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Sewing Ideas and Inspiration
Looking for some fresh autumn sewing inspiration? Skirts are a brilliant way to update your handmade wardrobe. They're often much quicker and easier to sew than dresses, they're incredibly versatile and you can create so many different looks simply by changing the fabric.
We've been spotting some gorgeous skirt trends recently, from flowing checked midi skirts and beautiful pleated designs to classic denim skirts and elegant bias-cut styles. With so many lovely looks to choose from, we couldn't resist pairing our favourites with sewing patterns and fabrics to help you recreate them.
What we particularly love about these autumn skirt trends is how wearable they are. Think cosy knits, chunky boots, beautiful autumn colours and skirts you can dress up or down depending on the occasion.
So we've picked out six of our favourite autumn skirt trends, along with sewing patterns and fabrics that would work beautifully for each look. Whether you're planning your next dressmaking project or looking for ideas to make the most of fabrics you already have, there's plenty here to inspire you!
There's something about a beautiful checked skirt that just says autumn, isn't there?
We've been seeing lots of lovely variations on this look, particularly longer midi skirts with fluid shapes, asymmetric hems and interesting details.
Paired with a simple black jumper and ankle boots, a checked skirt creates such a stylish outfit without needing lots of other pieces. And because the fabric is doing much of the work, even a relatively simple design can look really special.
The Willow skirt by Juliana Martejevs immediately caught our eye thanks to its beautiful asymmetric design.
It has a curved seam running diagonally across the front, from the hip on one side down towards the hem on the other, creating an almost waterfall-like effect. The asymmetric hemline gives it a really contemporary feel, while the waist darts add shape.
We think this would look absolutely gorgeous in a lightweight checked woven fabric with plenty of drape. Pair it with a simple black knit and boots for an effortlessly stylish autumn outfit!
Another pattern we've had our eye on is the Coco skirt by Atelier Jupe.
This one is shorter, with an asymmetric hem and a beautiful ruched, twisted detail at one side.
We absolutely love how it's styled on the pattern photographs, particularly the checked fabric and cosy knitwear combination, this is a completely wearable everyday look.
A medium-weight wool mix check would work beautifully here. You want something with enough body for an autumn skirt but still soft enough to drape around that lovely side detail.
We think this would look gorgeous with a chunky cardigan or jumper and boots.
Pleated skirts are another look we've been seeing everywhere, and it's easy to understand why.
They're so versatile, with all that lovely fullness and movement. You can wear them with a lightweight knit and trainers for everyday, or add boots and a chunky jumper when the weather gets colder.
There are lots of different styles to experiment with too, from soft, flowing pleats to more structured box pleats.
We've picked out four sewing patterns that offer slightly different takes on this look.
The Nevis skirt by Merchant & Mills is a lovely wrap skirt with pleats falling from the waistband.
There are two fastening options, including a side tie and a button fastening, while darts at the back help create shape. We particularly like those little button details. They add something special to an otherwise simple, wearable design.
For fabric, we'd be tempted by a beautiful needlecord to really give those pleats the centre stage.
If you're looking for a comfortable, easy-to-wear pleated skirt, the Stina skirt by Atelier Jupe is a lovely option.
It has an elasticated waistband and inverted box pleats that create a beautiful combination of fullness and shape. The elasticated waist makes it comfortable to wear and keeps the construction relatively straightforward too.
We thought this would look wonderful in a printed viscose fabric, particularly something with rich autumn colours and a slightly heavier weight. Viscose is a great option when you want a skirt to feel fluid and drapey rather than structured.
The Madden skirt by Tessuti is another beautiful design we've loved since it was released.
Although the pattern photographs have quite a summery feel, we think this would work brilliantly for autumn and winter too, you just need to get the fabric right.
It has a waistband, beautiful pleats at the front and back, and an unusual wrapover design with buttons fastening down one side. Those details create a lovely flared silhouette with lots of movement.
