Tiered Skirt Sewing Patterns

Tiered skirts have been around a LONG TIME! Also known as a layered, gathered, petticoat or ruffle skirt, they feature multiple horizontal layers of fabric of increasing size, gathered and sewn together, creating a cascading effect as the skirt billow out at the hem.

If you haven’t seen our Top 10 tiered dress post you might also want to give it a read!

During the Renaissance and Baroque periods in Europe, tiered skirts became popular among women of nobility and the upper class. These skirts were often made from luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, and velvet, and featured elaborate ruffles and trimmings. The tiered construction added drama and elegance to women’s formal attire during this time. The Victorian era saw the introduction of crinolines and hoop skirts, which featured multiple tiers of fabric supported by wire or horsehair frames. These voluminous skirts were worn with corsets and petticoats to achieve the fashionable silhouette of the time. In the 1920s, flapper dresses featured tiered skirts with fringe or beaded embellishments, adding movement and texture to the garments. In the 1950s, full-circle skirts with tiered layers of tulle or chiffon became popular for formal occasions and dances like proms and weddings.

We have tiered skirt sewing patterns for a wide range of fabrics, which means you can sew your perfect tiered skirt with whatever is in your sewing room stash or you find at the fabric shop!

Cotton is ideal for casual and everyday wear, offering comfort and ease of movement and importantly it gathers easily and is stable for sewing. The same goes for Linen – Linen tiered skirts have a relaxed, casual vibe and often feature a slightly wrinkled texture that adds to their charm.

Silk and other silky fabrics exude sophistication and glamour, making them perfect for special occasions or evening wear. Satin, and crepe are popular choices for pairing with tiered skirt patterns, offering fluidity and movement with each tier.

Viscose challis aka Rayon is perfect for tiered skirts as it come in a variety of prints and patterns, ranging from floral to abstract, offering endless styling options and is cheaper than silk. It gathers extremely well however you might find it harder to cut out.

You can make a jersey or stretch fabric tiered skirt though this will be harder to gather up. You could try setting your overlocker to gather the fabric for you if you have one. Jersey skirts certainly are comfy to wear though!

Published by Amy Scarr on April 16, 2024