DIY Half Circle Skirt With Pockets Tutorial

DIY Half Circle Skirt with Pockets Tutorial Maxi Midi Ankara African Wax Print

I hope you all are having an amazing week. Today’s post is about my half circle skirt with pockets. I made mine maxi length, however you can use this tutorial to create a midi length version as well. You can find the pocket pattern and radius/measurement guide under the ‘Free Resources’ tab here. For the fabric I used Ankara (wax print fabric, 100% cotton) I bought this fabric from House of Maxi Wata’s Etsy shop a while back. Unfortunately the fabric is now sold out, however check out her shop and I’m sure something will capture your eye.

I have all 3 parts of the tutorial posted below. In part 3 of the tutorial I demonstrate how I use an edge joining/ stitch in the ditch foot to finish off my waistband. In the past I would use peel and stick tape to finish my waistband, but now I’ve set new sewing goals for myself. One of my goals includes practicing tailored finishes, I decided to start with a clean finished waistband. The first time I used it, my stitch was a little crooked. By my third waistband I really started to get the hang of sewing with the foot. I learned that going slow and opening up the seam (slightly pulling the waistband and skirt in opposite directions) helped me to get a nice clean finish.

Also you’ll see me using wonder tape in the video to baste the waistband in place. I chose to use wonder tape opposed to peel and stick because the wonder tape does not gum up my needle. The tape provided an excellent hold so I didn’t have to worry about the waistband moving, I could simply focus on keeping my stitches in the ditch. On my YouTube channel you can find time markers in the description box and comment section so that you can find what you need and work at your own pace.

What are your current sewing goals?

Amazon links above are affiliate links. I purchased the items with my own money.

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50 Comments

  1. Lashanda beckwith
    April 21, 2018 / 9:25 pm

    Thanks you so much for this tutorial. My daughter’s prom was tonight and I made this skirt. It turned out perfectly. I used a stretch silk floral fabric. I would like to upload a picture of her wearing it. I’m just not sure on how to post it.

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      April 25, 2018 / 10:43 pm

      You’re welcome! The fabric sounds beautiful. You can email me the photo: info@montoyamayo.com.

  2. Tami
    April 22, 2018 / 11:43 pm

    Detailed explanations and attention to each step = Flawless Master Piece !!!

    The Skirt was beautifully styled !

    As aways, thank you for taking us along with you on your sewing journey !

    Brava !!!!!!

    Btw: My sewing goal is to create a dedicated space to sew ! LOL! after that, endless possibilities…….

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      April 25, 2018 / 10:47 pm

      Thank you Tami! I hear you, when you have your dedicated space it helps to get and stay in the zone

  3. May 22, 2018 / 10:47 am

    Awesome Information….. thanks for share…………….

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      May 28, 2018 / 8:05 pm

      You’re welcome!

  4. Daisy Sebring
    May 26, 2018 / 10:35 pm

    Hi Montoya Mayo, Love your way of teaching. And want to subscribe, I pressed the subscribe , but nothing happened. The lesson about making a half round skirt with pockets without a pattern. I,am so anxious to make this. but I’ll need the pocket pattern pieces. I am a senior and didn’t start sewing early in life. but I love the idea of making something using my own measurements. I have already made a pencil skirt and a half round following directions of another on line teacher, and I was amazed at how well it turned out. But you are so precise
    and easy to understand, that I decided I would like to subscribe . Thank you Montoya and please let me know how to subscribe. My best to you, Daisy

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      May 30, 2018 / 7:53 pm

      Hi Daisy, thank you for the compliments. I apologize about the subscription difficulties. Try this page here: https://montoyamayo.com/vip/ . Let me know if you experience any more difficulties and I’ll add you in manually. I can’t wait to see your skirt. Please send me a picture when you’re all finished!

  5. Ness
    July 6, 2018 / 1:18 am

    Hello there! Thanks so much for this tutorial! I just have one question…. is the 5/8 inch on one side only enough for both the back side and middle seam? Should you add an extra 5/8 on the middle back? Maybe my brain isn’t working well…. Thanks again for all efforts!

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      July 7, 2018 / 11:55 pm

      Hi there. You’re welcome! Good question. The equation that I found for the radius calculation included the center back seam allowance but I couldn’t find an equation that included side seam allowance so that’s why I only added it to the sides, the back is already included.

      • Ness
        July 9, 2018 / 9:32 pm

        Cool thanks! I ask because it looks like I’m going to have to cut the front down the middle to fit in my fabric and started thinking about adding a seam allowance down the front, so my skirt will be four panels. All your work is amazing and I am in awe of your creations!

