Measurements you need
Tape horizontal around the narrowest part of your torso, usually ¾–1⅝ in above the navel. Snug but not tight; don't pull in your stomach.Tape horizontal around the narrowest part of your torso, usually 2–4 cm above the navel. Snug but not tight; don't pull in your stomach.
Usually 22⅞–43¼ in.Usually 58–110 cm.At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 23⅝ in, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 60 cm, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.
Skirt 15¾–39⅜ in, pants 35⅜–43¼ in, shorts 11¾–21⅝ in.Skirt 40–100 cm, pants 90–110 cm, shorts 30–55 cm.Tape horizontal around the fullest part of your buttocks, allowing for the curve of your stomach. Stand straight, feet together.Tape horizontal around the fullest part of your buttocks, allowing for the curve of your stomach. Stand straight, feet together.
Usually 33⅛–51⅛ in.Usually 84–130 cm.How the circle skirt is drafted
A circle skirt is a ring of fabric. The inner circle is the waistline, its length equals the waist measurement plus ease; the outer circle is the hem, it sits exactly the skirt length away from the waist at every point. So the waist radius equals the waistline length divided by 2π, and the hem radius is the waist radius plus the length. The ring is divided into two or four panels so it fits on the fabric; the grainline runs down the center of each panel, so both seams run equally on the bias and the skirt hangs straight.
How much fabric for a circle skirt
For a waist of 27½ in70 cm with a waistband, fabric in a single layer, the smaller yardage of the two seam options. For your own measurements, see the "How much fabric" block under the draft — the cutting layout is there too.
| Skirt length | Fabric 54 in140 cm | Fabric 60 in150 cm |
|---|---|---|
| 15¾ in40 cm | 1¼ yd1.10 m | 1¼ yd1.10 m |
| 19⅝ in50 cm | 1½ yd1.30 m | 1½ yd1.30 m |
| 23⅝ in60 cm | 2¼ yd2.00 m | 2 yd1.80 m |
| 27½ in70 cm | 2⅞ yd2.60 m | 2¾ yd2.45 m |
| 31½ in80 cm | 3½ yd3.10 m | 3⅜ yd3.00 m |
How to print and tape
Download the PDF on Letter or A4 sheets and print at 100% scale, without "fit to page". The first sheet has the test square: measure it with a ruler. The circle panel is large, so you'll get many sheets; for a copy shop or plotter, choose "One-sheet PDF". You can also skip printing: the waist and hem radii are given under the draft — you can easily draw the circle directly on the fabric with a pin and string or a tape measure.
What you get
A full-size skirt panel with seam allowance and a narrow hem allowance, a waistband with extra for a closure or an elastic casing, grainline on each panel, fabric yardage and cutting layout.
FAQ
How do I calculate the radius of a circle skirt?
The waist radius is the waist measurement plus ease, divided by 2π (about 6.28). With a waist of 27½ in70 cm and ease of ⅜ in1 cm, the radius is 4½ in11.3 cm. The hem radius is the waist radius plus the skirt length. The pattern maker calculates this for you and shows both radii under the draft.
How much fabric do I need for a circle skirt?
It depends on the length and fabric width: for a 23⅝ in60 cm skirt on 60 in150 cm fabric — about 2 yd1.8 m. The exact amount for your measurements and the cutting layout are in the "How much fabric" block under the draft.
Why should a circle skirt hang before hemming?
Most of the hem runs on the bias and stretches under its own weight by ⅜–1⅛ in1–3 cm, unevenly around the circle. Baste the skirt, hang it for a day, then put it on and level the hem from the floor — and only then sew the hem.
What hem should a circle skirt have?
A narrow one, ¼–⅜ in0.5–1 cm: a wide hem won't lie flat on a circular hem — its inner edge is shorter than the outer. The easiest options are a double-fold hem of ¼ in0.5 cm or bias binding.
Waistband or elastic?
With a waistband, the skirt fits exactly at the waist and needs a zipper in one of the seams. With elastic, the waistline is calculated from the hip measurement so the skirt pulls on without a closure — you get soft gathering at the top. Choose the option in the "How it sits at the waist" field.
What is a double circle skirt?
A skirt made of two full circles: it's twice as full at the hem as a circle skirt. Choose "Double circle" in the "Which skirt do you want" field — the pattern maker will draft the panels and calculate the fabric.