A flowy, tiered skirt is one of those timeless pieces every sewist loves to make. Comfortable, flattering, and endlessly versatile — it’s perfect for everyday wear, layering, or dressing up with romantic details.
This sewing tutorial shows you step by step how to sew your own beautiful, flowy skirt — perfect for twirling the day away.
And yes, this skirt fits beautifully into the dreamy cottagecore aesthetic — think: twirling through meadows, sipping tea in the garden, or strolling to the farmer’s market with a woven basket.
Supplies You’ll Need to Make the 3-Tiered Skirt
|
Supplies You’ll Need to Make the 3-Tiered Skirt |
|
* Fabric – 3 to 5.5 yards depending on waist size (see chart below) |
|
|
|
* 1.5" wide elastic: length = waist measurement |
|
|
|
* Thread – matching or contrasting, all-purpose polyester or cotton |
|
|
|
* Sewing machine – with straight and zig-zag stitch |
|
|
|
* Fabric scissors or rotary cutter |
|
|
|
* Pins or sewing clips – to hold gathers and seams in place |
|
|
|
* Measuring tape – for waist measurement and cutting lengths |
|
|
|
* Iron & ironing board – for pressing seams and hem |
|
|
|
* Chalk or fabric marker – to mark cutting lines and notches |
* Optional: |
|
|
|
* Lightweight fusible interfacing (if you want a sturdier waistband) |
|
|
|
* Extra fabric for side seam pockets |
|
|
|
* Ruler or quilting ruler (for cutting straight edges) |
Fabric Choice
This skirt works best with lightweight to medium-weight fabrics that drape nicely:
* Cotton lawn or cotton voile – breathable and soft for summer.
* Linen blends – give structure but still flowy and breezy.
* Rayon challis or viscose – creates beautiful movement.
* Lightweight chambray – casual and perfect for everyday wear.
Tip: For a more cottagecore look, try soft florals, gingham, earthy solids, or delicate prints.
Fabric Requirements by Size
This skirt is based on waist sizes 26–60 inches and includes generous gathers for each tier. Yardage assumes 44" wide fabric. If using wider fabric (54"–60"), you may need slightly less.
👉 Add an **extra ½ yard** if you want:
* To lengthen the skirt
* To cut the waistband on the fold
* To add pockets
Sewing Tutorial: Step-by-Step
1. Cut Your Pieces
* Waistband: A rectangle the length of your hip measurement + 1 inch ease + 1" for seam allowance, and 4.5" wide.
The elastic inside will be cut to your waist size so it fits comfortably once worn, but the fabric waistband needs that extra width so it can slide over the hips easily when the elastic is expanded.
Let's see how to determine the length (height) of each tier:
If you want each tier to be of same length (height) then, measure the total length of your skirt and divide it by three to find the length (height) of each tier.
For example, if the total length you desire for the skirt is 30 inches, then 30/3 = 10 inches. This is the length (height) of each tier.
However, if you want each tier to be a bit longer than the previous one, adjust the tier lengths accordingly.
For example, if each tier length is 10 inches, then adjust the lengths as below:
Tier 1 : 7 inches
Tier 2: 10 inches
Tier 3: 13 inches
Let's determine the width of each tier and also add seam allowances them.
* Tier 1 (Top Tier):
Width: 2 × waist measurement
Length: Desired length + 1/2 inch for top edge seam allowance and 1/2 inch for bottom edge seam allowance
* Tier 2 (Middle Tier):
Width: 3 × waist measurement
Length: Desired length + 1/2 inch for top edge seam allowance and 1/2 inch for bottom edge seam allowance
* Tier 3 (Bottom Tier):
Width: 4 × waist measurement
Length: Desired length + 1/2 inch for top edge seam allowance + 3/4 inch for bottom edge hem allowance.
(*If you don't prefer to attach a separate waist band for the elastic casing, but like to fold the top edge of Tier 1 to create the casing, then you should add 4 inches to Tier 1.
* Tier 1 (Top Tier):
Length: Desired length + 4 inches added to the top edge for elastic casing and 1/2 inch added to the bottom edge for seam allowance
* Tier 2 and Tier 3 remain the same.)
2. Sew the Tier Seams
* Sew the short sides of each tier rectangle together (1/2 inch seam allowance) to form loops.
* Sew the seams of the waistband together.
* Finish raw edges with zig-zag or serger.
3. Sew the hem of the Bottom Tier (Tier 3)
Fold the hemline down 1/4 inch. Press all around. Then fold again 1/2 inch. Press again and sew closer to the folded edge.
3. Gather Each Tier
* Run two rows of long basting stitches along the top edge of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.
* Gently pull threads to gather until they match the width of the tier above. For Tier 1, the gathered top edge should match the bottom edge of the waistband (after the side seams of the waistband are closed).
4. Assemble the Skirt
* Attach Tier 2 to Tier 1 (right sides together), easing gathers evenly.
* Attach Tier 3 to Tier 2 the same way. Press seams downward.
* Finish raw edges with zig-zag or serger.
5. Add the Waistband
* Fold the top and bottom edges of the waistband 1/2 inch and press.
* Fold the waistband in half lengthwise (wrong sides together) and press.
* Sew the waistband to the top edge of Tier 1, leaving a 2" gap to insert the elastic.
* Insert elastic. Overlap the ends of the elastic by 1/2 inch. Secure them, and then close the gap.
(If you are not using a separate waist band, then fold the top edge of Tier 1 down by 1/2 inch. Fold down again by 1 3/4 inch. Sew close to the folded edge leaving a 2 inch gap. Insert the elastic as explained before.)
And that’s it! You have a beautiful, swishy, tiered skirt.
Cottagecore Fashion and the Tiered Skirt
Cottagecore embraces the romantic, nostalgic aesthetic of rural life — cozy days, simple living, wildflowers, and handmade garments. The tiered skirt fits perfectly within this style: it’s feminine, floaty, and versatile enough to wear with a ruffled blouse, chunky knit cardigan, or even barefoot in the grass. 🌸
By making your own, you not only embrace slow fashion but also infuse your wardrobe with a garment that feels authentic, dreamy, and truly yours.
This 3-tiered skirt pattern is perfect for beginners who want a fun, confidence-boosting project, as well as experienced sewists looking for a timeless addition to their handmade wardrobe. With its size-inclusive design and endless fabric options, you’ll want to make more than one!
Happy Sewing!
---Flora
