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I love this DIY cargo maxi skirt! I upcycled a couple versions of it from some old wide-legged pants that were too big.
And to get that cargo look, I slapped on big side pockets. Oh, and there were other things I did that came out pretty well.
Simplicity S9146 Pants Pattern
I’ve used Simplicity S9146 easy-to-sew pattern to make a few pants. These are pull-on wide-legged pants with a flat front elastic back waistband.
There’s a flat panel in the front of the waistband. The pants have side panels with inseam pockets.
There’s a tie belt variation, and I recommend making it. Make them to the calf or ankle with the length variations.
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 elastane and no stretch.
Anyway, I got this one from Joann when they had a nice sale. I sure miss those days!
Then there’s the green striped linen-rayon fabric. 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, chino, cotton types, double gauze, lightweight denim, linen types, and seersucker.
Notions: I used 1-1/4 inch (1.25-inch) wide non-roll woven elastic for the waistband, and 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.
Sewing the Cargo Skirt
I’ll admit that making an upcycled skirt can be more involved. Deconstructing the pants was time-consuming.
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 when upcycling jeans into skirts. So I cut out a godet, or triangle panel, to fit the back.
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.
Notice the stripes on my green cargo skirt. I made them run horizontally on the side panels and the godet.
So what gives a cargo skirt its look? Well, it’s those side patch pockets! I used another pattern to make them.
I also sewed on snaps for the closures. They are bigger than what I’d usually use, but I love them.
The original pants had side seam pockets, so these were extra ones. The more the merrier!
And note that I made the tie belt when making the pants, and it makes a cute look with the skirt.
Notes
By the way, the size of my patch pockets is 7-1/2 inches (7.5 inches) by 6 inches, including the flap. For placement, I tried on the skirt and marked where my hands fell.
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!
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