Flared Mini Skirt Refashion to Knee Length | Simplicity S2655

I made a DIY flared mini skirt a while ago and stopped wearing it. Then, I dug it out of my closet and changed it up to knee length.

I’m pretty good at making stuff and changing my mind about it later! So I refashioned it, added a flounce, and brought it back to life.

Let me tell you about the materials I used, my process, and share photos. You might even try out my hack or come up with your own design. 

Simplicity S2655 Skirt Pattern

I like Simplicity S2655 sewing pattern because it’s a basic flared skirt with yoke. It’s out of print, but people still sell this pattern online.

It has a front and back panel, and side panels. There are variations for three lengths, tie belt, and front pockets.

The pattern is easy to sew and has a few options to choose from. I’ve made many mini-skirts with variation E.

A person at the advanced beginner level might tackle this. But you’ll have to install a zipper. 

With the fit and flare plus yoke, this is a flattering garment. Plus, if you have many small pieces of fabric, you could make something fun.

Materials

Here’s all the stuff I used to make my skirt, plus I’ll include a little about my tops too.

Fabric

I’ve made this skirt in denim, chambray, and other wovens. I’m not sure what this plaid is, but it has a nice drape for skirts and pants.

It’s a neutral-colored plaid I bought from the fashion district, and it goes with many colors in my wardrobe. I’m guessing it’s a polyester blend.

Suggested fabrics include gingham, laundered cottons, lightweight denim, pique, poplin, seersucker, sateen, eyelet, challis, silkies, rayons, silk linen, gauze, voile, double georgette, lightweight linen, and linen blends. 

For the camisole, I used printed knit material. The crop top was made with Tencel, the same fabric as the flounce.

Notions

For the skirt, you’ll need a 7-inch zipper, 1/4-inch (0.25-inch) twill tape, and a hook and eye. Fasteners come in different sizes, and I like to use bigger ones.

I ended up putting 1-1/4 inch (1.25 inch) knit elastic in the back waistband later.

You’ll need interfacing for the waistband or yoke. I used lightweight fusible interfacing and removed it from the fabric with the elastic.

Needle

For all fabrics, I used a size 90/14 universal needle. They were all medium to heavyweight materials.

Thread

For my sewing machine, I used Coats & Clark and Guterman all-purpose thread, made of 100% polyester.

For overlocking, I used Maxi-Lock serger spun thread, and it’s also made of polyester.

Sewing My Skirt

Initially, making this skirt was easy, and the directions were simple to follow. It didn’t take a long time, but hacking it did. 

Prepping

Well, the first thing you might want to do is make a mockup. The waist was big on me, like a whole size too big.

I went through a phase where I would wear skirts low on the waist. Those were usually stretch denim and straight skirts.

I don’t do that anymore because it’s not flattering to me, plus they’d shift around. Plus, I’ll wear a shorter top nowadays, so I want my skirt to fit higher on the waist.

When cutting the plaid, I tried to line up the design lines the best I could. This is always an issue when working with one-way design fabrics.

Construction

I ended up making mini-skirts because I didn’t have much fabric to work with. You’ll only need less than 1-1/2 yards (1.5 yards) to make one.

First, I sewed the panels together. There were 6, with the front and back being the widest.

You’ll have to leave the opening for the side zipper. I topstitched my panels to keep them nice and neat.

When making the yoke, that’s where you’ll use the twill tape. It’s also interfaced and faced.

And I’ve used the flounce piece in this pattern to add length to short skirts.

Adjustments

I decided later to update my skirt by swapping out the yoke for a waistband. That’s where my design hack came in.

Yes, I had to deconstruct the top of the skirt, but it was fun to reinvent. Then I used the yoke to cut a waistband and facing.

Well, after that, the skirt got even shorter. After all, the yoke added a few inches to the length.

The waistband was much thinner now, and much longer without the yoke. It had to be placed much lower on the skirt.

So, I added elastic to the back. Now it had a flat front elastic back.

I wanted to lengthen the skirt, so I played around with different ways. Some ways include adding a tier with gathering or a band.

I actually tried those and I wasn’t happy. So I added a flounce.

It lengthened the skirt by a few inches. I used Tencel twill because it was the only thing I had in my stash that worked.

Well, I only had a little of that fabric left, so at least I got to use it up.

Project Notes

There are different types of flared skirts, and I find them flattering in all lengths.

I thought I had lined up the plaid well, but on one side it was off! Ugh! I didn’t even pay attention until I was done with the skirt!

Oh well, I finished it anyway to show you why you’ll want to line up your one-way fabrics! Ha!

And I did some pattern play with the plaid skirt and printed top. This may give you some ideas.

That’s the fun thing about making separates. You can mix and match pieces, and it seems like my closet is filled with endless options.

Camisole & Crop Top

I don’t even remember how I drafted my DIY camisole top. I’m pretty sure I did some trial and error with the dress form.

I love the design of the fabric, but when I found it in the fashion district, they only had about a yard left.

The black and white design is fun, so why not throw it on with the plaid to see what happens? 

The black crop top was made Simplicity S0419 blouse pattern. I used tencel, and it matches the skirt flounce.

I also reinvented this sewing pattern, adding elastic around the arms and waist. There’s a fun cut-out in the back too.

Final Thoughts

This was a fun project, especially when adding the flounce. I hope this gives you an idea for that mini skirt you want to change up.

I like experimenting with colors, prints, and patterns. Maybe I’ll reinvent another one in a totally different way!

More Sewing Projects

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

• By the way, I made the cardigan with an old pattern that I’ve used many times. I dyed it rust, and just love this color.

• Do you want to hack a regular A-line skirt into a flat front elastic back skirt? 

• What about a flowy tiered skirt to wear when it’s hot outside? 

• I also made a denim mini skirt from an old pattern with an elastic back waist. 

I’d love to hear what kind of sewing projects you’re working on!

Originally published: February 17, 2025