How to draft a Half Circle Skirt Pattern

Preparation

See “How to Take Measurements” if you are using your personal measurements. You can also use the Standard Misses Size measurements provided here.

You can see the finished half circle skirt here.

Pattern Diagram

Measurements Needed

Size Misses 4 measurements are used as an example.

• Waist=23″
• Front Skirt Length=24″ (40″-16″=24″)
  
  Calculate One Fourth of the Waist Measurement:
  1/4 of 23″=5 3/4″
  
• Add to the measurement obtained:
  • 1 3/4″ in case of waist measurement from 22 to 26″
  • 2: in the case of waist measurement from 26 to 30″
  • 2 1/4″ in the case of waist measurement from 30 to 34″
  • 2 1/2″ in the case of waist measurement from 34 to 38″

For Misses Size 4 the waist measurement to use is 5 3/4″ + 1 3/4″=7 1/2″

Drafting the Half Circle Skirt Pattern

Make a Right Angle and apply on both sides the result obtained from adding the ease to one fourth of the waist measurement. For Misses size 4 that is 7 1/2″. Refer to pattern illustration. The 7 1/2″ down from the corner are points A-B and A-C.

From B following the A-B line, apply the measurement of the Front Skirt Length. (example, Misses Size 4=24″). Mark the Skirt Length as Point D. Points B-D become Center Front and Center Back of Skirt.

From C following the A-C line, apply in the same manner the measurement of the Front Skirt Length Mark the Skirt Length as Point E. Points C-E are Side Seams of Skirt.

Fold the skirt pattern in half by bring A-B-D over to A-C-E. Crease.

Fold the skirt pattern in another half. Crease.

Open the pattern. The three fold lines represent the rays of the pattern.

From A measure down the A-B distance along the other creases. Mark with a dot. See pattern illustration. Mark each dot F, G, H.

Join points B-F-G-H-C by means of a curve to get the curve of the waistline.

From Points F, G, and H measure down the skirt length along each crease. Mark with a dot. You will mark them I, J, K. Refer to pattern illustration.

Connect D-I-J-K-E for hemline curve.

Cut out the pattern. The grainline can be along B-D when placed on the fold for Center Front and Center Back.

Notes

I advise creating a fitting toile since you may need to adjust the waist at the side seams. Half Circle and Full Circle Skirts cut into the bias. The waistline may stretch a little.

To stabilize the waistline, stay stitch after cutting. Do not hang the skirt up until the waistline is finished with a facing or waistband. Then hang the skirt for 2 days or more so that the drape sets in.

A lapped side zipper is one of my favorite closures. It does not interfere with the drape and the flares.