Sew custom-fit pants and skirts for girls with our PDF sewing patterns. Our collection includes leggings, joggers, casual pants, dress pants, A-line skirts, circle skirts, shorts, and more. Each instant download pattern features detailed instructions with color photos, plus options for different waistband styles, pocket placements, and lengths. Create pants and skirts that actually fit - customize waist, hip fit, rise, and length for growing girls. Whether you need school clothes, play pants, dressy skirts, or athletic leggings, find patterns for every skill level. Download your pattern and start sewing today.
Finding girls' pants and skirts that fit well and survive active play is challenging. Store-bought options rarely fit properly - the waist is too big or too small, the rise is uncomfortable, the length is wrong, and nothing lasts through playground adventures. When you sew girls' pants and skirts, you create durable pieces that fit perfectly, accommodate growth, and match her preferences. Add pockets she'll love, choose fun fabrics in her favorite colors, customize length as she grows, and make clothes tough enough for active kids. From everyday play pants to twirly skirts, school clothes to special occasion pieces, sew a wardrobe she'll love wearing.
Leggings: Essential for every girl's wardrobe - comfortable, versatile, perfect for layering under dresses and pairing with tunics. Make in solids and fun prints.
Joggers and casual pants: Comfortable knit pants with elastic or drawstring waists - perfect for play, school, and everyday wear.
Dress pants and trousers: Structured pants for special occasions, school uniforms, or dressy events.
Jeans and casual pants: Durable everyday pants in denim, twill, or canvas for active play and school.
Shorts: Summer essentials - casual play shorts, athletic shorts, and dressy shorts in various lengths.
Capris and cropped pants: Three-quarter length pants perfect for transitional weather and active play.
Circle skirts: Full, twirly skirts girls love - perfect for spinning and playing. Every girl needs at least one twirly skirt!
A-line skirts: Classic, flattering skirts that work for school, play, and dressy occasions. Very versatile.
Gathered skirts: Simple, comfortable skirts with elastic waistbands - easy to sew and perfect for beginners.
Pleated skirts: Structured skirts for school uniforms or dressy occasions - classic and polished.
Skorts: Skirts with built-in shorts - perfect for active girls who love skirts but need coverage for climbing and playing.
Tiered and ruffle skirts: Fun, feminine skirts with layers - adorable for special occasions and photos.
Girls pants and skirts make excellent beginner sewing projects. Start with: Simple gathered skirts with elastic waistbands - just two seams and a casing, takes 1-2 hours, very forgiving fit. Basic leggings - straightforward knit construction, quick to sew, instant gratification. Pull-on joggers with elastic waists - no zippers or buttons to master. Why they're beginner-friendly: Small size uses less fabric and sews faster than adult garments. Elastic waistbands eliminate need for zippers and precise fitting. Girls are forgiving about small imperfections. Mistakes become "play clothes" rather than going to waste. The techniques learned - sewing straight seams, creating elastic casings, hemming - transfer to other projects. Many sewists start with girls' clothes to build confidence before sewing for themselves. Our beginner patterns include girls pants and skirts designed for new sewists.
Girls grow fast, so smart fitting strategies extend wear. Measure, don't guess: Waist, hips, and inseam/length measurements determine size. Kids grow at different rates - never assume size by age. Size up strategically: Make waist slightly larger with adjustable elastic. Add extra length to hems - let them down as she grows. Choose patterns with grow room built in. Adjustable features: Elastic or drawstring waistbands adapt as she grows. Cuffed pants can be uncuffed for length. Roll-up hems work well on casual pants. Body type variations: Slim girls may need smaller waist with same length. Athletic builds need more room in thighs. Tall girls need extra length, petite girls need shorter inseams. Growth accommodation: Add 1-2 inches to inseams for growth. Leave extra seam allowance at waistbands and hems. Make elastic slightly loose for comfort and growth. With smart construction, handmade pants and skirts can last 1-2 years instead of just months.
Girls absolutely love pockets - for treasures, snacks, fidgets, and keeping hands warm. Side seam pockets: Hidden in side seams of pants and skirts - functional without disrupting design. Easy to add to most patterns. Patch pockets: Visible pockets on pants and skirts - cute and functional. Use contrasting fabrics for fun details or match main fabric. Back pockets: Essential on jeans and casual pants - girls want "real" back pockets like grown-ups. Cargo pockets: Large patch pockets on legs of pants - perfect for adventurous girls who carry things. Hidden skirt pockets: Pockets in skirt seams - girls love skirts with pockets! Make pockets deep enough for small hands and treasures. The truth: Store-bought girls' clothes rarely have decent pockets (or any pockets on skirts), but handmade pieces can have deep, functional pockets wherever you want. This alone makes sewing worthwhile to many parents.
Girls are hard on clothes, so build in durability. Reinforce stress points: Double-stitch crotch seams on pants - this area gets maximum stress. Backstitch at pocket corners and openings. Bar tack belt loops if adding them. Strong seam finishes: Serge or zigzag seams to prevent fraying. French seams on lightweight fabrics create enclosed, durable seams. Flat-felled seams on casual pants and jeans are extremely durable. Quality materials: Use good thread that won't break in wash. Choose durable elastic that maintains stretch. Select quality fabrics that survive active play and frequent washing. Hems that last: Double-fold hems are more durable than single-fold. Consider adding knee patches to pants for girls who crawl or kneel frequently. Reinforce areas that typically wear out first. Washing considerations: Kids' clothes get washed constantly - choose colorfast fabrics, preshrink everything, and construct garments to survive heavy laundering.
