I shared this 5-panel mermaid skirt tutorial years ago, and it has been one of the most popular tutorials at Sparkly Belly. And since I published it, so many of you have requested a simpler, 3-panel mermaid skirt. Thank you!
So today I’m thrilled to share with you my 3-panel mermaid skirt over the next 2 posts, more straightforward than the previous version, and updated with a more secure waistband option (but no muffin top), and a higher waist option. Let’s get started!
Click here to get the FREE MERMAID SKIRT CALCULATOR!To make this DIY 3 panel mermaid skirt, you need:
Pattern paper – You need a large piece of paper, about 1m x 1.8m (40in x 70in). You can use any type of paper, like craft paper or leftover wrapping paper taped together.
Stretch fabric – You need about 3 times your skirt length plus 15cm (6in) to make this skirt. Make sure your fabric is at least 2 way stretch, meaning the fabric stretches in 2 directions.
Matching color thread
How to Make a 3-Panel Mermaid Skirt Pattern
Take measurements
To make this mermaid skirt and make sure it fits you well, take these measurements.
- Belt line – This is where you want the waistband of your skirt to sit. Measure the circumference.
- Hipline – This is the fullest part of your hips.
If you want to make a high-waisted mermaid skirt, take a measurement at your waistline as well.
Then, on the back side of your body, take measurements:
- Distance between the belt line and the hipline
- Distance between the hipline and thighs – this is right below your hips
- Distance between thighs and 10cm (4in) above knees
- Distance between 10cm (4in) above knees and the floor
If you’re making a high waisted version, also measure the distance between the waistline and belt line.
Once you record these measurements, let’s move on and make a pattern!
3-Panel mermaid skirt pattern drafting
Just like the 5 panel mermaid skirt, I wanted to keep this mermaid skirt pattern simple. So we’ll just make 1 pattern, and we’ll be sewing 3 identical panels together to make this skirt.
Now there’s a bit of calculation we need to do. If you want to skip the calculation part or double check your math, you can get a FREE mermaid skirt calculator here!
Take your belt line measurement. Divide it by 7.2, and add 1cm (3/8in). This is your belt line number for pattern making.
We divide the original measurement by 7.2, which is a simplified way of saying, we divide it by 1.2 (which is the stretch ratio), then by 3 (because we’re making 3 panels), then by 2 (because we’re using this number to make a half of a panel). Then we add a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance.
Do the same calculation for your waistline measurement if you have, and your hipline measurement, and we’ll use these numbers, not the original measurements, when we make the pattern. Again, you can get the free calculator here.
So take your pattern paper, and first, fold your pattern paper in half.
Pick a point at the top of the fold. And if you’re making a high-waisted skirt, measure your waistline number that you just calculated. If you’re making a low-rise version, measure your belt line number you just calculated.
Back to the fold, and measure down 2.5cm (1in) from the first point. And measure across the same number as above.
Now the high waisted version only, measure the distance between the waistline and beltline from the last point on the fold, and measure your beltline number horizontally from there. Make a mark.
From here, the steps are the same for both high waist and low rise.
From the last point on the fold, measure the distance between belt line and hip line, and from there, measure your hip line number.
Back to the fold, and measure the distance between the hip line and thighs from the last point, and measure your hip line number minus 1cm (3/8in).
At the fold, measure the distance between the thighs and 10cm (4in) above knees, and measure the same number as above, which is your hip line minus 1cm (3/8in).
At the fold, measure the distance between 10cm (4in) above knees and the floor plus 1cm (3/8in), and from there, measure your hip line number times 5. Make a mark.
Then connect this mark and the last hip line minus 1cm (3/8in) mark up here.
From there, measure the distance between 10cm (4in) above knees and floor plus 1cm (3/8in) along the line.
Pivot your ruler from there, marking the same measurement all the way until you reach the bottom. Connect the dots with a smooth curve. By doing this, you can make sure this flared part is the same length as the rest of the skirt.
Now connect all the dots. I use 10cm (4in) above knees as where we start the flare, and this is something I have never changed in years. By starting the flare above the knee level, you can create a balanced look for many body types. But if you feel like experimenting with where to start the flare, go for it!
At the side edge, smooth out where lines meet, so it’s a nicely curved line.
Cut along the outline with both layers together, and now you have your very own 3-panel mermaid skirt pattern!
Once you have the numbers ready, the pattern-making section is pretty straightforward. Again, you can get the free calculator here and speed up the process 😉
And in Part 2, I’ll share with you how to cut the panels and assemble the skirt together. I can’t wait!
But before you move on to Part 2, sign up for the Sparkly Belly newsletter below so you can get future DIY costume tutorials in your inbox!
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And if you like mermaid skirts, I have a brand new on more elaborate mermaid skirt designs featuring these beautiful, flowy layers. If you want to make your own, learn more here!
Click here to learn & make mermaid skirts like these!
Hope you liked this Part 1 of the 3-panel belly dance mermaid skirt tutorial, and if you did, please share this post with your dancer and costumer friends!
Again, get the free calculator↓↓↓
Click here to get the FREE MERMAID SKIRT CALCULATOR!
And here’s Part 2 (sewing) of DIY 3-Panel Mermaid Skirt!
Thanks for reading, and keep sparkling!
P.S. Pin this image on your skirt board and share!
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