How to make a wrap skirt

1. Materials & tools

Materials (size M)

• Main fabric (linen, cotton or double gauze) — about 110 cm wide × 90 cm (44 × 35 in)
• Optional: one button to hold the overlap in place

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Adult clothes” → “Wrap skirt” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter waist, skirt length, overlap width, hem flare and tie length. Presets cover S, M, L and a wider version.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   Lay the pattern on the wrong side of the fabric and trace the cut line and seam line.
2. Cut
   Cut one body piece and two ties.
3. Finish the edges
   The front edges and hem are double-folded, so only the waist edge needs finishing.

4. Sewing

4-1. Make the ties

1. Fold each tie in quarters lengthwise and topstitch the long edge and one short end. Make two.

4-2. Finish the body

1. Turn both front edges under twice and stitch.
2. Hem the lower edge the same way. Where the hem curves, ease it in a little at a time as you fold.

4-3. Attach the ties and waistband

1. Baste a tie at each end of the waist edge, pointing inward so they end up on the outside once turned.
2. Fold the waist edge over twice, catching the ties, and stitch all the way across.
3. Flip the ties up and stitch across them again — that second line is what stops them pulling out.

✏️ Make a buttonhole in the waistband on one side and pass that tie through it to the outside. The skirt then closes on both the inside and the outside, which is far more secure than tying over the top.

5. Tips & variations

• Overlap generously: 25 cm (10 in) or more and your leg stays covered when you walk.
• Add a button: one button on the inner overlap stops the layers sliding apart.
• Make it reversible: cut the body twice, sew right sides together and turn, and you get a skirt you can wear either way.