For leggings: Cotton-spandex jersey with good recovery - soft, comfortable, stretchy. Four-way stretch knits for athletic leggings. For joggers and casual knit pants: French terry (durable and comfortable), sweatshirt fleece (cozy for cold weather), or ponte knit (more structured). For jeans and casual pants: Denim or stretch denim, cotton twill, canvas, or corduroy. Choose medium to heavyweight fabrics that survive playground wear. For dress pants: Ponte knit (comfortable with nice drape), cotton twill, or lightweight suiting fabrics. For shorts: Same fabrics as pants - denim, twill, or knits depending on style. For circle and gathered skirts: Quilting cotton (readily available in fun prints), cotton lawn, or lightweight knits. For A-line and pleated skirts: Cotton, linen, denim, or structured fabrics that hold shape. For twirly skirts: Fabrics with body that hold fullness - quilting cotton works perfectly. Avoid very drapey fabrics that won't be as twirly. General considerations: Choose colorfast fabrics - kids' clothes get washed frequently. Pre-shrink everything before cutting. Select fabrics that can handle rough play and stain treatment. Fun prints in her favorite characters, colors, or patterns make clothes she'll want to wear.
Handmade school clothes save money and fit better. Everyday school pants: Make several pairs of comfortable joggers or leggings - girls wear these constantly. Durable twill pants for active play at recess. School uniform pieces: Many schools require specific colors or styles. Make uniform pants and skirts in required colors - costs less than buying and fits better. Pleated skirts, khaki pants, or polo-compatible pants. Seasonal considerations: Shorts for warm weather, full-length pants for winter, capris for transitional seasons. Practical features: Reinforced knees, durable construction, easy-care fabrics, comfortable elastic waists, deep pockets for school supplies and snacks. Multiple versions: Make 3-5 pairs of school pants or skirts for weekly rotation. Sewing costs less than buying quality school clothes - handmade school pants cost $5-12 each versus $15-30 store-bought. Over a school year, savings add up significantly.
Make special pants and skirts for parties, photos, and events. Dressy skirts: Full circle skirts in velvet or taffeta for holidays. Tiered skirts with ruffles for parties. Tulle-layered skirts for extra special occasions. Photo-worthy pieces: Matching sister skirts in coordinating fabrics. Seasonal skirts for holiday photos - Christmas prints, Easter pastels, fall colors. Party pants: Dressy trousers in special fabrics for formal events. Details that elevate: Add lace trim, ribbon waistbands, decorative buttons, or contrasting fabrics. Coordination: Match skirts to existing tops for complete outfits. Make skirts that coordinate with special occasion dresses for variety. Handmade special occasion pieces cost $8-15 versus $30-60+ store-bought.
Store-bought girls' pants and skirts create frustrating challenges. Nothing fits properly - waist gaps or is too tight, length is wrong for height, proportions are off. Girls outgrow clothes before they wear out, making expensive clothes wasteful. Quality is poor - cheap fabrics pill, fade, and don't survive active play. Pockets are inadequate or nonexistent. When you sew girls' pants and skirts, you get perfect fit for her unique proportions, exactly the length she needs, room for growth built in, durable construction that survives playground wear, real pockets she'll actually use, fun fabrics in colors and prints she loves, and custom details like coordinating sister outfits. The cost savings are substantial - handmade girls' pants cost $5-15 versus $15-35 store-bought, skirts cost $5-12 versus $15-30. Make an entire season's wardrobe for less than buying 3-4 store-bought pieces. Plus handmade pieces last longer and accommodate growth better.
Let her help choose fabrics - she'll wear clothes she helped create. Take accurate measurements and use pattern size charts - kids' sizing varies significantly. Add extra length for growth - 1-2 inches at hems can be let down later. Use quality elastic that won't lose stretch after washing. Reinforce high-stress areas like crotch seams and pocket corners. Choose colorfast, pre-shrunk fabrics that survive frequent washing. Make elastic waistbands slightly loose for comfort and growth room. Add pockets - girls love them! Consider cuffed hems that can be uncuffed for extra length. Use durable thread and strong seam finishes. Test fabrics for wash-ability before making multiple garments. Make matching items for siblings or dolls with fabric scraps. Take photos of her in handmade clothes - sweet memories. Involve her in the process - even young kids can choose between options or help with simple tasks. For tutorials and tips, visit our sewing blog for girls' sewing guidance.
How long does it take to sew girls pants or a skirt?
Simple skirts take 1-2 hours. Basic leggings take 1-2 hours. More complex pants with pockets and details take 2-4 hours. Girls' garments sew quickly because they're smaller than adult sizes.
What's the easiest girls pants or skirt to sew?
Simple gathered skirts with elastic waistbands are easiest - perfect beginner projects. Basic leggings are also straightforward if you're comfortable with knit fabrics.
How do I accommodate growth?
Add extra length to hems, use adjustable elastic waistbands, leave extra seam allowance, create cuffed styles that can be uncuffed, and size up slightly with adjustable features.
Should I sew by age or measurements?
Always use measurements! Kids vary dramatically in size at the same age. Measure waist, hips, and length, then compare to pattern size charts.
How do I make clothes durable enough for active kids?
Double-stitch stress points, use quality fabrics and thread, finish seams properly, reinforce pocket corners, choose fabrics that survive washing, and use durable elastic.
How much fabric do I need?
Varies by size and style. Simple skirts might need 1/2-1 yard. Pants typically need 3/4-1.5 yards. Each pattern includes detailed yardage charts for all sizes.
Can I add pockets to any pattern?
Yes! Side seam pockets are easy to add to most pants and skirts. Patch pockets can be added to almost anything. Our blog has tutorials on adding pockets to patterns.
