Drafting Patterns for Skirts and Dresses

Skirts and Dresses may be the backbone of your wardrobe.  A dress is so easy to pop on in the morning, and a skirt is versatile - you can dress it up or down, and wear it with many different blouses and tops for many different looks.


Nothing beats a basic sheath for style - and it really shows off a great figure!

The sheath is so easy do draft - it's really just your basic dress block! - but I've added a high waist and color contrast for interest.

But you can also make it in a simple, solid color for your go-to dress - one you can accessorize in so many ways for so many looks!


A pleated skirt is classic, and can be done in a variety of ways, too.

I've chosen to use a flat front for a sleeker look, but the pleats can run all the way around the waist if you prefer. 

Pleats can be wide and deep, or very narrow. A multitude of skinny pleats in a shiny fabric is very dressy - it's anything but "schoolgirl"!


The circle skirt is a simple, very full skirt.  It can be soft and fluid, or, worn with a crinoline, a very 50's Dior-style skirt!

This one requires some math to draft, but don't worry - we'll walk you through it.

The drop waist dress is flattering on almost every figure. It makes you look long and lean - and who doesn't love that!

Our version is super-simple.  The bodice is, really, just your blouse block! (with the opening in the back instead of the front).

The skirt is the circle skirt - just adjust it for wearing at the hip rather than the waist.  Easy! And it looks great!

Before you create these dress, skirt or blouse styles, you'll need a well-fitting dress block.  You can create one from a commercial pattern, or draft your dress block using your own measurements. 

Once you have your fitted block, create an almost infinite variety of styles using the in-depth tutorial "A Beginner's Guide to Designing Skirts, Blouses and Dresses".  Check it out now!

More Skirts and Dresses

Return to Clothing Patterns 101 Home Page

ClothingPatterns101.com does not sell the personal information of its users to anyone, ever.