A-line Flared Skirt Pattern tutorial

Watch our video to learn how to create an A-line Flared skirt pattern, customized to your specific measurements using the Couturease app.

Basic Instructions

Front Skirt Sloper

Step 1: Draw a line from the side seam dart to the hem, cutting that line to vanishing point

Step 2: Close the dart

Step 3: Measure hemline spread created from closing the dart

Step 4: Add half the distance of that spread to the side seam, keeping the length of the side seam the same

Step 5: Redraw side seam to the half mark, hemline and blend the waist line where the dart was closed

Back Skirt Sloper

Step 1: Draw a line from the side seam dart to the hem, cutting that line to vanishing point

Step 2: Spread the hemline slice to match the distance created in the front skirt sloper

Step 3: Take the dart down, it may not close all the way, or may close too much. Based on the new dart pickup created, add or subtract that amount to the center back dart. Watching the video may help with this step

Step 4: Add half the distance of that spread to the side seam, keeping the length of the side seam the same

Step 5: Redraw side seam to the half mark, hemline and blend the waist line where the dart was clos

Fabric

Because A-line skirts are usually flowing, choose fabrics that drape and move nicely. For more fitted styles, choose wool crepe, double knits, light gabardine, rayon and silk tweed, brushed denim, suede, silk linen. For full, gathered, or softly pleated flared styles, pick silk broadcloth, crepe de chine, rayon, challis, tissue faille, cotton knits, silk noil, wool jersey

Grainline

The drape and flattering effect of an A-line skirt can be changed significantly by repositioning the grainline on the pattern pieces.

Straight Grain (Center Front & Back)

Using the straight grain, which places the grainline along the center front and center back of the pattern is commonly used in commercial patterns because less fabric is required than with other layouts. Although, it is the least flattering as it results in a wide silhouette that broadens any figure and exaggerates the stomach. In addition, the bias at the side seam may stretch, creating an uneven hem.

Straight Grain (Center of Front and Back Panels)

An alternative to the straight grain on the center front and center back panels is to reposition straight grainline in the center of Front and Back Panels. This cut is very flattering and slimming, especially for the pear-shaped figure. Because the full ness hangs evenly around the skirt, an uneven hem is less likely. This layout is a perfect choice for rayons, knits, or other fabrics that may stretch at the hem.

Straight Grain (Parallel to Side Seam)

You can also place the Straight Grain along the side seams, allowing the fullness to hang at the center. The center seam is on the bias and may tend to stretch. This styling creates a strong vertical l ne, which is especially effective with striped fabrics. This layout broadens the figure and emphasizes a protruding tummy or derriere, but is a good choice for a figure with roundness at the side of the hips-the straight of the grain flattens out the curve.

Bias Grain (45° diagonal line through the straight grain and cross grain)

A bias-cut skirt requires more fabric than any of the other layouts, but nothing else has such a beautiful, flowing drape. The bias cut will reveal curves and bulges, however, and garment construction and hemming take a bit of special care. If you are adapting a pattern with a one piece front or back to a bias layout, add seam allowances to the center front and back. This way, the garment will hang without twisting to one side.