There is nothing quite like a simple linen skirt when the weather turns warm. This rust-orange linen skirt features a comfortable elastic waistband, deep patch pockets tucked into the side seams, and a breezy silhouette that hits just below the knee. It is beginner-friendly and fits easily on the first try because you cut the rectangles to your own measurements.
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Beginner
- Finished size: Custom width based on hip measurement; length 29 3/8 in (74.5 cm)
- Fabric: Medium-weight linen or linen-blend
- Seam allowance: 5/8 in (1.5 cm)
- Time to make: 3 to 4 hours
- Machine needed: Standard sewing machine
What Makes This Elastic Waist Skirt Special
- No paper pattern required: You cut two large rectangles straight from your fabric, which makes cutting day quick and satisfying.
- Side seam pockets: Deep patch pockets sit right where your hands naturally fall.
- Elastic casing: A gathered waist pulls on without zippers or buttons.
Finished Size
| Size |
Waist (in / cm) |
Hip (in / cm) |
Finished Width (in / cm) |
Finished Length (in / cm) |
| XS |
24 – 25 / 61 – 63.5 |
34 – 35 / 86 – 89 |
38 3/4 / 98.5 |
29 3/8 / 74.5 |
| S |
26 – 27 / 66 – 68.5 |
36 – 37 / 91.5 – 94 |
38 3/4 / 98.5 |
29 3/8 / 74.5 |
| M |
28 – 29 / 71 – 73.5 |
38 – 39 / 96.5 – 99 |
38 3/4 / 98.5 |
29 3/8 / 74.5 |
| L |
30 – 32 / 76 – 81.5 |
40 – 42 / 102 – 106.5 |
38 3/4 / 98.5 |
29 3/8 / 74.5 |
| XL |
33 – 35 / 84 – 89 |
43 – 45 / 109 – 114 |
38 3/4 / 98.5 |
29 3/8 / 74.5 |
| 2XL |
36 – 38 / 91.5 – 96.5 |
46 – 48 / 117 – 122 |
38 3/4 / 98.5 |
29 3/8 / 74.5 |
| 3XL |
39 – 41 / 99 – 104 |
49 – 51 / 124.5 – 130 |
38 3/4 / 98.5 |
29 3/8 / 74.5 |
Materials You Will Need
| Material / Notion |
Amount |
Notes |
| Medium-weight linen fabric |
3 11/18 yd (3.3 m) |
Rust orange shown in photo |
| 1 1/2 in (3.8 cm) wide elastic |
Waist measurement x 0.9 + 1 in (2.5 cm) |
Soft woven elastic |
| Matching all-purpose thread |
1 spool |
Polyester or cotton-polyester blend |
Tools:
– Sewing machine and sharp universal needles (size 80/12)
– Fabric shears
– Tape measure
– Pins or sewing clips
– Iron and ironing board
– Safety pin or bodkin for threading elastic
Cutting List
Note: Seam allowance is 5/8 in (1.5 cm) throughout unless noted otherwise.
| Piece |
Fabric |
Cut Size W x H in (cm) |
How Many |
| Skirt Panel |
Rust Linen |
46 in (117 cm) x 33 in (84 cm) |
Cut 2 |
| Pocket Bag |
Rust Linen |
7 in (18 cm) x 8 in (20.5 cm) |
Cut 4 |
Before You Start
Linen loves to shrink, so always pre-wash and dry your fabric on the settings you plan to use later. Press the fabric flat with your iron before measuring and cutting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut the Skirt Panels and Pockets
Measure your full hip circumference at the widest point. Add 6 in (15 cm) of ease for that breezy, relaxed fit. Divide that total by two to get the width for your front and back skirt panels. Cut two identical rectangles to that width by 33 in (84 cm) high. Also cut four pocket pieces measuring 7 in (18 cm) wide by 8 in (20.5 cm) high, rounding the bottom two corners of each pocket slightly.
✅ Checkpoint: You should have two large skirt rectangles and four matching pocket pieces.
