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- Article author: Jen Avelino
- Article tag: cotton jersey fabric
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Thinking about sewing your first skort? You're in for a fun project! Skort patterns help you make a skirt with built-in shorts, giving you extra coverage without giving up that cute skirt look. They're a great option for beginners wanting to try something new or sewists looking for a practical addition to their wardrobe.
Before you start cutting fabric, though, it's worth finding a pattern that suits your skill level and fabric choice. Some skorts are designed for stretchy knits, while others call for woven materials.
Fabric + Flow makes getting started easier with sewing patterns and fabrics, plus athletic kits stocked with handy sewing essentials.
We've gathered 10 easy skort pattern pieces to help you pick a style you'll love sewing and wearing!
If you're looking for a skort that looks cute and keeps up with your active days, Fabric + Flow’s Drift Skort Pattern deserves a spot on your sewing list! It features a clean, modern front with a softly flowing skirt back, plus built-in fitted shorts that give you comfortable coverage as you move.
One of our favourite things about this pattern is the thoughtful pocket design. The fitted shorts have built-in pockets for your essentials, while the fold-over waistband includes a discreet pocket sized for your phone. It's a lovely choice for pickleball, travel, or simply adding a sporty piece to your everyday minimalist wardrobe.
The Drift Skort is designed for stretchy athletic knits and performance fabrics that move with your body. Look for fabrics with good stretch recovery to keep the fitted shorts comfortable and supportive.
If you're fairly new to sewing activewear, this pattern is suitable for confident beginners and comes in sizes XXS-4XL. You'll get step-by-step instructions, with digital and paper pattern options available to make getting started easier.
Shop the Drift Skort Pattern at Fabric + Flow →
Looking for an everyday skort that's easy to dress up or down? The Playdate Skort Pattern by Patterns for Pirates features a comfy knit waistband, relaxed fit, and built-in shorts for extra coverage. You can choose from three skirt lengths, add pockets to the skirt or shorts, and even include an optional drawstring. This skort’s great for weekend outings or casual days when comfort is a priority!
Shop Fabric + Flow's Athletic Studio CoreFlex Print in Moss Marble →
For a skort that looks more like your favourite denim mini, you might want to check the Biarritz Skort Pattern by Mood Fabrics. It’s a free sewing pattern featuring a skirt-style front overlay with shorts at the back. It also has a side zipper and a decorative snap for a polished finish. It's a great for casual outings or everyday wear, especially if you enjoy sewing with structured fabrics.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Recycled Denim in Washed Grey →
If you love having options, the Shenanigans Skort Pattern by 5 out of 4 Patterns is a great choice. It features built-in gusseted shorts with several skirt lengths to choose from, plus an optional flounce for a playful finish. You can even add a tennis pocket or choose the maternity-friendly rise. Made for stretchy knits, it's a comfortable choice for tennis or keeping up with busy everyday activities.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Athletic Print in Microstripe →
The Bella Mini Skort Pattern on Etsy features a high-waisted, A-line silhouette with hidden built-in shorts for comfortable everyday wear. It has a clean front panel and an invisible side zipper for a neat finish. Available in sizes XXS-XXL (US 00-22), it's a cute choice for casual outings or pairing with your favourite handmade tops.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Linen Herringbone in Flax →
If you're into skorts with a little more detail, the Bruna Skort Pattern by Fibre Mood is worth adding to your sewing list! This asymmetrical skort features a button closure, practical front pockets, and back patch pockets with a fitted yoke. It's a fun alternative to your usual denim shorts and makes a lovely piece for summer walks or weekend outings. Plus, there's no zipper to worry about.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Denim 9.5oz Military →
The Sunrise Skort Pattern by Jessilou's Patterns features a high-waisted design with relaxed shorts hidden beneath a skirt overlay. You can choose between a half-skirt front with a button closure or a full wrap skirt with side ties, plus it even includes inseam pockets. With a detailed video tutorial included, it's a great project for beginners looking to practise sewing darts and invisible zippers.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Woven Viscose + Linen in Clay →
