Free Ruched Skirt Sewing Pattern and Step-by-step Tutorial

Today I’ve got something really special for your wardrobe—a Free Ruched Skirt Sewing Pattern that you can make in sizes XS to XL!

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through step-by-step how to sew this adorable ruched skirt that I designed just for my summer outfits. Yep, the sewing pattern is completely free, and I made sure to include a variety of sizes, so you can pick the one that fits you best.

It’s seriously one of my favorite things I’ve made lately—it’s cute, flattering, and surprisingly versatile. So if you’re in the mood to make something chic for your summer closet, keep reading because we’re about to stitch up something really fabulous together.

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About This Ruched Skirt Design and Pattern

Let’s rewind a little bit—because this skirt started out as a sketch in my notebook quite a while ago. I was dreaming of a summer piece that felt elevated but still totally wearable (and comfortable ehem!). Something with a little movement, a little shape, and just the right amount of sass. And that’s how this ruched cutie was born.

If you’ve been on my newsletter list for a while, you might remember when I asked you all: waistband or facings? Yep, I love giving you options! 

And after a very close vote, the waistband version won—so that’s what we’re doing today!

And honestly? I’m so happy with how it turned out. I’ve already sewn mine in a bright summer fabric, but I can’t stop thinking about making another one in black, too. It’s just one of those patterns that works for day or night, dressed up or down.

Let’s also talk about the slit for a sec—it’s just right. It gives that cute peek of leg without being too much. But if you’re into something a little more daring, good news—you can totally adjust the length of the slit to make it as bold (or as modest) as you want.

Let’s Talk Skill Level and Fit

Okay, bestie—real talk.

This isn’t your average basic skirt pattern. I spent three to four weeks designing and testing this baby to get the ruching just right, so I do recommend it for intermediate sewists.

That said, if you’re a confident beginner, I absolutely encourage you to give it a try! 

The most important part is following the instructions closely. There are a few tricky bits (especially with the gathered panels), but nothing you can’t handle with a little patience.

And if you find that the fit isn’t perfect on your first go—that’s totally normal. This type of design sometimes needs a bit of tweaking. But don’t worry, I’ve included tips in the instructions on how to adjust the side seams if needed, so you’ll be fully covered.

Ready to Make Your Own?

Alrighty, no more rambling—let’s get to sewing!

This ruched skirt is waiting to be part of your handmade wardrobe, and I can’t wait to see how yours turns out. Whether you pick a floral cotton, a sleek rayon, or even something with a little bit of stretch for extra comfort—this pattern is going to look absolutely stunning.

Before doing anything: Give a close look at the instructions! Just for you to get a sense of the pattern and construction. This will help you a great deal when printing and assembling the sewing pattern.

You’ll find the pattern link at the bottom of this post.
To get access to this free ruched skirt sewing pattern, all you have to do is subscribe to my newsletter, and I’ll send it right to your inbox.

If you run into any trouble downloading the file (tech happens!), just message me over on my official Facebook page. I’m usually much faster at replying there than on any other platform.

How to sew a ruched skirt pattern

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric Pieces

Before we get into any sewing, let’s prep everything! Start by marking all the darts and notches on your fabric pieces using your favorite fabric marking tool. 

This will help everything align perfectly later on. Then, go ahead and sew the back darts on the skirt panels. 

Once those are in place, take your skirt panels to your serger machine and finish the raw edges—this includes the sides of each panel, the center back edges, and the curved parts on the front left and right skirt pieces. 

It’s a bit of work up front, but it’s going to make the final skirt look super polished!

Step 2: Sew the Center Back Seam

Now that your pieces are prepped and serged, it’s time to join the back skirt panels together. 

Place them right sides together, aligning the center backs, and sew from the notch down to the hem using a ½” seam allowance. 

After stitching, press the seams open for a smooth finish.

This creates the center back seam where your zipper will go later on.

Step 3: Construct the Front Ruching Section

Let’s move to the fun and slightly fancy part—the ruched front! 

