Charm Circle Skirt

F R E E PAT T E R N & YO U T U B E T U T O R I A L

© 2021 Charm Patterns by Gertie

Distribution and Commercial Use Prohibited
 MAKE A
V I N TAG E -
INSPIRED
CIRCLE
SKIRT!
Circle skirts were
staples of ’50s fashion, and we know you’ll love this versatile and
feminine piece. Our version has the perfect vintage length, side
seam pockets, a beautiful lapped zipper, and a waistband with
hook-and-bar closure. Watch my YouTube tutorial to see how it’s
sewn and then make your own custom version! Sew it up with the
included waistband for a fabulous separate or mix and match with
the interchangeable designs from Charm Patterns! (The bodices
from the Liz or Lamour Dresses are a perfect fit to make a mix-
and-match dress.) This skirt pattern is sized in women’s US 2–20
and 18–34. You can find the coordinating corset belt pattern and
video by subscribing to our Patreon and tips for embellishing your
skirt on the Charm Patterns blog.

xoxo, Gertie

SIZE CHART M AT E R I A L S & N OT I O N S

Not sure which size range to choose? Read more about our new 18–34 size •  Fabric for skirt
range here on our blog! •  Thread to match your fabric

SIZES •  Interfacing for waistband (look

2-20 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
24 in 26 in 28 in 30 in 32 in 34 in 36 in 38 in 40 in 42 in
for lightweight woven, weft, or
Waist 61 cm 66 cm 71.1 cm 76.2 cm 81.3 cm 86.4 cm 91.4 cm 96.5 cm 101.6 cm 106.7 cm tricot types)
SIZES •  ¼ yard fusible interfacing or roll
18-34 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34
40 in 42 in 44 in 46 in 48 in 50 in 52 in 54 in 56 in
of 1¼-inch-wide (3 cm) fusible
Waist 101.6 cm 106.7 cm 111.8 cm 116.8 cm 121.9 cm 127 cm 132.1 cm 137.2 cm 142.2 cm stay tape to stabilize zipper
opening
F I T N OT E S
•  7-inch zipper
Use your waist measurement to pick your size. The circle skirt only needs to
fit in the waist, so your waist measurement is the only measurement you need •  Hook and bar closure
to pick a size. Take your waist measurement at the smallest part of your torso;
this is where your body creases when you bend to the side (for many people FA B R I C N OT E S
this is about 1 in [2.5 cm] above your belly button). We’ve created this We recommend light- to medium-
pattern to have 1 in to 2 in of ease in the waist, but you may prefer more or weight wovens: cottons like lawn,
less. For instance, if your waist measures 28 in, you will choose the size 6. The poplin, broadcloth, shirting,
finished skirt waistband will measure 29 in to provide ease of wearing and seersucker, lightweight denim,
movement. If you’re not sure how much ease you like in a garment, but you chambray, sateen, pique, batik;
have a similar style skirt that fits you well, measure the waist on that skirt to silks with body like dupioni and
get your preferred waist measurement. Remember, hip measurements are not shantung; linen and linen blends.
important when choosing your size for the circle skirt, as the skirt is very full.
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FINISHED MEASUREMENTS PAT T E R N P I E C E S
Sizes
2-20 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
1. Skirt Front
25 in 27 in 29 in 31 in 33 in 35 in 37 in 39 in 41 in 43 in
Cut 1 fabric on fold
Waist
63.5 cm 68.6 cm 73.7 cm 78.7 cm 83.8 cm 88.9 cm 94 cm 99.1 cm 104.1 cm 109.2 cm 2. Skirt Back
CF 26.5 in 26.75 in 27 in 27.25 in 27.5 in 27.75 in 28 in 28.25 in 28.5 in 28.75 in Cut 2 fabric
Length 67.3 cm 67.9 cm 68.6 cm 69.2 cm 69.9 cm 70.5 cm 71.1 cm 71.8 cm 72.4 cm 73 cm
CB 27.75 in 28 in 28.25 in 28.5 in 28.75 in 29 in 29.25 in 29.5 in 29.75 in 30 in 3. Waistband
Length 70.5 cm 71.1 cm 71.8 cm 72.4 cm 73 cm 73.7 cm 74.3 cm 74.9 cm 75.6 cm 76.2 cm Cut 1 fabric, 1 interfacing
187.4 in 189.4 in 191.4 in 193.4 in 195.4 in 197.4 in 199.4 in 201.4 in 203.4 in 205.4 in
Sweep 4. Pocket
476 cm 481 cm 486.2 cm 491.2 cm 496.3 cm 501.4 cm 506.5 cm 511.6 cm 516.6 cm 521.7 cm
Cut 4 fabric
Sizes
18-34 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34
4
42 in 44 in 46 in 48 in 50 in 52 in 54 in 56 in 58 in
Waist
106.7 cm 111.8 cm 116.8 cm 121.9 cm 127 cm 132.1 cm 137.2 cm 142.2 cm 147.3 cm 2
CF 28.75 in 29 in 29.25 in 29.5 in 29.75 in 30 in 30.25 in 30.5 in 30.75 in
1
Length 73 cm 73.7 cm 74.3 cm 74.9 cm 75.6 cm 76.2 cm 76.8 cm 77.5 cm 78.1 cm
CB 29.75 in 30 in 30.25 in 30.5 in 30.75 in 31 in 31.25 in 31.5 in 31.75 in
Length 75.6 cm 76.2 cm 76.8 cm 77.5 cm 78.1 cm 78.7 cm 79.4 cm 80 cm 80.6 cm 3
223 in 225 in 227 in 229 in 231 in 233 in 235 in 237 in 239 in
Sweep
566.4 cm 571.5 cm 576.6 cm 581.7 cm 586.7 cm 591.8 cm 596.9 cm 602 cm 607.1 cm

