Color-Blocked Midi Skirt with Godet | Simplicity S9146

I upcycled some pants to create a DIY color-blocked midi skirt. The contrasting side panels and godet are in black fabric.

I pair it with my sporty top, which I made at a different time. But somehow, they came together quite nicely for a nice athleisure vibe.

I’ll tell you all the pattern I used, the materials, my process, and share photos. You might get ideas to make one too.

Simplicity S9146 Pants Pattern

I made my skirt from Simplicity S9146 sewing pattern. Wait… there’s no variation to make a skirt.

Right! These are pull-on pants with a flat front elastic waistband. They have lengthwise side panels, inseam pockets, and a tie belt option.

They’re easy to make, and it’d put it at an intermediate level. With the wide-legged fit, this was easier to turn into a skirt.

Materials

Here are all the things I used for my project. Since I upcycled for this one, I didn’t have to run out and buy anything.

Fabric

The fabric I used was a nice, soft, dark blue Tencel twill from Joann. At this time, they had a few colors, so I got all of them.

It’s more drapey and less structured than the recommended ones. But Tencel twill can make nice pants and skirts too.

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 knit elastic for my bottoms.

I also used a little piece of lightweight fusible interfacing for the front waistband for structure.

Needle

I used a size 90/14 universal needle. The Tencel was lighter than others I’ve used, but still medium-weight.

Thread

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

For overlocking the seams, I used Maxi-Lock serger spun thread. It’s also made of polyester.

Sewing My Skirt

Well, making this skirt was time-consuming because I had to deconstruct the pants, and figet with the godet.

Prepping

I actually made the skirt from another pants pattern, and they came out a little snug. The Tencel might have to do with this, because it can shrink from heat!

So, I upcycled those pants using Simplicity S9146. This sewing pattern is perfect if you need to size up some pants. 

That’s because it has side panels. With extra black Tencel twill fabric from my stash, I could make the pants fit.

That did the trick, but I wore the pants a couple times and didn’t like them. I thought about turning them into a skirt.

Okay, so I wasn’t done upcycling these pants. I had to do it again… 

Seriously, how many times can you upcycle clothes? Infinitely. When there’s a will, there’s a way.

So, I opened the inside seams of the pants with my trusty seam ripper. I had to be careful because this material can rip easily.

At this point, I took the elastic out of the waistband. That way, I could get the skirt to lie flat, and it was easier to work with.

Construction

This skirt required more planning, and I did some during the prepping stage. However, I had to do more fitting and figuring once the pants were deconstructed.

I got rid of the front crotch curve by sewing a line straight down from the waistband. I stopped several inches from the bottom.

This skirt turned out more straight and narrow. This meant I needed a front slit so I could walk with ease. 

If I were to cut the length shorter, I wouldn’t need a slit.  But I wanted to keep it long.

However, the slit wasn’t enough to create room. The pants were straight down, so I either needed a back slit or a godet.

Well, if I went with the back slit, the skirt would still need more room. This could work with stretchy fabric, but not here.

So I added the godet, or triangle panel, in the back. I had more black Tencel twill left in my stash, so I cut out my big triangle.

This took a little trial and error. I spread the skirt out on my cutting table to create an A-line.

With that spread, that’s how I knew how much fabric I needed for my godet. I really wanted to make it in matching dark blue, but I had none left.

So, I made it work. I pressed those seams down in the back and pinned the godet underneath. Then I topstitched it to the skirt.

When I finished, I had black fabric down the sides and in the back.

Adjustments

I didn’t have to touch the side panels or the elastic waistband to make the skirt. However, I had to bring the elastic in to fit it around my waist.

I also kept the carriers to wear the tie belt I had made for the pants. It completes the look of my midi skirt. 

Project Notes

I recently saw that Simplicity released a skirt similar to this, but in knits. But you could always adjust a regular pattern to make panels. 

I think that’s what gives it the athletic look, and it reminds me of all the sports I played in school. 

You could make the panels in the same color as the skirt, but they won’t pop. Or find a fabric with a cool print. That would look fun!

McCall’s M7286 Top Pattern

Now, I had made this knit top way before I upcycled the pants. McCall’s M7286 sewing pattern has a couple of fun variations.

The front and back of my shirt are made of blue knit fabric, and the sleeves are black. It’s a T-shirt with contrasting raglan sleeves.

If you make this pattern, choose a medium-weight knit fabric with moderate stretch. You don’t want anything too stretchy or drapey.

Now, I love the neckband on this top, but I made mine a little deeper. 

I also shortened the overall length because it was a little long. Otherwise, I made no other changes.

Final Thoughts

I like how my skirt came out, considering how many times I upcycled the fabric. It’s as comfy as wearing trackpants, I must say.

I even wore it to an art opening and got a few compliments! So, it was well worth all the effort I put into it.

More Sewing Projects

I have many other related blog posts you might like. You might want to check them out.

• I’ll show you how to do my flat front elastic back skirt hack with zipper.

• I upcycled some too-big linen pants into a new wrap skirt. 

• My denim mini skirt has a comfy waistband upgrade with elastic in the back. 

I’d love to hear about your sewing adventures!

Originally published: March 19, 2025