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I made a DIY knit maxi skirt with a high waist. You can fold this style of waist over, but I like to wear it like it is.
With the long length, it’s so comfy, like wearing sweatpants. Plus, knit is so forgiving and will stretch with you if you gain a little weight.
Let me tell you all about the pattern, materials used, my process, and share photos. You want to make one day too!
Simplicity S8474 Skirt Pattern
I like Simplicity S8474 sewing pattern because it has nice hacking options. The version I’m wearing is the yoke skirt base variation.
There are also design suggestions for a skirt with pick-up, overlay, or hi-low skirt with ruffle. They all have a high waist.
My version is in the maxi length, but you can always shorten it to make a mini or midi skirt.
Materials
Here are the things I used for this project. I had stocked up on so many materials at this time, so I had a lot to use up.
Fabric
You’ll want to choose a good stretch fabric with rebound. Also, you can go stable or more drapey with this one.
The two versions of my maxi skirt are made of olive green rayon fabric and navy blue cotton fabric. Each has a different drape.
The olive skirt has a flowy drape, while the navy skirt is more stable. But they are both soft as can be!
Suggested fabrics include stretch knits such as jersey, novelty knits, spandex blends, stretch velvet, and two-way stretch.
Notions
You don’t have to worry about zippers or buttons. But if you make the pick-up version, you’ll need twill tape. Also, 3/8-inch (0.375-inch) elastic is optional for the elastic yoke.
Needle
Remember, you want to use a ballpoint needle when sewing knits. I mostly use my serger for this, and it’s a lifesaver.
For all fabrics, I used a size 90/14 needle. They were all medium-weight fabrics.
Thread
I used matching Gutermann sew-all thread for my sewing machine. It’s made of polyester.
For the seams, I serged them using Maxi-Lock spun thread. It’s for overlocking and made of polyester.
Sewing My Skirt
Making this pattern was pretty straightforward. I didn’t really have to use the directions because I stuck to the most basic option.
Prepping
I chose my usual size medium for the blue skirt. Depending on the stretch of the fabric, you might have to size down like I did for the olive skirt.
You want it fitted at the waist and not baggy. The version I made has a wide band, so it’ll stay in place if fitted correctly.
Plus, with folding it over, it serves as the elastic waist.
With most of my clothes made of knit material, I don’t size them for negative ease. I like them to fit, but not be too tight.
Construction
Whichever version you choose, you’ll start with that base pattern and build upon it. Once you make this skirt a couple of times, you might come up with your own hacks.
There’s only a front and back, plus a waistband to sew. It’s not too complicated.
The shape of the skirt I made is an A-line. I sewed up the sides, and since it’s a maxi, the sides were long.
I started with my usual basting stitch, and then I ran it through the serger. The serger is great for knits because you don’t have to worry about it stretching out the fabric.
The last part was to sew the waistband. It’s basically a thick rectangle, and I serged up the sides.
Then I folded it over and pinned it to the skirt. At this point, I basted it in place to check.
Knits can stretch, and that’s the benefit if the measurements are slightly off. You stretch to make it fit.
After this, I ran a zig-zag stitch through the waistband and skirt. I like to serge my seams, but it’s not necessary for knits.
I also tried the version for the skirt with pick-up. The pattern sketch looked really cute, and I thought it’d be fun to tie the skirt up in the front.
But as I was sewing this version, it didn’t turn out like the picture. It looked like a droopy mess on me, probably from the knit fabric I chose.
Has this ever happened to you?
Have you seen a sketch or picture of something you wanted to sew, and it didn’t turn out as expected? Ugh!
Adjustments
You can also add elastic to the top of the waistband. I like the skirt without the elastic around the waist, and it’s not necessary.
You can either wear the skirt around the hips or waist. Either way, when it’s tight enough, elastic won’t be needed.
Project Notes
The fabric choice will greatly affect the outcome of your project. Trust me…
You might find this out through trial and error, and that’s okay. The more you sew, the more you’ll learn.
This skirt would be a great addition to a capsule wardrobe. I made all my knit skirts in solid colors, which adds to my minimalist look of the day.
Using prints would bring this skirt alive. Sometimes I’m in that mood, too.
Final Thoughts
When I run errands in this skirt, I feel more dressed up than wearing my joggers. But I’m just as or even more comfy.
I’m going to have to make more of these. Don’t forget to grab that handmade tote bag for shopping! (P.S. I made mine.)
More Sewing Projects
I have many other related posts that might interest you on my blog. You might want to check them out.
- This skirt would also look great with a long-sleeved V-neck knit top.
- I made another knit maxi skirt with a slit and created a nautical look.
- What about wearing this skirt with a T-shirt for those laid-back days?
I’d love to hear what kind of sewing projects you’re working on!
Originally published: January 23, 2025
