A draped skirt is a timeless wardrobe staple that blends elegance with everyday versatility. With its flattering silhouette, graceful drape, and comfortable length, it's a rewarding project for sewists looking to create a polished garment suitable for everything from casual outings to special occasions.
The Lara Draped Skirt Sewing Pattern from Winslet's is an excellent choice for confident beginners and intermediate sewists alike. Featuring beautifully draped front pleats, a front slit, and a clean back zipper closure, it offers a sophisticated finish while guiding you through each construction step with detailed instructions.
Why Sew a Draped Skirt?
- Creates an elegant silhouette with soft front draping and pleated detailing.
- The front slit adds ease of movement while enhancing the overall design.
- Suitable for everyday outfits, office wear, evening events, and festive occasions.
- Easy to style with fitted tops, blouses, sweaters, or crop tops.
- A versatile handmade piece that can be sewn in a variety of lightweight woven or knit fabrics.
- Offers a polished, ready-to-wear finish with a clean waistband and concealed back zipper.
Why Choose the Winslet's Lara Draped Skirt Sewing Pattern?
- Skill Level: Easy
- Design Features: Draped midi skirt with front center pleats and gathers, front slit, clean waist facing, and back zipper closure.
- Available Sizes: US 02 - US 32 | UK 06 - UK 36 | EU 36 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
Prepare the following supplies before you begin sewing:
- Main fabric
- Fusible interfacing
- 7-inch zipper
- Matching 3-ply polyester thread
- Sewing machine
- Sewing needles
- Fabric shears
- Thread cutter
- Pins
- Tailor's chalk or fabric marking tool
- Tape measure
- Iron
If you have a serger or overlocker, you can use it to finish the raw edges. Otherwise, a zig-zag stitch works well. Test your stitch settings on a fabric scrap before sewing your garment.
Fabric Recommendations
The sewing guide recommends lightweight woven or stable knit fabrics with little to no stretch, including:
- Satin
- Crepe
- Plain weave rayon
- Modal
- Chiffon
- Jersey
The sample garment shown in the guide is sewn using foil crushed knit fabric, chosen for its:
- Soft hand feel
- Lightweight drape
- Crushed texture
- Elegant appearance suitable for evening and occasion wear
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Prepare the following pattern pieces before cutting your fabric:
- Front — Cut 1 Fabric
- Back — Cut 2 Fabric
- Front Waist Facing — Cut 1 Fabric
- Side Back Facing — Cut 2 Fabric
- Slit Facing — Cut 1 Fabric
Pattern Marking
Before cutting your fabric, familiarize yourself with the markings used throughout the pattern. These include:
- Grainline
- Waist edge
- Side seam
- Bottom edge
- Hem
- Dart legs
- Dart notches
- Box pleat markings
- Center pleat line
- Center pleat notches
- Drape edge
- Pleat side markings
- Slit marking
- Zipper end notch
- Seam allowance
Transfer all markings accurately to the wrong side of the fabric before sewing.
Cutting Layout
Arrange all pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams provided in the sewing guide.
The layouts are designed for both 45-inch and 60-inch fabric widths using non-directional fabrics. Keep all grainlines parallel to the fabric selvage for the best fit and drape. If you're using a directional print or nap fabric, allow additional yardage and adjust the layout accordingly.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the recommended cutting layout before pinning them to your fabric.
Cut each piece carefully, clipping all notches and transferring every construction marking—including pleat lines, dart markings, slit markings, and zipper placement—to the wrong side of the fabric using tailor's chalk or another suitable marking tool.
Accurate markings will make assembling the draped front and finishing the skirt much easier.
Seam Allowance
Please follow the seam allowances as indicated on the pattern file layers. These are provided specifically for each piece to ensure accurate construction.
This pattern uses a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance all around, 0.6 cm (1/4") at the waist top edge of the front and back, and a 1.3 cm (1/2") hem allowance on the back skirt.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Prepare the Front Draping
1a. Fold the box pleats on the front skirt following the pleat markings and notches. Baste the pleats in place along the waist edge.
1b. Form the draped front by folding along the marked pleat lines as illustrated in the sewing guide. Pin the folds securely to maintain the draped shape.
1c. Baste across the waistline to hold the drape in position before continuing.
2. Prepare the Back Skirt
2a. Fold and sew the darts on both back skirt pieces.
2b. Press the darts toward the center back for a smooth finish.
3. Sew the Center Back Seam
Place the two back skirt pieces right sides together and sew the center back seam from the hem up to the zipper notch.
Press the seam allowances open.
4. Finish the Front Slit
Attach the Slit Facing to the front slit with right sides together. Stitch around the slit opening, clip the corners where needed, turn the facing to the wrong side, and press neatly. Understitch the facing where indicated to help it remain on the inside.
5. Sew the Side Seams
Place the front and back skirt pieces right sides together. Sew both side seams, finish the raw edges using an overlocker or zig-zag stitch, and press the seam allowances toward the back.
6. Apply the Waist Facings
6a. Apply fusible interfacing to the Front Waist Facing and Side Back Facing pieces.
6b. Sew the side back facings to the front waist facing to create one complete waist facing.
6c. Finish the lower edge of the waist facing.
6d. Place the waist facing right sides together with the skirt and sew around the waistline.
7. Insert the Zipper
7a. Insert the 7-inch zipper into the center back opening, stitching close to the zipper teeth on both sides.
7b. Fold the waist facing to the inside, enclosing the waist seam allowance and the zipper tape.
7c. Secure the facing by stitching in the ditch or hand stitching along the zipper tape where required.
8. Finish the Hem
Fold the back hem allowance toward the wrong side, press, then stitch to secure the hem. Press the completed skirt thoroughly to set the draped front and create a crisp finish.
Ready to Sew Your Own Draped Skirt?
The Lara Draped Skirt Sewing Pattern is an elegant project that combines beautiful draping with a timeless midi-length silhouette. The front pleats, flattering front slit, and clean waist facing create a sophisticated finish that's suitable for everyday wear, work, or special occasions.
Whether you sew it in flowing crepe, satin, rayon, or another recommended fabric, this pattern provides detailed step-by-step instructions to help you achieve professional-looking results. Download the pattern today and enjoy creating your own beautifully draped handmade skirt.
Explore More Sewing Patterns
Browse our Skirt Sewing Pattern Collection for more stylish handmade skirts, from classic everyday silhouettes to elegant statement pieces for every season and occasion.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Lara Draped Skirt on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
