How to Sew a Lined or Unlined Skirt

Have you ever wanted to make your own skirt but weren’t sure whether to go for a lined or unlined design? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m going to walk you through how to sew a lined or unlined skirt, and by the end of this, you’ll be feeling confident enough to create a skirt that fits perfectly and looks great. It’s easier than you might think, and I’m excited to help you along the way.

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The Basics: Lined or Unlined Skirt?

Before we dive into the actual steps, let’s talk about what a lined and an unlined skirt really mean.

An unlined skirt is just the outer fabric, often with a clean finish on the seams, making it a simpler option. It’s great for light fabrics or when you want the skirt to be breathable and less bulky. Plus, it can be a quicker project if you’re pressed for time!

A lined skirt, on the other hand, has an additional layer of fabric inside, giving it a more polished look. It adds structure, hides seams, and is ideal for fabrics that are a little too sheer or those that need a bit more shape. I have to say, I absolutely love a good lined skirt—it just feels so luxe!

More Things to Know About How to Sew a Lined or Unlined Skirt

Choosing Your Fabric

Now that you know the difference, let’s talk about fabric. For a lined skirt, you’ll need two fabric types: one for the outer layer and one for the lining. Generally, the outer fabric is something sturdy, like cotton, denim, or a heavier polyester blend, while the lining fabric can be something lighter and smoother, like cotton batiste or silk.

When you’re sewing an unlined skirt, go for lighter fabrics like linen, cotton, or jersey. They’ll flow nicely and won’t add too much bulk.

Personally, my first skirt project was an unlined one (hey, we all start somewhere!), and I chose a cute cotton fabric. It was easy to work with, and I was so proud of how it turned out! You can absolutely do this, too.

How to Sew a Lined Skirt: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cut Out Your Pieces

Start by cutting out your fabric pieces. You’ll need to cut the outer fabric for the skirt’s main body and the lining fabric for the inner layer. Don’t forget to add seam allowances! Trust me, the extra fabric makes a difference.

Step 2: Sew the Side Seams

Sew the side seams of both the outer fabric and the lining fabric. If you’re making a lined skirt, you’ll sew the outer fabric and the lining fabric separately first. Make sure to press the seams open as you go—this keeps everything neat and tidy.

Step 3: Attach the Waistband

For both lined and unlined skirts, the waistband is a crucial step. You can either create a simple waistband or go for an elasticated one, depending on the style you’re after. If you’re adding a zipper, you’ll sew that in before attaching the waistband. I remember the first time I added a zipper, it felt like magic!

Step 4: Combine the Outer Fabric and Lining

Now comes the fun part—combining the outer fabric with the lining. If you’re making a lined skirt, place the outer fabric and the lining fabric right sides together, pin them, and then sew around the top. This will encase the waistband and create a seamless look on the inside.

Step 5: Hem the Skirt

You’re almost done! Hemming can be a little tricky, especially if you’re working with a fabric that tends to fray. Make sure you fold the edge up and stitch it in place securely. If you’re making an unlined skirt, you might just need to finish the edges with a serger or zigzag stitch to keep them from unraveling.

How to Sew an Unlined Skirt: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cut Your Pieces

For an unlined skirt, you’ll cut out the outer fabric, just like in the lined version. You may want to add a bit more length to the hem allowance since there won’t be a lining to help with that.

Step 2: Sew the Side Seams

Just like with the lined skirt, sew the side seams of your skirt and press them open. For an unlined skirt, the seams will be visible, so it’s a good idea to finish them with a zigzag stitch or a serger to prevent fraying.

Step 3: Attach the Waistband

Add the waistband just like you would with a lined skirt. Again, you can go for an elastic waistband for comfort or create a structured waistband for a more tailored look.

Step 4: Hem the Skirt

Hemming an unlined skirt is pretty straightforward. Fold the edge of the fabric over to create a clean finish and stitch it in place. If your fabric tends to fray, finish the edges with a zigzag stitch or serger for that professional touch.

My Personal Experience

When I first started sewing skirts, I wasn’t sure whether to go for a lined or unlined version. After a few attempts with unlined skirts, I found that I loved the simplicity of it. But once I tried a lined skirt, I felt like I had unlocked a whole new level of sewing. The finished look was so much more polished, and I felt like I could take on anything.

Skirt Projects Are All About Finding Your Style

Whether you choose to sew a lined or unlined skirt, both options have their perks. If you’re a beginner, starting with an unlined skirt might be a good choice. It’s quicker and easier, and you’ll learn some important basics like sewing side seams and hemming. But if you’re looking for something with a bit more structure, a lined skirt is a fantastic option—it feels luxurious and makes any fabric look more expensive.

I hope this guide has helped you feel ready to tackle your next skirt project, no matter which style you choose.