For an autumn version, we'd choose a viscose twill gaberdine. This is a beautiful weight for skirts and trousers, with enough substance for cooler weather while still having lovely drape.
Style with knitwear and boots for a stunning autumn outfit.
If you love a more structured pleated look, take a look at the Fausta skirt by Fibre Mood.
This is such an elegant design, with defined pleats running from just below the waistband all the way to the hem. The skirt is fitted around the waist and hips before flaring out into the fullness of the pleats.
You'll definitely be spending some quality time with your iron on this one, but we think the finished result would be well worth it!
A denim skirt is one of those pieces that never really goes out of style.
We've noticed more flared silhouettes, interesting wrapover details and button-front designs recently, rather than the very fitted denim pencil skirts we've seen in previous seasons.
We love this look because it's so practical. A denim midi skirt can be worn with almost anything, from T-shirts and trainers to chunky knits and boots.
And of course, you don't have to stick to denim. These patterns would work beautifully in needlecord too!
The Fulki skirt by Fibre Mood is a really interesting take on the wrap skirt.
It fastens with a button at the waistband and has an asymmetric front opening that creates a lovely V shape towards the hem. It's those slightly unusual details that make this pattern stand out. The angled front gives the skirt a contemporary feel, while the patch pockets at the back add a practical touch.
We think Fulki would look fantastic in denim, particularly with some contrast topstitching to highlight the design details.
The Blair skirt by True Bias is another design that caught our eye.
It has a lovely utility feel, with a button-front fastening, slightly flared shape, belt loops and an optional belt. You can also add patch pockets. It's a great choice if you like practical garments with interesting details.
For either of these skirts, we'd consider an 8.5oz denim with a little stretch. A touch of give makes denim garments more comfortable to wear, particularly when you're sitting down for long periods.
And if denim isn't your thing, why not try one of these patterns in needlecord instead? The soft texture and rich autumn shades would work beautifully.
Pencil skirts are a timeless classic, and we've noticed lots of lovely examples appearing again recently. They're often associated with smarter, more formal outfits, but we think they're much more versatile than that.
A fitted pencil skirt looks gorgeous with a crisp white shirt or blouse for a polished look. But we also love the idea of wearing one with knee-high boots and a cosy knit.
It's a great way to make a traditionally smart garment feel more relaxed and wearable.
The Ava skirt by Sew Over It is a lovely option if you prefer something slightly less fitted than a traditional pencil skirt.
It has a waistband, waist darts for shaping and a zip fastening, with options for mini and midi lengths. The shape is slightly more flared than a classic pencil skirt, making it a really versatile design.
For a more traditional fitted silhouette, the Ultimate Pencil Skirt by Sew Over It is a great choice.
This is a classic pencil skirt design with shaping darts, a fitted waist and a tapered silhouette. It's the sort of pattern you could make again and again in different fabrics to create completely different looks.
For both of these styles, we'd consider fabric with a little elastane in it for stretch, to give you the ultimate style but with ultimate comfort!
Sometimes the simplest sewing pattern can create the most striking garment, particularly when you choose a really beautiful fabric.
One of the looks we've been loving is a statement skirt paired with simple, understated separates. Think bold florals, rich colours, interesting textures and beautiful jacquards, worn with a plain knit or top.
It's a great way to make a statement without feeling overdressed, and we love how easy these skirts are to style.
The Sew Over It Ava skirt featured above would be a lovely option for this look.
Its relatively simple silhouette provides the perfect opportunity to show off a beautiful fabric, like a fabulous jacquard fabric. We think they would make absolutely beautiful skirts.
You could pair yours with a simple jumper and boots for a lovely daytime outfit, then swap the knit for a dressier blouse or camisole for an evening out.
That's what we really love about this type of garment. You can get so much wear from one skirt simply by changing what you wear with it.
Of course, a statement skirt doesn't have to be about a bold print. Sometimes it's the design itself that makes the statement. The Trina skirt by Fibre Mood is a perfect example.
