Result
- Gathered width
- 56"
- Panels
- 2 × 29" × 24 1⁄8"
- Waistband
- 30 1⁄2" × 4 1⁄4"
- Buy
- 1 1/2 yd (1.4 m)
With elastic, the base becomes hip + ease (40"), the panels 2 × 41" and the elastic 26 3⁄4". In metric: 1.4 m (1 1/2 yd).
Free calculator · dirndl & elastic skirts
Gathered Skirt Calculator
Enter your waist, the length and the fullness. Get the panel size, the waistband or elastic length and the fabric to buy.
- Waistband or elastic
- 1.5× to 3× fullness
- Over-the-hip check
Gathered width
56"
Waist 28" × 2×
Panels
2
29" × 24 1⁄8" each
Waistband
30 1⁄2" × 4 1⁄4"
77.5 cm
Fabric to buy
1 1/2 yd
1.4 m
| Piece | Cut size | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Skirt panel | 29" × 24 1⁄8" | 2 |
| Waistband | 30 1⁄2" × 4 1⁄4" | 1 |
Gather the panels to the waist, then sew on the band. Leave an opening for a zip or buttons.
- Free, no sign-up
- Runs in your browser
- Cut list included
- Inches or centimeters
How it works
A skirt in three steps
Step 1: Measure
Measure your waist, and your hips if the skirt pulls on with elastic.
Step 2: Choose the style
Pick a waistband or an elastic casing, then a fullness.
Step 3: Cut and gather
Cut the panels, gather them to the waist and add the band or elastic.
Worked example
A 2× skirt with a waistband
The math
Base × fullness
gathered width = base × fullness
With a waistband, the base is the waist. With elastic, the skirt must pass over the hips, so the base is hip + ease.
Show the steps for the 28" example
Gathered width: 28" × 2× = 56". Split into 2 panels of 29" with side seams. Cut length: 22" plus waist seam and hem = 24 1⁄8".
Tips
Before you gather
Check the hip
An elastic skirt must stretch over your hips. The calculator warns you when it won't.
Panels across
Panels are cut selvage to selvage. Narrow fabric means more panels and more seams.
Pockets
Side-seam pockets fit easily in a gathered skirt. Add a little length to the cut if you like.
Just the elastic?
For elastic length on its own, use the elastic waistband calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How full should a gathered skirt be?
1.5× is a soft A-line, 2× a classic dirndl, 2.5–3× a full, swishy skirt. Lightweight fabrics take more.
Why does the elastic version use my hips?
A pull-on skirt has no opening, so the waist must stretch over the hips. The base is hip + ease.
How long should the elastic be?
About 92% of your waist for a comfortable fit, plus overlap to join it. In the example: 26 3⁄4".
How many panels do I need?
As many fabric widths as it takes to reach the gathered width. In the example, 2 panels of 29".
What about a circle skirt?
A circle skirt has no gathers at all. Use the circle skirt calculator instead.
Ready to sew your skirt?
Free, private and instant. Your numbers never leave this page.