REQUIRED YARDAGE & CUTTING LAYOUTS KEY TO LAYOUTS Be sure to note

whether the pieces
Right side of
•  All pattern pieces are shown in a “without nap” layout. You may need are cut on a double
pattern piece or single layer of
additional yardage for directional prints, stripes, plaids, and other prints that fabric. For a double
layer, there will be a
need to be matched across seamlines. Wrong side of
note indicating FOLD
pattern piece on the layout.
•  Main fabric layouts are shown with the pieces on a crosswise layout. The full
width of the fabric is opened out and a fold is made perpendicular to the
selvages. The pattern pieces are also rotated 90° and cut out crosswise.

SIZES 2-20 3* ALL SIZES

Main fabric 4 Interfacing
(1, 2, 3, 4) 4 (3)
Sizes Sizes All
2–10 12–20 sizes
37/8 yds 45/8 yds 1/8 yd
45 in 2 60 in 0.1 m
3.5 m 4.2 m 1
31/4 yds 33/4 yds
60 in 3m 3.4 m

3
FOLD

S I Z E S 1 8 - 34 45 in, all sizes

Main fabric
3*
(1, 2, 3, 4)
Sizes Sizes
18-24 26-34 4 4
43/8 yds 45/8 yds
45 in 4 m 4.2 m
37/8 yds 41/4 yds
60 in 3.5 m 3.9 m
2

* Cut only 1 layer of

fabric for piece 3.
1
FOLD

60 in, all sizes

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SEWING INSTRUCTIONS 1¼-in-wide (3 cm) strips of fusible interfacing to the
center back opening’s WS above the zipper circles.
BEFORE SEWING
2. Sew the Skirt Back seam: pin the Skirt Backs right
Transferring marks: Use dressmaker’s tracing paper and a
sides (RS) together and stitch the center back seam
tracing wheel to transfer all pattern markings to the wrong
from the hem allowance edge up to the zipper circle.
side (WS) of your fabric. Mark pattern notches by snipping
Backstitch. Press the seam allowances open.
into the seam allowance with the tip of your scissors.
3. Attach the pockets: stitch the Pockets (4) to the
Interfacing: The waistband needs to be stabilized with
Skirt Front (1) and both Skirt Back side seams, matching
fusible interfacing before sewing. Follow the interfacing
the notches and using a ⅜-in (1 cm) seam allowance.
cutting instructions on the pattern pieces. Apply fusible
Press the pockets toward the seam allowances.
interfacing to the WS of the fabric, using a press cloth
and steam. Do not move your iron back and forth; lift it 4. Assemble the skirt: pin the Skirt Front to the Skirt
up and press down for several seconds at a time until the Back at the side seams, RS together, making sure the
interfacing is fully adhered. pockets align, and stitch. Pivot at the top and bottom of
the pockets and stitch around the pocket edges. Clip into
Seam Finishing: If finishing seams with a serger, serge
the pocket pivot points on the Skirt Back seam allowances,
the following seam allowances (without trimming the
and press the pockets toward the Skirt Front. Press the
edges) before construction.
seam allowances open above and below the pockets.
•  Vertical sides of all skirt pieces

