Skip to main content

Sandy: FreeSewing's Sandy Circle Skirt

About Sandy

Sandy is an adaptable circle skirt pattern.

Designer Notes​

Sandy was my first pattern after I made the bib tutorial. Usually, no one needs a pattern to make a circle skirt, you just fold your fabric, run your numbers and cut the circle. However, I wanted an automated way to get those numbers and that was not limited to a full or half circle, so I decided to make the pattern. Additionally, I gave it the option to have an accurately curved waistband, which I use also for other projects.

The name is a tribute to Sandy, Olivia Newton John's character in Grease, who wears a fair amount of circle skirts as a typical 50s teenager.

Erica

What You Need​

To make Sandy, you will need the following:

  • Basic sewing supplies
  • About 2 - 6 metres (2.2 - 6.6 yards) of a suitable main fabric (see Fabric options)
  • Some interfacing for the waistband
  • (Optional) Facing for the hem.
  • Some sort of closure for the waistband (if not seamless)
  • (Optional) About 2 - 6 metres (2.2 - 6.6 yards) of suitable lining fabric (see Fabric options)
  • Elastic (if needed)

Due to the many different styles of Sandy it is difficult to precisely say what you need so we will go through some of the options.

Fabric Options​

Main Fabric​

The length you require is dependant on how long and how full your circle skirt is, mid length and smaller should be sufficient with 2 - 2.5 metres whereas a floor length will require more. If in doubt buy a metre more than you think. Also don't be afraid to piece if your fabric is not wide or long enough, it is better to have an extra seam than not to use the fabric you like.

tip

Don't forget that the waistband also needs to be cut from the main fabric.

warning

If making a seamless Sandy you will need to make sure the width of your fabrics are double the length of your skirt pieces otherwise you will have to piece or add seams.

Lining Fabric​

Lining fabric is only really needed if your main fabric is unpleasant to have against the skin or hard to wash. You will need the same amount as your main fabric if you are fully lining the skirt.

If you only intend to make pockets with a lining you only need 0.25 - 0.5 metres of fabric.

Hem Facing​

To add flare/keep the hems shape you may wish to add a facing to the bottom of the skirt. This can be done multiple ways such as the use of horsehair braid or tarlatan and really depends on the look you are going for and the fabric you are using.

Closures​

If not making an elasticated Sandy you will need some type of closure. This can be just a zip that is inserted in to the waistband and seam or it can be buttons, dress hooks, or snaps with an overlapping waistband and an opening, placket or zipper at the top of the seam.

Elastic​

Elastic is needed if you intend to make a seamless or a closure free Sandy. Width-wise it will need to be able to fit inside the waistband, length-wise it will need to be able to fit around your waist.

Cutting Instructions​

note

If not using seamless follow the default list, If using seamless follow the seamless list.

Main Fabric

  • (If default) Cut 1 skirt part on the fold.
  • (If seamless) Cut 1 skirt part on double fold.
  • (If straight) Cut 1 waistband part.
  • (If curved) Cut 2 waistband parts.

Lining Fabric (Optional)

  • (If default) Cut 1 skirt part on the fold.
  • (If seamless) Cut 1 skirt part on double fold.

Interfacing

  • Cut 1 waistband part.