        • montoyamayo
          Author
          July 18, 2018 / 12:33 am

          You’re welcome! Okay I see, yeah adding seam allowance down the front is a good idea. Thank you for the compliment 🙂

  6. Skyler Patterson
    August 1, 2018 / 1:27 pm

    I made a skirt years ago with different fabric before I even found your site and it was tragic, the skirt was a beautiful multi colored skirt but it was completely see through, so would I need to put a lining under this fabric or is it ok to use as is?

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      August 4, 2018 / 8:19 am

      I would suggest using a lining if the fabric is see through. If you get a lightweight lining, I would suggest basting the lining to your main fabric and treat it as once piece.

  7. shiv
    November 27, 2018 / 11:12 am

    Hi!
    First, this is stunning, and your tutorial is amazing. I just wanted to clarify: you used about 4 yards at 45″ wide, right? What length do you think you might use if you got your hands on fabric that was, say, 100+ inches wide?

    Thanks!

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      November 28, 2018 / 10:13 pm

      Thank you! Wow 100 inches wide. If I used fabric that wide, I’d probably only need 2 or 2 1/2 yards

  8. Elsje
    January 13, 2019 / 7:44 am

    Hi Montoya
    Thank you so much for this tutorial. The skirt you made is beautiful. Wow. It inspired me to start sowing. That said, this is the very first clothing item that i am making. I have cut all the parts to the skirt except for the pockets.
    Please can you clarify on that. I have registered as a VIP member and have downloaded the patern from your resources page. I am not sure how to ise it as you did not include any measurements. Do I just print it out on A4 paper and the size will be right for me to cut it out and pin to material?.

    Secondly, I missed something ong with the zip measurement, keep in mind it is the first time I am inserting a zip and I am from South Africa, so our zips look and measures different. You measured 9 inches on the back panel and said the standard Zip length is 9 inches. But I dont understand how you calculated the zip into your waist band, because you did not indicate that. You only made profision for the zip length of 9 inches on the skirt panel. Please can you explain how to measure the zip again.? My zip measures 25 cm if I measure from where my zip can start and where it stops(stopper). How would you measure on your pattern would you measure down 25 cm?

    My zip also doesnt have the plastic knobs to make sure it alligns properly. So hopefully I can still follow your steps without this affecting the outcome.
    Keep well and continue being such an inspiring sowing teacher.
    Regards
    Elsje

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      January 15, 2019 / 6:13 pm

      Hi Elsje! I am glad that you have been inspired, I’m exited for you.

      For the pocket, yes just print as the pocket is a one size fits all. I use letter printing but A4 should work fine, just make sure the settings are ‘Actual Size’ or ‘Scale- 100%’

      For the zipper, I used a 12 inch zipper. I measured 9 inches on the back panel because the waist to hip measurement is usually a standard 9 inches, this insures that you will be able to fit your skirt over your hips. Using a 12 inch zipper accounts for the 9 inches on the back panel as well as the 2 inches in the waistband.

      For your zipper, you can create your own marking since you don’t have the plastic knobs. While your zipper is closed, use a fabric marker and make markings to use as your guide.

      I believe you are going to do wonderful one your skirt! I can’t wait to see it!

  9. Rai
    February 4, 2019 / 7:26 pm

    OH MY WORD!!! This skirt is impeccable!!! I joined the email list group, but I can’t seem to find the password so that I can download the pocket pattern.. PLEASE help me..

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      February 5, 2019 / 8:15 pm

      Hi. Thank you for the compliment. Send me an email- info@montoyamayo.com and I’ll make sure you get the password. Thank you for joining the email list.

      • Labby S.
        May 19, 2021 / 8:02 am

        Thank you for the tutorial. My niece asked for a skirt made out of a Pendleton blanket. I was so afraid to mess it up. I made my template and planned on using the one blanket. I wish I could post a picture.

        • montoyamayo
          Author
          May 19, 2021 / 6:36 pm

          You’re welcome! Wow that sounds gorgeous! If you have the time feel free to email me a pic, I’d love to see

  10. Tomi
    February 19, 2019 / 5:04 am

    The skirt is beautiful, just a quick question, can I use a fabric of 45′ width to achieve the same result?

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      February 20, 2019 / 6:53 pm

      Hi. Yes, I used 45′ wide fabric. You will be limited on the length, but you can make it work.

  11. Ria
    May 17, 2019 / 11:28 am

    Thank you for a really useful tutorial, I needed a skirt with pockets!

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      May 18, 2019 / 10:40 am

      You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful.