•  Pocket pieces Insert Zipper

1. Sew underlap half of zipper: with skirt RS out,
N OT E S
on right half of zipper opening (the underlap), press
•  5/8-inch (in) (1.5 cm) seam allowances are included on seam allowance to WS 1/2 in (1.3 cm). Pin zipper under
all pattern pieces, except where otherwise noted. pressed seam allowance, placing zipper teeth just left of
•  If you don’t have a serger, consider using a zigzag or fabric fold. Open zipper halfway. Using a zipper foot,
overlock stitch on your sewing machine. stitch from top to bottom next to zipper teeth, just on
fold. As needle approaches zipper pull, stop stitching
•  If you find it difficult to see notches after serging, you
and close zipper; resume stitching to bottom of zipper
may wish to mark them with chalk, thread tacks, or
opening. Backstitch.
another marking tool.
•  The left half of the waistband is the overlap and 2. Sew overlap half of zipper: on left half of zipper
will end flush with the edge of the overlap (visible opening (the overlap), press seam allowance under ⅝ in
topstitched side) of the zipper opening. The right half (1.5 cm). With zipper closed, position overlap over zipper
of the waistband is the underlap and will extend 1 in teeth so fabric fold just covers stitching on underlap. Pin
past the underlap of the zipper. overlap to zipper tape. Open zipper and topstitch overlap
⅜ in (1 cm) from fold, closing zipper when you reach
the pull; finish stitching to base. Pivot the work and stitch
across the base of the zipper opening.

Waistband
1. Assemble Waistband (3): fold waistband in half
lengthwise, RS together. Stitch along the short overlap
end. Stitch along the short underlap end, and then pivot,
ending your stitching at first notch on long notched edge
SEW THE SKIRT
of waistband. Trim seam allowances and corners. Clip
Assemble Skirt to stitching at underlap notch. Turn waistband RS out,
1. Stabilize the Skirt Back (2) zipper opening: apply forming neat points at corners. Press.

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2. Attach waistband to the skirt: pin the outer Hem
waistband’s free edge to the skirt, RS together, leaving the 1. Allow skirt to hang for 24 hours before hemming:
inner waistband free at the waistline and matching seams try on the skirt, wearing the shoes you plan to wear with it.
and notches. The underlap half of the waistband extends Even the hem by measuring up from the floor and marking
1 in past the zipper on the right half of the skirt back. the desired hemline plus ⅜-in (1 cm) hem allowance all the
Stitch. Grade the seam allowances so the skirt’s is the way around on the skirt. Trim along the marked lines.
widest and waistband’s is narrower. Flip the waistband up
2. Sew the hem: Finish raw edge of hem and press up
and press the seam allowances toward the waistband.
3/8 in. Topstitch hem in place from RS of skirt.
3. Turn under the inner waistband seam allowance 5/8
Finishing
in (1.5 cm) and press. Pin in place so that it just covers
1. Sew waistband closure: position bar on waistband
the waistline seam. Stitch in the ditch or stitch in place
underlap and hook on overlap. Stitch in place by hand.
by hand using a slipstitch.
Enjoy your finished Circle Skirt!

PAT T E R N P I E C E LO C AT I O N G U I D E
Here is a list to help you locate the pattern pieces on the letter-size tiled pages and A0 pattern sheets.
The tiled pieces and A0 sheets are included as separate pdf files as part of this digital pattern.

SIZES 2-20 SIZES 18-34

PC# Piece Name Tiled A0 Tiled A0

1 Skirt Front 21-24, 26-42 1-2 30-34, 36-41, 43-54 2-3

2 Skirt Back 1-23 1-2 1-6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-26, 29-30 1-2
3 Waistband 1, 7, 13, 19, 25 1-2 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 1-2
4 Pocket 17-18, 23-24 2 29-30, 36-37 2

TILING SIZES SIZES

MAPS 2-20 18-34

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H OW T O U S E The All Sizes layer has general WORKING WITH
pattern information and will always THE TILED PIECES
T H I S PAT T E R N
print. Go to File>Print and change the
The pattern pieces are tiled so you
page range to the pages you need for
can print them on Letter (8½" x 11")
the pieces you’ve chosen (see Pattern
or A4 size paper. You can also send
Pieces Printing Index). Make sure
the A0 pattern sheet PDF to a local or
the Page Sizing settings to 100% or
online printer (like www.pdfplotting.
Actual Size. Test this after printing by
com) to print on large sheets (36" x
measuring the 1 inch test box on the
48" for U.S. or AO for international).
first page of the bodice pattern pieces.
This pattern includes size layers.
Cut apart any pattern pieces that
To get the best results, open either
share a page by cutting on the gray long
the Tiled or A0 pattern pieces PDF in
dashed lines. Then fold back the page
Acrobat Reader.
margins on each page as directed.
Open the Layers Palette
Tape the pages together, butting up
(View>Show/Hide>Navigation
the folded page edges with the gray
Panes>Layers) and hide all of the
margin lines, matching up the letters
layer(s) except for the ones you want
in gray boxes.
to print by clicking on the eye icon.

MORE FROM On YouTube: Learn beginner On Patreon: Access monthly

and advanced sewing skills and patterns and tutorial videos.
GERTIE
techniques through my tutorials,
On Instagram: Stay in the loop and At CharmPatterns.com: Shop my
watch episodes of my Gertie’s World
get inspired. sewing patterns and accessories.
series, and join regular live streams.

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