It has a beautiful oversized pleat at the front, creating an unusual silhouette with lots of interest, and darts at the back for shaping.
You could keep the whole outfit quite simple and let the clever pattern details do the talking.
Finally, there's one skirt style that doesn't seem to be going anywhere, and that's the bias-cut slip skirt. It's easy to understand why it's remained so popular; it's simple, elegant and incredibly versatile. And with the right pattern, it can be a relatively quick sewing project too.
We've seen lots of beautiful satin versions, some with lace trims at the hem, and we particularly love the contrast of a silky slip skirt worn with a chunky knit and boots.
It's such a lovely way to combine different textures in an outfit. Equally, you can dress a satin slip skirt up with a pretty blouse or camisole for an evening out.
The Evie Bias Skirt by Tessuti is a lovely option for creating this timeless look. It has a simple bias-cut silhouette with options for either a zip fastening or an elasticated waist. That gives you the flexibility to choose the finish you prefer.
The Selena skirt by Sew Over It is another lovely option. This one has an elasticated waist, making it a comfortable and straightforward design.
Both patterns would work beautifully in a fabric with plenty of drape.
We particularly like the idea of using our Mystique lighter-weight satin backed crepe. It has a lovely finish and comes in a range of beautiful colours.
A rich red would make a gorgeous skirt for autumn and winter, especially as we head towards the season of parties and special occasions.
If you're new to sewing on the bias, there are a couple of things worth remembering.
Use a walking foot. Bias-cut fabrics can stretch and move as you sew. A walking foot can help feed the layers through your sewing machine more evenly, reducing the risk of stretching or distorting the fabric.
Let your skirt hang before hemming. This is such an important one! Fabric cut on the bias can drop and stretch as it hangs, so leave your finished skirt hanging before you level and sew the hem. Otherwise, you might find your lovely even hem becomes uneven after wearing.
And of course, take your time when cutting slippery fabrics such as satin. Keeping the fabric well supported and using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter can make the whole process much easier.
One of the things we love most about sewing our own clothes is being able to choose exactly how we want a garment to look and feel.
The same skirt pattern can look completely different depending on the fabric you use.
Here are a few of our favourite options for autumn skirt making:
| Fabric | Great for |
|---|---|
| Wool mix checks | Traditional autumn skirts, asymmetric designs and tailored looks |
| Needlecord | Casual midi skirts, pleated designs and everyday wardrobe staples |
| Viscose | Flowing skirts, soft pleats and designs that need beautiful drape |
| Viscose gabardine | Midi skirts, pleated designs and smart everyday skirts |
| Denim | Utility skirts, button-front designs and structured midi skirts |
| Stretch twill | Fitted skirts and classic pencil skirt designs |
| Jacquard and cotton sateen | Statement skirts and special-occasion outfits |
| Satin | Bias-cut skirts and elegant slip skirt styles |
It's always worth thinking about how you want your finished skirt to hang.
For soft, flowing styles, look for fabrics with plenty of drape, such as viscose. If you want to emphasise structured pleats or a more tailored silhouette, a fabric with a little more body may be a better option.
And don't forget to check the fabric recommendations on your sewing pattern before making your final choice.
We hope these six looks have given you plenty of inspiration for your autumn sewing plans.
What we really love about skirts is how easy they are to incorporate into your existing wardrobe. You don't necessarily need to sew an entire outfit. A beautiful new skirt can work with jumpers, shirts, jackets and boots you already own.
They're also a lovely way to experiment with new fabrics, colours and styles without taking on a particularly complicated sewing project.
Whether you're drawn to a gorgeous checked midi skirt, a practical denim design, beautiful pleats or an elegant satin slip skirt, there's so much scope to make these looks your own.
And if you'd like to see the patterns and fabrics in more detail, don't forget to watch our accompanying YouTube video, where Lucy talks through each of the looks and shares her favourite fabric combinations.
Which skirt would you most like to sew this autumn? We'd love to hear what you've got planned!
Happy sewing!
The Sew Essential team