Layer the left front skirt piece over the right one, with right sides of the fabric together. 

Start aligning the curved edges from the notches up to the waistline, and grab a good handful of pins or clips—you’ll need them! Carefully pin along the curve to keep everything in place.

Now, sew the curved edge from the waistline to the notches with a ¾” seam allowance. 

Once done, press the seam open. Then, fold each seam allowance edge ¼” toward the wrong side, press them nice and crisp, and pin them down again—this is going to create two channel casings for our ruching straps. 

Take the skirt to your sewing machine and topstitch along both edges of the channels at ⅛”, so they’re ready for the straps to go in.

Step 4: Make and Insert the Ruching Straps

Let’s create the ruching magic! Cut two long fabric strips measuring 25″ by 1¼”. Fold each strip in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew the long edge at ¼”.

Then use a loop turner to flip them right side out—you now have two long, cute straps!

Using your loop turner or a safety pin, slide one strap into each channel casing you made earlier. Feed it through until the end of the strap lines up with the leg opening notches—pin it in place there. 

Then keep pulling until the opposite end comes out at the waistline. Once both straps are in, start gathering the fabric with your hands to create the ruched look.

Don’t worry about getting it perfect just yet—we’ll fine-tune it after the fit check!

Step 5: Sew the Side Seams

With the ruching in place, it’s time to assemble the skirt body. Align the front and back skirt panels together, right sides facing, matching up the side seams. Pin them in place, then sew each side using a ½” seam allowance. Press the seams open, and now you have a full skirt shape coming together!

Step 6: Try It On and Adjust the Fit

Now for the fun part—try your skirt on! Turn it wrong side out and temporarily close it at the back with pins. In front of a mirror, begin pulling the ruching straps to gather the front until you’re happy with how it looks. Make sure the side seams don’t tilt too much—if they do, you might need to loosen the ruching a bit for a straighter line.

Because this is a unique design, it might need a bit of tweaking. You can take in or let out fabric from the waist or hips as needed. I personally had to remove about ½” from the waist and a little from the hips. Mark your modifications using a sewing pencil or chalk, then redraw the new seam lines with a curved ruler. After sewing along the new lines, remove the old stitches and press the seams open again.

Make sure the ruching lines stay horizontal, as much as possible—they should be straight and flattering, not slanted.

Step 7: Secure the Straps

Once your adjustments are done and you’re happy with the fit, it’s time to secure the ruching straps in place. First, topstitch the ends of the straps at the base of the leg opening.

Then go up and stitch them down at the waistline, so they don’t budge while you wear your skirt.

After that, just trim the excess straps sticking out from the top.

Step 8: Add the Waistband

If you modified your skirt’s waist width, measure your new waistline and cut a waistband that matches that measurement by 3¼” wide. Press fusible interfacing on the wrong side of your waistband fabric to give it structure.

Align the long edge of the waistband to the waistline of the skirt, right sides together, and sew it in place with a ½” seam allowance. Press the seam allowances upward toward the waistband.

Then mark the center back of the waistband and install your invisible zipper on each side.

Now, fold ¼” of the waistband’s raw edge toward the wrong side, and fold the waistband in half lengthwise.

Tuck in the raw edges on each end of the waistband and sew the ends closed.

Flip it to the right side and pin the waistband in place, making sure to hide all the raw edges inside.

Then do a stitch-in-the-ditch seam along the front waistband seam to secure the inside edge. Clean, crisp, and perfect!

Step 9: Finish the Hem

You’re almost done! All that’s left is to hem your skirt. Fold the bottom edge ½” twice toward the wrong side, press it well, and sew it down with a neat straight stitch.

This gives your ruched skirt a polished finish and helps it drape just right.

And just like that—you’ve made your very own ruched summer skirt! I’m so proud of you for making it through this trickier design.

I can’t wait to see how you style it, so don’t forget to tag me @mygoldenthimble on socials or email me a picture of your creation!

Happy Sewing!

Free Ruched Skirt Sewing Pattern Download

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