Making a circle skirt looks simple at first — just cut a big circle, right?
But when you sit down to draft your pattern, you realize there’s more math involved than expected.
This post breaks down exactly which measurements you need to make a circle skirt that fits properly.
Essential Measurements for a Circle Skirt
1. Waist Circumference
Measure your natural waist or wherever the skirt will sit.
If you’re using an elastic waistband, measure in a relaxed (not stretched) state.
2. Waist Radius
This is the key number you’ll need to cut the center circle of your skirt.
Use this formula:
Radius = Waist ÷ (2 × π × Circle Fraction)
- Full circle: 1.0
- Half circle: 0.5
- ¾ circle: 0.75
- Quarter circle: 0.25
3. Skirt Length
Measure from your waist down to where you want the hem.
Remember to sit or move to make sure it’s not too short.
4. Hem and Seam Allowance
Always add 1–2 cm (or about ½ inch) for finishing.
If you skip this, your skirt might end up shorter than expected.
5. Total Fabric Required
Add radius + skirt length + allowances → then double it for full diameter.
If your fabric width is smaller than this, you’ll need to cut the skirt in panels.
Sample Calculation
- Waist: 70cm
- Length: 50cm
- Hem allowance: 2cm
- Type: Full circle
- Radius = 70 ÷ (2π × 1) ≈ 11.14cm
- Total length = 11.14 + 50 + 2 = 63.14cm
- Fabric diameter = 63.14 × 2 = 126.28cm
Conclusion
Making a well-fitting circle skirt requires more than just waist measurement.
You need to calculate radius, fabric size, allowances, and account for fabric width.
You can do the math yourself, but if you’re worried about getting it wrong — especially when working with limited fabric —
there are helpful mobile tools that can calculate it all for you.
👉 If you prefer a quicker way, try using a circle skirt calculator app on your phone.