If you’re looking to sew a flattering and flowy skirt that’s ideal for stretch knit fabric, this free sewing pattern for a full circle midi skirt is just what you need. With a clean silhouette, natural waist seam, and stylish side closure, this project is approachable for beginners ready to tackle invisible zippers and waistband finishes.
Why Choose This Knit Midi Skirt Pattern?
- Full circle skirt – beautiful drape and twirl-ready shape
- Invisible zipper closure at the side for a polished look
- Side button waistband – stylish and adjustable
- No back vent or center back seam – smooth, clean finish
- Beginner-friendly instructions for knits and closures
What You’ll Need
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight stretch knit fabric
- Notions: 8–9″ invisible zipper, fusible interfacing, 1 button or hook & eye
- Tools: Sewing machine, invisible zipper foot, iron, pins, scissors
- Paper Pattern: Download your free pattern here
Need help printing and assembling your pattern? Check out this quick guide: PDF Pattern Printing Tips >>
Sewing Tutorial: Step by Step
1. Sew the Skirt Side Seams
- Pin the right side seam of the front and back skirt sections together. Stitch and press the seam open.
- Stitch the left side seam, leaving the opening above the notch unstitched. Press open.
2. Install the Invisible Zipper
Use an invisible zipper foot for best results.
- Open the zipper and press the coils flat from the wrong side so the stitching lines are visible.
- With the zipper open, pin one side face-down to the fabric opening edge, aligning teeth with the seam line and the zipper tape flush to the waist.
- Stitch close to the teeth, backstitching at the start and finish. Stop when you reach the zipper pull.
- Repeat for the other zipper side.
- Close the zipper and pin the remaining seam below. Stitch, starting just above and slightly left of the zipper seam line to avoid gaps.
- Hand sew the ends of the zipper tape to the seam allowance to secure.
3. Prepare and Attach the Waistband
- Apply fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the waistband.
- If in multiple pieces, sew waistband pieces right sides together at the short ends. Press seams open.
- Press the upper long edge of the waistband to the wrong side by 3/8″ (1 cm) and trim if needed.
- Pin waistband right sides together to the waist edge of the skirt, matching notches and side seams. Stitch and trim the seam allowance to 1/4″ (6 mm). Press seam allowance toward waistband.
- Fold waistband lengthwise along the pressed fold. Pin the short ends together and stitch. Trim corners and turn right side out.
- Fold waistband over seam allowance and slipstitch the inner edge to the inside of the skirt.
- Topstitch the waistband if desired.
- Add a buttonhole or secure with a hook & eye or snap at the waistband side.
4. Hem the Skirt
- Turn up the hem along the foldline and zigzag stitch around the entire circumference, OR
- Use a double needle from the right side for a clean, stretch-friendly finish.
- Press the hem well.
Final Thoughts
This elegant knit midi skirt is both graceful and practical, thanks to its full circle cut and comfortable knit fabric. The invisible zipper and side button waist elevate the finish, making it a great project for anyone ready to explore more refined sewing techniques.
➡️ Start sewing today—Download your free knit midi skirt pattern here and bring your handmade wardrobe to life!
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Tags: free skirt pattern, knit midi skirt tutorial, invisible zipper sewing, full circle skirt, beginner sewing pattern, PDF sewing pattern, side zipper skirt, no back vent skirt