A twist knot skirt is a stylish wardrobe staple that combines a flattering silhouette with an eye-catching design detail. The elegant front knot creates soft draping, while the side slit adds movement and makes the skirt easy to wear for everything from casual outings to dressier occasions. Sewing your own twist knot skirt also gives you the freedom to choose fabrics that suit your personal style.
The Winslet's Lily Twist Knot Skirt is a beginner-friendly pattern that makes this unique design approachable for confident beginners. With its side twist knot, flattering A-line shape, side slit, and clean waistband finish, it's a rewarding project that looks polished and feels comfortable to wear.
Why Sew a Twist Knot Skirt?
- Creates an elegant draped effect with a stylish side twist knot.
- Features a flattering A-line silhouette that's comfortable to wear.
- Includes a side slit for added movement and ease of walking.
- Easy to dress up with heels or keep casual with sandals or sneakers.
- A versatile handmade wardrobe piece suitable for everyday wear or special occasions.
- A satisfying project that introduces sewists to an attractive twist construction.
Why Choose the Winslet's Lily Twist Knot Skirt Pattern?
- Skill Level: Easy
- Design Features: Side twist knot detail, flattering A-line silhouette, side slit, shaped waistband, and side zipper closure.
- Available Sizes: US 02 - US 32 | UK 06 - UK 36 | EU 36 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
You'll need the following supplies from the sewing guide:
- Fabric
- Matching 3-ply polyester thread
- 8-inch zipper
- Sewing machine
- Sewing needles
- Fabric shears
- Thread cutter
- Tape measure
- Tailor's chalk or fabric marker
- Pins
- Iron
Fabric Recommendations
The sewing guide recommends lightweight fabrics, including:
- 100% Cotton
- Cotton blends
- Silk blends
- Jersey
- Crepe
- Georgette
- Viscose
The sample garment shown in the guide is sewn using moss crepe (viscose) because it offers:
- Soft and breathable comfort
- Excellent moisture-wicking properties
- Beautiful drape
- Crease resistance
- Easy care
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 Right — Cut 2 Fabric
- Front Left — Cut 2 Fabric
- Back — Cut 2 Fabric
- Back Waistband — Cut 2 Fabric
If you're printing at home, use the A4/US Letter pattern files. For copy shop printing, use the A0 pattern.
Pattern Marking
Transfer all markings carefully before sewing, including:
- Grainlines
- Waistlines
- Side seams
- Center back notch
- Mid-seam notch
- Slit notch
- Zipper end notch
- Loop notches
- Upper and bottom waistband lines
- Hem lines
- Seam allowance markings
Cutting Layout
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout shown in the sewing guide, ensuring all grainlines remain parallel to the fabric selvage.
The guide includes layouts for both 45-inch and 60-inch fabric widths. These layouts are intended for non-directional fabrics. If your fabric has a directional print or nap, purchase additional fabric and adjust the layout accordingly.
The cutting layouts shown in the guide use the smallest size for illustration purposes.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Before cutting your fabric, arrange all pattern pieces according to the recommended cutting layout.
When preparing your fabric:
- Align every grainline parallel to the fabric selvage.
- Trace the pattern pieces if desired before cutting.
- Cut all pieces accurately, including every notch.
- Transfer all construction markings—including circles, fold lines, loop notches, slit notches, and center markings—to the wrong side of the fabric using tailor's chalk or a fabric marking tool.
Accurate markings will help ensure the twist knot, slit, waistband, and zipper are assembled correctly.
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 (0.38 inch) seam allowance all around and a 1.5 cm (0.6 inch) hem allowance.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Attach the Twist Knot Front
1a. Place the two Front Left pieces with right sides together and align the waistline notches. Pin and sew from the top edge to the waistline notch. Turn the pieces so the wrong sides are together and press along the stitch line to create a crisp fold.
1b. Repeat the same process for the Front Right pieces.
1c. Fold the Front Right pieces so the top side seam aligns with the side seam and the loop notches match. Although both sides appear to be the right side, pay close attention to the orientation. Sew along the waistline, starting from the loop notch.
1d. Insert the top side seam of the Front Left piece through the loop created in the Front Right piece.
1e. Adjust the Front Left piece so the loop notches align. Pin the pieces with right sides together and sew up to the loop notch.
1f. Fold the inserted fabric as illustrated in the sewing guide and continue stitching the waistline up to the loop notch, following the indicated fold direction.
2. Sew the Front Overlap
Fold the Front Left piece over the Front Right piece so the center seams align. Sew them together from the waistline notch down to the slit notch.
3. Finish the Front Slit
Open the center seam allowances and press them flat. Fold the seam allowances from the slit notch to the hem toward the inside to enclose the raw edges. Stitch from one hem to the slit notch and continue to the opposite hem to complete the slit finish.
4. Sew the Back Skirt
Place the Back skirt pieces right sides together and sew along the center back seam.
5. Attach the Back Waistband
Position the Back Waistband on the back skirt with right sides together, matching the center back notches. Sew along the waistline to attach the waistband.
6. Insert the Zipper
6a. Place the right side of one zipper tape against the right side of the skirt opening and pin or baste it in place. Stitch close to the zipper teeth. Repeat for the opposite zipper tape on the other side.
6b. Turn the skirt wrong side out and close the zipper. Sew the side seam beginning approximately 1–2 cm above the zipper notch and ending at the zipper notch. Pivot the fabric to sew horizontally across the bottom of the zipper tape, securing it with several backstitches.
7. Sew the Side Seam
With the zipper in place, sew the remaining side seam from the zipper end down to the hem, keeping the seam allowance even throughout.
8. Finish the Waistband
Fold the waistband toward the inside of the skirt to enclose the waist seam allowance. Press the waistband neatly and stitch along the waistband edge to secure it in place, creating a clean finish.
9. Finish the Hem
Fold the hem allowance to the wrong side, press, then fold again to enclose the raw edge. Stitch evenly around the entire hem to complete the skirt.
Ready to Sew Your Own Twist Knot Skirt?
The Lily Twist Knot Skirt is a stylish project that combines a flattering A-line silhouette with an elegant side twist knot and slit. Its unique construction creates beautiful drape while remaining approachable for beginner sewists thanks to the detailed step-by-step instructions included with the pattern.
Whether you choose a soft viscose crepe for fluid movement or another lightweight woven fabric from the recommended list, you'll create a versatile handmade skirt that's easy to style for everyday wear, vacations, or special occasions. Download the pattern today and enjoy sewing your own Lily Twist Knot Skirt.
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Browse our Skirt Sewing Pattern Collection for more stylish handmade skirts, from classic everyday designs to elegant statement pieces for every season and occasion.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Lily Twist Knot Skirt on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com
