lemoncalippo1554]

hello!! this is a terrific video - please keep posting! I was wondering how I would do this if i wanted the elastic waist to look invisible, or less gathered

[@ComicatCreations]

Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it :) Hmm... you could use a thinner piece of elastic (as small as 1/2" may work) so the elastic waist would be much narrower and less attention would be drawn to the elastic waistline than using a wide piece of elastic like I did. Or if you're using a stretch knit fabric, you could cut the entire rectangle of fabric narrower and not add as much extra room as I did... this would make the fabric along the waist less gathered, although it would also make the skirt a bit more fitted at the hips, too. I hope that helps some!

[@lemoncalippo1554]

Comicat Creations thank you I might give it a crack (it’s my first time sewing)

[@ComicatCreations]

Good luck!!! And a little advice as you’re learning sewing, don’t get discouraged if you make any mistakes... goodness knows I often do still! If it’s something you wanna learn, don’t give up and keep trying, it’s such a rewarding and fun skill to have! 😃

[@LotusBlossom29]

Love it ❤

[@isave2430]

I loved it thanks, now I dont have to hunt for these types of skirts which are my favorite skirts to wear every day...I know will feel like a DUGGAR GIRL...lol Because I hate pants...

[@ComicatCreations]

LOL yes, the only pants I like to wear are pajama pants or pants that feel like pajamas, otherwise it's skirts all the way for me so I understand what you mean! :) Thanks so much for watching, I'm glad you liked the tutorial!

[@Its.just.mee3]

Had to speed it up to 1.25x 😂 either i loved the tutorial. The skirt looks great! ❤

[@ComicatCreations]

Haha I don't blame you. It's taken me a LONG time to figure out talking at a good pace for voiceovers, so I hope you'll find my newer videos a little easier to watch 😃Thanks so much for watching!

[@Kittenkollection]

Thank u so much is it possible 4bu 2 do a video of a swing maxim skirt?

[@ComicatCreations]

Thank you for the recommendation! Is that a full maxi skirt? I can add it to my long list of video ideas 😃

[@katcova5899]

Can I use cotton?

[@fabinunes5044]

Gostei! Bem fácil de fazer😉

[@ComicatCreations]

Thank you so much! 😃

[@diamondsoverall4456]

Goona make one today love ur nails

[@ComicatCreations]

Yay I hope you have fun making it Melanie! :) And thank you about the nails too! Happy sewing :)

[@mysongsandvideos]

This video was really helpful! Thanks for sharing! If I would want to make a maxi dress with an elastic waistband,how would I do that?

[@ComicatCreations]

I’m so glad it was helpful for you! You could make a maxi dress by following the instructions for the bodice that I made in my DIY Stretch Fabric Skater Dress video, but instead of putting a circle skirt on the bottom you could put a maxi skirt like this on the bottom 😃 Thanks for watching!!

[@mysongsandvideos]

@@ComicatCreations Thank you soo much!

[@ComicatCreations]

No problem! I’m hoping to make a maxi dress tutorial this summer too as long as the project I have in mind turns out well so hopefully you’ll be able to use it too!

[@mysongsandvideos]

@@ComicatCreations Wow,cool! Cant wait ^_^

[@mijajones7459]

On the width of the rectangle, is it your waist or your hips plus the 5 inches? The waistband looked shorter than the width, so I was wondering!

[@ComicatCreations]

It’s your hips plus 5 inches. The waistband is shorter than the skirt’s width so that when you feed the elastic waistband through the waist of the skirt, it gathers the fabric and creates a cinched waist, but the skirt itself will still be loose and flowy around the hips. I hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@mijajones7459]

Comicat Creations Thank you! I can’t wait to sew my skirt! :D

[@mijajones7459]

Also for the side seam that doesn’t have the slit, what should I do with those raw edges? I will be using non stretch fabric

[@ComicatCreations]

If you’re using non stretch fabric I’d recommend trimming any exposed raw edges and seam allowance with pinking shears which will help prevent fraying. You could even sew a row of zig zag stitches along the raw edge to help minimize the fraying as well if you don’t have pinking shears!

[@sosobabyyy]

Thank you so much!!