DIY Quilted Maxi Skirt Tutorial – Turn a Quilt Top Into Wearable Art

My favorite part of quilting? Piecing quilt tops. But as a minimalist, I don’t need another quilt lying around. What I do need? Some fun, wearable quilted clothes—especially something tall-girl friendly. Enter: the DIY Quilted Maxi Skirt.

This project is beginner-friendly, quick, and perfect if you’ve got a quilt top in your UFO pile waiting for a second life.

Why You’ll Love Making a Quilted Maxi Skirt

• Quick & easy – Grab a quilt top, bias tape, and elastic. You’ll be done faster than a 90-minute rom-com.

• Show off your favorite quilt patterns – I used an Irish Chain, and it really shines.

• No hemming needed – Bias tape does the job and looks great.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Quilt top (size depends on your measurements—see below!)

• 1" elastic

• Lining fabric (optional, but great for light-colored quilts)

• 2–3 yards coordinating double-fold bias tape

• Paper (kraft paper works well for a skirt template)

• Thread

• Scissors

• Sewing machine

• Safety pin or Bodkin

Step 1: Take Your Measurements

I wanted a maxi skirt that wasn’t too full, so mine measured:

• Waist width (flat): 20"

• Bottom width (flat): 40"

👉 Formula: Decide how wide you want the bottom, divide that number in half to get your waist width.

Remember, the waistband gathers up with elastic, so it’s very forgiving.

Step 2: Prep Your Quilt Panel (and Lining)

You’ll cut the skirt on the fold, so make a quilt panel large enough for your measurements. Mine was at least 40" x 80". If you’re adding a lining, prep the same amount of lining fabric.

Step 3: Make a Skirt Template

Optional, but highly recommended! I made one from kraft paper:

• Waist: 10"

• Bottom: 20"

• Length: 40"

Draw a straight line from waist to hem. Place on the fabric fold, cut 2 pieces from your quilt top, and 2 from the lining.

Step 4: Sew It Together

• Place quilt pieces right sides together and sew side seams (½" seam allowance).

• Repeat with lining.

• Press seams open or to one side.

Step 5: Create the Waistband

Note: This method works best if you’re using a lining.

• Place quilt layer inside lining, right sides together. Sew around the waist with a ½" seam.

• Flip right side out, then topstitch ⅛" from the top.

• Sew another line 1¼–1½" down to create a casing. Leave a 2–3" gap.

• Thread elastic through with a safety pin or Bodkin, adjust fit, then sew ends of elastic together.

• Close the gap in the casing.

Step 6: Finish the Hem with Bias Tape

Tall girls rejoice—this skirt keeps its full length! Instead of hemming:

• Sew double-fold bias tape to the skirt’s outer layer with a ¼" seam.

• Wrap bias tape around the edge and stitch it down.

• For the lining, hem traditionally by folding under ½" twice and stitching.

All Done – Time to Twirl!

And that’s it! You’ve transformed a quilt top into a stylish quilted maxi skirt that’s unique, comfy, and oh-so-twirly. Whether you’re dancing in the kitchen or showing it off at a quilt show, it’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter.

✨ Pin this project for later and tag me if you make your own DIY quilt clothing —I’d love to see your quilted maxi skirt spin!