Step 2: Mark and Attach the Pockets
Lay your two skirt panels flat on your work table with the right sides facing up. Measure down 4 in (10 cm) from the top raw edge on each side seam and make a small mark. Place one pocket piece face down on the skirt panel, aligning the straight edge of the pocket with the side edge of the skirt, with the top of the pocket at your 4 in (10 cm) mark. Repeat for all four side edges so you have a pocket on every side seam. Pin in place.
Step 3: Stitch the Pocket Bags
Stitch each pocket to the skirt panel using a 3/8 in (1 cm) seam allowance, sewing only along the curved outer edge of the pocket. Press the pocket seams open, then press the pockets outward away from the skirt.
💡 Designer Tip: Sewing the pockets with a slightly smaller seam allowance than the main skirt prevents the pocket edges from peeking out later.
Step 4: Stitch the Side Seams and Pockets
Place the front and back skirt panels with right sides together, matching the side edges and the open pocket bags. Pin down each side, pivoting around the curve of the pocket bags in one smooth motion. Stitch at 5/8 in (1.5 cm) from the top edge all the way down to the hem, pivoting around the pocket bag and back to the straight side seam. Finish your raw edges with a zigzag stitch or serger.
✅ Checkpoint: Your side seams are sewn, enclosing the pockets, and the skirt is now a closed tube.
Step 5: Create the Waistband Casing
Press the top raw edge of the skirt down toward the wrong side by 1/4 in (0.6 cm) and press. Next, fold the top edge down again by 2 in (5 cm) to form the casing, enclosing the first raw edge completely. Press firmly and pin in place all the way around the waist.
Step 6: Sew the Casing
Stitch close to the folded bottom edge of the casing all the way around the waistband, leaving a 2 in (5 cm) opening at the back for inserting your elastic.
Step 7: Insert the Elastic
Cut your elastic to your waist measurement multiplied by 0.9, plus 1 in (2.5 cm) for overlap. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the 2 in (5 cm) opening in the casing. Guide it all the way around without twisting.
Step 8: Secure the Elastic
Overlap the two ends of the elastic by 1 in (2.5 cm) and stitch securely across the rectangle a few times with a zigzag stitch. Stretch the waistband to let the elastic pop inside the casing, then stitch the 2 in (5 cm) opening closed.
Step 9: Hem the Skirt
Try on the skirt to check the length. Fold the bottom raw edge up by 1/2 in (1.3 cm), press, then fold up another 1/2 in (1.3 cm) to hide the raw edge. Pin and topstitch all the way around the bottom hem.
Finishing
Give your finished skirt a final press with a hot iron, paying special attention to the waistband and hem. Clip any stray thread tails.
Size and Fabric Variations
- Adding length: To make the skirt 2 in (5 cm) longer, simply cut your skirt panels 35 in (89 cm) high instead of 33 in (84 cm).
- Alternative fabrics: Lightweight cotton lawn, rayon challis, or lightweight cotton-linen blends work just as wonderfully as pure linen.
Care Instructions
Machine wash gentle in cold water with similar colors. Line dry in the shade to preserve the rich rust color, or tumble dry on low while slightly damp. Press with a warm iron while the linen is still a little damp for a crisp finish.
FAQ
Can I make this skirt without pockets?
Yes! Simply skip cutting the pocket pieces and sew the front and back skirt panels directly together at the side seams.
Why do I multiply my waist measurement by 0.9 for the elastic?
Multiplying by 0.9 removes 10 percent of the length so the elastic stretches comfortably around your waist without slipping down or feeling too tight.
How do I stop the linen from fraying while I sew?
Linen frays easily, so finish all your raw edges with a zigzag stitch or an overlock stitch on your sewing machine as you go.
Happy Sewing!
I hope you love wearing this breezy linen skirt as much as I do. Save this pin to your Pinterest sewing board so you can find it easily when you visit your fabric stash. If you make one, I would love to see it: send me a photo through the contact page.