The versatile S1370 Skort Pattern by Simplicity includes an asymmetrical skort with pockets, plus separate skirt and shorts designs. You can also make shorts with a scalloped overlay for a playful finish. Each style has a back zipper, making this a fun project for sewists who want to practise their garment construction skills. It's a cute choice for casual outings or everyday wear.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Denim 8oz in Deep Jade →
Love a skort that moves with you? The LOULOUXE Skort Pattern by Jalie features a wide waistband, a playful back flounce, and built-in shorts with a lined inseam panel to help prevent chafing. You can choose between simple hemmed shorts or shorts with a phone pocket and leg bands that help keep everything in place while running. It's a fun choice for tennis, jogging, or everyday wear.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Athletic Studio CoreFlex Print in Shadow Blue Shadow →
Now, for a skort with a little more detail, the Rose Skort Pattern by Made for Mermaids is worth trying. This woven skort features fitted shorts underneath a faux wrap skirt, with three front styles to choose from: a classic A-line, angled, or curved design. It also includes a side invisible zipper and elastic at the back waist for a comfortable fit. Your finished skort can be used for brunch dates or casual summer outfits.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Woven Viscose + Linen in Seaweed →
Sewing your own activewear such as a skort is a fun way to add something practical to your handmade wardrobe. Before you start, here are a few tips to help you get a comfortable fit and a finish you'll be happy with.
Want a little extra support in your athletic skort? Consider adding power mesh lining to the waistband or other areas where your pattern allows it. Power mesh can provide gentle compression while keeping the garment breathable.
Stretch fabrics need stitches that can move with them. Try a ballpoint or stretch needle with a narrow zigzag stitch to help prevent popped seams. If you have a serger, that's great too! Always test your stitch on a fabric scrap before sewing your skort, especially if you're working with slippery athletic knits.
Before hemming your skort, try it on and move around a little. Sit down or take a few steps to check that the built-in shorts stay comfortable and the waistband doesn't dig in. It's much easier to adjust the fit before adding your final hems.
Why stop at a skort? If you're making an athletic style, consider sewing a matching sports bra for a coordinated workout outfit. Fabric + Flow’s Flow Bra Pattern is beginner-friendly and designed for stretch fabrics. Its clean, minimal design looks great paired with a handmade skort, especially when you use the same fabric or mix in a coordinating print. It's ideal for everyday wear and lighter activities.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Flow Bra Pattern →
To make your own skort, start by choosing a skort sewing pattern that matches your skill level and preferred fabric. Take your measurements, cut out the pattern pieces, and follow the instructions to sew the shorts and skirt sections together. Depending on the design, you'll also need to attach a waistband and finish the hems. If you're a beginner, look for patterns with elastic waistbands and step-by-step tutorials to make the process easier.
Absolutely! Skorts are for all ages, and there's no reason you can't wear one at 50 or beyond. The key is choosing a style that feels comfortable and suits your wardrobe. A knee-length skort with a relaxed fit works beautifully for everyday outings, while an athletic skort with built-in shorts is great for walking or playing pickleball.
Yes! Skorts are still in style in 2026, with sporty tennis-inspired designs and casual mini skorts remaining popular. They're especially loved for their comfortable fit and versatility, making them easy to wear for workouts or weekend outings. Fashion publications, including Vogue, have also highlighted skorts as a key style for 2026.
It depends on the style you're making! Denim, linen, and woven blends are great for structured everyday skorts, while lightweight cotton poplin, rayon, or silk can create a softer, flowy look. For athletic skorts, choose moisture-wicking performance knits with good stretch recovery. If you're sewing a children's skort, lightweight rayon or silk can work for relaxed styles, although cotton poplin is often easier to handle.
There's a reason skorts deserve a spot in your handmade wardrobe. They're comfortable for everyday wear and give you plenty of room to play with different fabrics.
And why stop at one handmade piece? At Fabric + Flow, you can pair your skort with our Flow Bra Pattern for a matching activewear set or try our Flow Leggings Pattern to add another comfortable staple to your wardrobe. We've also got fabrics and sewing kits to help bring your ideas to life.
If one pattern deserves a spot at the top of your list, it's our Drift Skort. With its flattering silhouette and handy pockets, it's the kind of piece you'll love making your own.