Today the team at Project Run and Play announced the Season 4 winners, and I’m excited to share a wrap circle skirt tutorial I originally posted there. Circle skirts are a quick, flattering project once you have a pattern, and this variation creates a fully reversible wrap skirt by layering two circles and adding an optional ruffle for extra flair.
If you haven’t made a circle skirt yet, you’ll find them fast to sew and lovely to wear. This version uses Dana’s circle skirt pattern as the starting point. Note that you won’t add a traditional waistband here; instead both skirt layers are stitched together along the top edge, so allow a little extra length to compensate for seam allowances.
Create the circle skirt pattern following the instructions you prefer. Cut two identical circles—one from each coordinating fabric. To make the wrap, cut a straight line from the outer edge into the center of each circle (this becomes the wrap opening).
Lay one circle right side up and place the second circle face down on top, matching the cut edge and both inner and outer perimeters. Pin around the edges so the layers stay aligned.
With a sewing machine, leave a small opening (about 3″) at the waistline for turning, then stitch around the waistline, down one cut “side” edge, and around the outer hem. If you plan to add a ruffle to the other side, leave that side open; otherwise sew it closed as well. Trim seam allowances—pinking shears are handy for trimming curves without clipping individually.
To make the ruffle: cut a strip of fabric about 2½” wide and twice the length of the skirt’s side seam where the ruffle will go. Fold and press the short ends under, then press the strip in half lengthwise. Create gathers by sewing a long basting stitch and pulling the bobbin threads, or use a ruffler foot to gather evenly.
Insert the ruffle into the last open side seam. Match raw edges, adjust the gathers so the ruffle fills the seam from top to bottom, and pin in place. Sew with a ¼” seam allowance, making sure the allowance is wide enough to cover your gathering stitches. If needed, remove the basting gathering threads after attaching the ruffle.
Once the ruffle and seams are sewn, only the small waistline opening should remain. Turn the skirt right side out through that opening and press the entire skirt carefully so seams sit flat and the ruffle looks neat.
Close the turning gap by hand stitching or topstitching around the waistline, depending on the look you prefer. Topstitching gives a cleaner, more finished edge; hand stitching keeps the seam invisible.
To fasten the wrap, try the skirt on and overlap one side across the front. Pin both edges where they meet to determine snap or button placement. Snaps are quick and practical; buttons add a decorative touch.
Attach snaps or sew on buttons at the marked points. You can also add a small decorative brooch or fabric flower to enhance the skirt’s look. The reversible nature of this design makes it especially practical—if one side gets messy, simply unsnap and flip it to the clean side.
Enjoy this reversible wrap circle skirt for its ease and versatility. It’s a fast sew once the pattern is made, offers two looks in one garment, and is perfect for kids who need a practical, pretty skirt that can be flipped and re-worn in a flash.