Cargo Maxi Skirt Upcycled from Pants | Simplicity S9146 

I just love my DIY cargo maxi skirt, and it’s one of the garments I wear the most. In fact, I made this same skirt a couple times.

I upcycled some wide-legged pants to make them. Then I slapped on side pockets for that cargo look.

I’ll tell you all about the pattern, materials, my process, and show a few photos. You might want to make some of your own.

Simplicity S9146 Pants Pattern

I’ve used Simplicity S9146 easy-to-sew pattern to make a few pants. Those pants got upcycled because they didn’t fit anymore…too big.

These are pull-on wide-legged pants with a flat front elastic back waistband. They have side panels and inseam pockets.

I’ve made all of them with the tie belt variation, because I like the look.

The wide-leg pants are easier to upcycle because there’s more fabric to play around with.

Materials

Here’s everything I used to make this skirt. Well, upcycling saves me from buying more fabric! 

Fabric

I’ve made pants from this pattern a couple times using different fabrics. In this post, you’ll see two versions of my upcycled cargo skirt.

Let’s start with the blue denim fabric. It’s a medium-weight fabric that’s 100% cotton, so there’s no stretch. 

I’m so used to denim with elastane in it, and for pants, it’s the most comfy. Anyway, I got this one from Joann when they had a nice sale. I sure miss those days!

Then there’s the green striped fabric, which is a linen-rayon blend. It behaves more like linen with the drape, but doesn’t wrinkle as much. I got this one from Mood Fabrics.

I’ve also used stretch cotton twill, which feels luxurious. The weight was a little heavier, but great for fall and winter bottoms.

Suggested fabrics include batiks, chambray, chine, cotton types, double gauze, lightweight denim, linen types, and seersucker.

Notions

You’ll need 1 inch to 1-1/4 inch (1.25-inch) wide elastic for the waistband. I used non-roll woven elastic, as the fabric had a little weight to it, although a strong knit elastic would work too. 

I used 1/2 inch (0.5-inch) sew-on snaps for the cargo pockets.

For the front waistband and pocket flaps, I used medium-weight fusible interfacing for structure.

Needle

I used a size 90/14 universal needle for the denim and linen. The denim was more on the lighter side (for a denim), so this needle worked just fine. 

Thread

I used a matching Gutermann universal thread in my sewing machine, and it’s made of 100% polyester.

For serging the seams, I used Maxi-Lock spun thread. It’s for overlocking and made of polyester.

Sewing My Skirt

I’ll admit that making an upcycled skirt can be more involved. Deconstructing the pants was time-consuming.

Prepping

Since I had already made pants from this pattern, most of the work had already been done. For the upcycling, I started with the inner seams.

So I deconstructed the inside leg and the crotch seams. Instead of cutting the fabric, I actually used the seam ripper because I wanted to keep as much fabric as I could.

I know that’s tedious, but I’ve been in situations where that tiny amount of fabric made a difference. 

And figuring out the fit is another thing. I couldn’t sew a seam down the center front and back of the skirt because that wouldn’t give me enough ease for walking. 

Plus, I didn’t want that crotch point that you see so many people doing when they upcycle jeans into skirts. So I cut out a godet, or triangle panel, to fit the back.

I also released the elastic in the waistband because then it would be easier for me to work on the skirt. Otherwise, it’d have these gathers that come down into the hip area.

Construction

I did my usual front construction by sewing a seam down the center front. I stopped at the knee area because I marked my front slit.

Since I only put a godet in the back, I needed more fabric in the front to walk in. Instead, I added a long slit, and I wanted to keep these skirts long.

Now, as far as the back skirt, I had to get rid of that crotch point that I mentioned. There was enough fabric to eliminate it.

Then I put my godet in the back. There are two ways to do this with denim.

You could fold the seams over to create flat fell seams on the godet. Or, you could keep them unfinished.

With the denim fabric, I could do this because it frays nicely. But I didn’t. With linen, I wouldn’t want unfinished seams.

I carefully pinned the godet inside and then double topstitched it. This took time, and it’s a little more involved. I had to feel the fabric underneath and take out the pins as I sewed. 

After I sewed the godet in place, I tried it on. Then I made sure the hem was even and sewed it. 

Note that I made the tie belt when making the pants, and I wear it with the skirt. I think it makes a nicer look.

Notice the stripes on my green cargo skirt. I made them run horizontally on the side panels and the godet.

Adjustments

After I finished the skirt, I adjusted the elastic in the back waistband. Now it had to fit my natural waist.

When I usually wear pants, they usually fit around my lower waist.

But I wear my skirts higher, so I pulled the elastic tighter. 

Finishing Details

So what gives a cargo skirt its look? Well, it’s those side patch pockets.

This is just a regular maxi skirt without them. So, I pulled out a cargo pants sewing pattern from my stash, and that helped me create the pockets.

They are basically a big rectangle on a triangle with a rounded overflap. But you could make basic square patch pockets to make this simple.

I tried on the skirt and marked where my hands naturally fall down my sides. That’s a good place to put pockets because you don’t want them too high or too low.

I also sewed on snaps for the closures. They are bigger than what I’d usually use, but I love them. You could also use a button or loop.

The original pants had side seam pockets, so these were extra ones. The more the merrier! 

Project Notes

You can make the side patch pockets simpler by not having an overflap. 

I recommend that the size be bigger, rather than smaller. The size of mine is 7-1/2 inches (7.5 inches) by 6 inches, including the flap.

Be sure to add your seam allowance to the pockets. When in doubt, press the seams in and baste them in place. 

Then try on the skirt and see if you like it. If you do, then run your permanent stitches.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love my cargo skirts, especially the linen one. I wore it on a trip to Zion, and wore my denim skirt while exploring Death Valley.

The length is perfect for all kinds of weather. And with the elastic back waist, they’re more comfy than wearing pants!

More Sewing Projects

I have many other related posts on my blog. You might want to check them out.

• With my green cargo skirt, I’m wearing my T-shirt that I made from a knit top pattern.

• And with my denim skirt, I’m wearing my favorite blouse in lightweight linen.

• I also made similar pants and upcycled them into a color-blocked midi skirt. 

• I also upcycled more old pants to make a cute linen wrap skirt. 

I’d love to hear all about your sewing journey!

Originally published: July 16, 2025