  12. Ashlee
    May 22, 2019 / 9:02 am

    Hi! Very pretty skirt!!!!! Did you wash your fabric before using it?

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      September 24, 2019 / 6:25 pm

      Thank you. I wash some of my fabric before using it, I prefer not to wash my Ankara fabric, I prefer to dry clean once sewn.

  13. Alison
    June 12, 2019 / 9:39 am

    Hi I love this skirt!

    I (hope) to make it at a shorter 25inch length – any idea how much fabric I might need of 48inch width fabric?

    Wish me luck!

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      September 24, 2019 / 6:30 pm

      Hi. Thank you. You may need around 3 yards.

  14. Schillinger Nora
    July 16, 2019 / 12:08 am

    This is brilliant! Never thought I’ll spend an hour watching a sewing tutorial. But it looks so professional!!! I have one question, when you swapped to the pink material all the raw edges were miraculously stitched up already, do I leave more seam allowance for that? And do I just do it to every single pattern piece individually? I tried to put pockets into a short using a different tutorial in the past, but that bit keeps catching me out (I’m sure this is the most beginner question I could ever ask, but gotta start somewhere :D) Thank you

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      September 24, 2019 / 6:33 pm

      Thank you for watching!!! I used my serger to stitch the ends. I didn’t add any extra seam allowance, I just sewed right on the edge. Yes you can do that to every single piece. Before I got my serger I used pinking sheers to finish off my raw edges after sewing a seam.

  15. Stacey M Tekansik
    August 14, 2019 / 11:00 am

    Hi there. I am new to sewing and I love this skirt! Do you have a written pattern?

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      September 24, 2019 / 6:37 pm

      Hi. Thank you. I only have a video tutorial at the moment.

  16. Rimi
    September 26, 2019 / 12:57 am

    Hi, I’m making this skirt over the next few days using a sari – so excited! Might not have enough fabric though lol. I had a question about the pockets – as I don’t have a printer I’ll have to draw those patterns myself, what are their dimensions? If it turns out nice I’ll send a photo 🙂

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      September 26, 2019 / 5:38 pm

      Hi. The pocket is about 13 inches long and 8 inches wide (at the bottom). Happy Sewing.

  17. Trisha
    February 27, 2020 / 6:57 am

    I love the pattern. We are making my daughters prom dress. She would like a full circle skirt, she wants it to be fuller. Is there an easy way to Make this into a full circle instead of 1/2 circle? Thank you

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      March 17, 2020 / 3:57 pm

      Hi! You can use my high low circle skirt tutorial, it’s a full circle skirt. You would just skip the part where I cut the front skirt panel: https://youtu.be/71Fe3MAXvCU

  18. Tracy
    July 17, 2020 / 12:02 am

    I enjoyed watching these videos, I am a neat freak when it comes to sewing and you nailed it. I am so excited to make a few of these skirts, keep up the good work and I hope you continue sewing.

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      December 24, 2020 / 11:11 pm

      Thank you so much Tracy!

  19. Danielle
    December 31, 2020 / 2:02 pm

    Your cute dimples and radiant smile are the real winners here!

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      January 7, 2021 / 6:15 pm

      Thank you so much!!!

  20. Epris Harris-Burnett
    March 26, 2021 / 5:28 am

    How did I go this long without knowing you ever existed?!?!? It’s better late than never. I recently decided to jump in to dressing more modestly and DIY skirts were at the top of my list. I can’t wait to get started on this pattern and the others. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      March 30, 2021 / 12:51 pm

      You’re welcome! I’m glad you found me and that you find my tutorials helpful.

  21. Kathleen
    April 29, 2021 / 7:04 am

    Hi there, this skirt is beautiful and your tutorial is fabulous, Im going to give it a try, thank you for sharing and happy sewing xx

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      May 18, 2021 / 5:38 pm

      You’re welcome!!!

  22. Jan Resmini
    June 3, 2021 / 2:27 pm

    Your skirt is beautiful. Thank you for the instructions. You did a great job with everything and the video is perfect. I purchased some pretty material today and am anxious to follow your “path” for a new skirt.

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      June 7, 2021 / 11:25 am

      You’re welcome! I’m glad you found the tutorial helpful. Happy Sewing!!!

  23. Anna
    June 8, 2021 / 7:55 pm

    I’m so excited about this! Thank you for sharing your gift with the world!
    Question: what kind of interfacing do you use? (I’m new to garment sewing)

    • montoyamayo
      Author
      June 30, 2021 / 10:17 pm

      Hi Anna. Aww thank you! I use Pellon medium weight interfacing.

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