There’s something magical about a full circle skirt—the way it twirls, the way it floats, and the way it makes little ones feel like they’re dancing through their day. Today I’m sharing a free PDF sewing pattern for a Girls’ Elastic Waist Full Circle Skirt, available in sizes 1 year through 12 years. It’s quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and wonderfully versatile for everyday wear, parties, costumes, and holidays.
Whether you’re sewing for your own child or as a gift, this pattern is a joyful staple you’ll return to again and again.
Beginner sewists will love how simple this project is. The skirt has a straightforward construction—no zippers, no buttons, no tricky closures.
Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for women:
This is a 15-page PDF file. Pages are numbered accordingly.
Print the pages on A4 papers. Make sure you have set page sizing to "Actual size" before you print the pattern.
Please measure the 1 inch x 1 inch square on pattern page 1 to check whether the page has printed correctly and then proceed to print the other pages.
This is how the pattern tiles should be arranged:
✂️ What You Will Need
Full Circle Skirt PDF Pattern (Sizes 1–12 Years)
Fabric (see chart above)
1.5" elastic
Sewing machine
Pins or clips
Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
Safety pin
Iron
Download Link:
Girls's Elastic Waist Full Circle Skirt Free PDF Sewing Pattern for Sizes 1 Year to 12 Years
Seam allowances:
Seam allowances are included in the pattern: Skirt: 3/8 inch at the waistline and 1/2 inch at the hemline.
Waistband: 1/4 at the top edge, 3/8 at the bottom edge, and 1/2 inch at the side seam.
Fabric Suggestions
Circle skirts love drape. Choose fabrics that fall softly and move beautifully:
Best choices
Cotton lawn
Cotton voile
Rayon challis
Viscose blends
Lightweight linen
Soft quilting cotton (for a structured, classic look)
Also lovely
Knit fabrics (jersey, interlock, double brushed poly)
Tulle layered over lining
Satin or silk for special occasions
Avoid very stiff fabrics—they won’t drape well and may look bulky at the waistband.
Fabric Requirement
Fabric needs vary by size and by the child’s height, but here are general guidelines:
Sizes 1–3 Years
1 yard (36") of 45" wide fabric
¾ yard of 60" wide fabric
Sizes 4–6 Years
1¼ yards of 45" wide fabric
1 yard of 60" wide fabric
Sizes 7–9 Years
1½ yards of 45" wide fabric
1¼ yards of 60" wide fabric
Sizes 10–12 Years
1¾–2 yards of 45" wide fabric
1½ yards of 60" wide fabric
Elastic
1.5-inch wide elastic
Length = child’s waist measurement minus 1 inch
Sewing Tutorial — Step by Step
1. Fold Your Fabric Into Fourths
Lay your fabric flat. Fold once lengthwise, then fold again widthwise. You’ll have a neat square with four layers—perfect for cutting a circle skirt.
2. Place and Cut the Pattern
Position the pattern at the folded corner. Cut the waist curve and hem curve through all four layers.
You now have a perfect circle.
3. Attach the Waistband to the Skirt
Use the waistband pattern piece included in the PDF. The waistband piece is a little longer than the skirt's waist. Once you have sewn the waistband to the skirt, you can trim off the excess fabric.
Pin the waistband to the skirt’s waist opening, right sides together. Sew around the circle using a ⅜" seam allowance.
Once you reach the other end of the waistband, sew the short ends together.
Press seam upward.
4. Create the Elastic Casing
Fold the waistband down toward the inside of the skirt. Stitch around the lower edge, leaving a 2" opening.
5. Insert the Elastic
Take an elastic band that has length = your waist measurement minus 1 inch and width 1.5 inches.
Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the casing. Overlap the ends by 1/2" and stitch securely. Close the casing opening.
6. Hem the Skirt
Finish the hem with:
A narrow hem
Rolled hem
Bias binding
Or a serged edge for knits
Your elastic waist full circle skirt is ready to twirl.
You can check out the sewing tutorial for the doll-sized version of the skirt here:
How to Sew a Full Circle Skirt for an 18-Inch Doll---Step-by-Step Sewing Tutorial with Free PDF Printable Sewing Pattern
Are you a sewing enthusiast? Are you looking for a simple and easy sewing project to do this week?
I’ve posted lots of Free printable PDF sewing patterns on this blog. Also I have posted loads of pattern drafting tutorials and sewing tutorials on this blog. Please check out these links: Pattern drafting tutorials and Sewing tutorials.
Happy sewing!
---Flora












