Gathered Skirt Calculator
Gathered skirts use extra fabric so they fall in soft folds. This works out the fabric to buy from your measure and the fullness you like.
- Free
- Works offline after your first visit
- Saves on this device
- No sign-up
- Updated
How it works
Multiply your waist or hip measure by the fullness, usually 2 for a gathered skirt. Divide by the fabric width and round up to get the number of widths.
Each width is cut to the skirt length plus the waistband and hem allowance. The total is the number of widths times that length.
Worked example
A 36 in measure at a fullness of 2 needs 2 widths. Cut to 24 in long, the skirt takes about 1.56 yd of fabric.
Questions
Waist or hip?
Use the hip measure if the skirt sits on the hips, or the waist if it sits at the waist. Measure around the widest point of that area.
How much fullness is right?
Two times is a common gathered look. Use less for a smoother skirt and more for a fuller one.
Why does a gathered skirt need so much fabric?
Gathering packs many times the finished width into the waist, so the extra fabric is normal and expected.
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