Pattern and Instructions: The Youthquake Skirt
The Youthquake Skirt is pure 1960s youthful rebellion channeled into an irresistibly wearable A-line silhouette, modeled after the work of Mary Quant. Inspired by the bold energy of the mod era, when hemlines rose and young women began dressing entirely for themselves, this skirt is playful, confident, and just a little bit cheeky. Both skirts come in two lengths, including a very short miniskirt version that would absolutely earn a scandalized glance from your grandmother (which, quite honestly, feels historically accurate).
There are also two versions: the Simple Skirt has a full bagged lining, a waist facing, and a back zipper. The Button-Front Skirt has a front opening, full lining, buttons, a waistband with belt loops, and practical pockets.
Whichever style you choose, you can sew it in wool for classic Carnaby Street charm, crisp cotton for daytime chic, or vinyl if you’re feeling particularly committed to the bit. Whether paired with tights and boots, or bare legs and eyeliner sharp enough to cut glass, this skirt was made for dancing, flirting, and causing just the right amount of trouble.
IMPORTANT: You'll find the tiled file (for printing at home on A4 or letter size sheets and taping together) and the A0 file (for printing at a copy shop like ThePlottedPattern.com). Please note that we have two size blocks, so make sure to download the correct files for the size you're making. If you have any questions about which size to sew, don't forget to read our blog post with all the details!
EVEN MORE IMPORTANT! Although this is a fairly simple design, please don't rush in without making a muslin first! We worked with a new-to-us patternmaker/grader who did things a little differently than we're used to, so please review the Finished Measurements Chart closely before picking a size. (And please let us know at support@charmpatterns.com if your muslin seems off or if you have questions).
Don't forget to share your makes with the hashtags #youthquakeskirt and #charmpatterns!
xoxo,
Gertie
P.S. if you downloaded the 18-34 Tiled pattern pieces file and it looks blank, please ignore that one and re-download this corrected file below.
Comments (50)
Someone with more experience - do you think some pockets could be hidden in those front seams? I see the option for the external pockets but that's not always the look I'm going for.
Does anyone have an idea of how you would alter this for someone with a 30" waist and 36" hips? I love this pattern, but am flummoxed on how to alter and keep the design.
That is adorable that the resources link to additional free sewing patterns 🩷 What a lovely touch. 🥰
Started this today. The Pattern Pieces on page 9 does not match the Pattern Piece Location Guide on Page 19. 1 and 2 are swapped
The simple skirt is awesome, it will fit with so many Tops and I love the A-line 😍 thanks Gertie❤️
Love love love this vibe... Both skits are totally fulfilling my jam!
Very cute 💜
Nice to see that pink Harris Tweed make a comeback.
Love this so much!! I’ll be making one right now!!!
Is this compatible with any of the bodices?
It was drafted to be a stand-alone separate, but you can always attach it to a bodice by measuring the side seam-to-side seam of the fronts and backs and making any necessary adjustments so your bodice and skirt will have the same measurements.
This couldn't have come at a better time for me! I realized I have no skirts in my wardrobe anymore, and I am more of a beginner. And on top of that, I am a huge fan of this type of '60s mod style (I'm also getting ready to try out the Study Hall Dress!). Thank you so much!
I just watched the video -- what a cool construction! I couldn't tell from the photos that the side seam isn't at the side...the back actually swoops around to the front and the shaping is in that front seam...so cute! I'm thinking the simple version in the longer length might pair nicely with the Etoile bodice...😏
I had been looking for something to pair the Etoile bodice with as a separate, also.
Oooh, nice! And a surprise because I know I was thinking it would be a dress! This is a great skirt! I love those huge buttons and flapped pockets!
super cute and versatile!
I just know I’m going to make 500 of these
Awww perfect! I’ve been looking for the perfect mini pattern for a while and was thinking I’d have to draft it myself! I love that it has darts in the front!!!
I had to make over a dozen youthquake dresses in the spring for ensemble in a school theatre production and used a modified Ingrid skirt as my base. They came out great and was an ideal project for my students to learn simple garment construction. (Paired a few of the skirts with the uniform bib or Pep Ralley suspenders over a white turtleneck). Most of the contemporary sewing patterns we looked at used two piece patterns, so I'd probably use Ingrid again if I needed to, unless color blocking, or needed the seam lines for details. I'll make the button front skirt for myself, my vibe leans very 70s, so perfect for me! I could see it paired with a tailored vest, wide lapel jacket or a long-sleeved, fitted crew t-shirt for that 70s look.
I'm already thinking of extending the button front into a maxi skirt.
This is perfect! I've been hunting for the perfect a-line mini skirt just like this.
Super cute! 😍
I love it! And so will my mum!
I love the button front skirt. Great for the classroom.
Perfect for Tiki Oasis in San Diego!
Love! The white top is the Barbie, right ?
I’ve been waiting on an Aline mini
I have the white boots and top. Just need to make the skirt! I do love the one with buttons but I find the idea of trying to make those button holes daunting. Guess I should practice and get past my fear.
I get that. As much of my sewing is costume using snaps and quick fasteners with fake buttons, I rarely need to do buttonholes. Working on different machines all the time, the learning curve for each felt like too much hassle. Recently we got new machines in the shop and I tried out the automatic buttonhole foot. It's was so fun and easy, almost addictive, and a lovely result. Now I want to put buttonholes in all the things, whether they need them or not!
I love them both!! I have sewed a similar button front skirt from a vintage 1970 pattern and I wear it all the time.
Oh hallelujah something to make with the shorter yardages in my stash!! Super happy with these patterns - many thanks 🤩
I love this! I have the perfect brown linen for this project!
Is anyone else's 18-34 tiled blank??? Mines just has the sheets numbers but no pattern on all of the pages??
It's not just you - it looks like the PDF was saved with most all of the layers turned off. If you go into the layers menu and turn them on (like you're only printing a certain size) they'll appear.
Oh, your essay made me cry! I haven’t put fabric to machine in weeks, but the first is a little bright spot. Thank you!
Not gonna lie. I love a mini and always have😍
The pattern for the larger sizes isn’t there
Fixed! Please re-download the 18-34 Tiled pattern pieces.
Obsessed with the mod mini!!!
I love them all !
Practical and impractical both! I like this one.
I LOVE IT! 🩷👌🏼🩷👌🏼
Omg, yes! I needed another A line pattern!
Great job with the plaid! And, I love mod! I want more mod! 😍
Love love LOVE this.
Ooh, love it! I was lucky enough to see the Mary Quant exhibit at the V&A in 2020, and it was so inspiring. Such fun!
I feel with armoured leggings the mini would be perfect for motorcycle riding and still being cute!
My mum used to wear these in the 60's and she loved them!!
Love the pink tartan skirt! It’s so cute 🩷
I don’t typically like 60s fashion but this is super cute and effortlessly chic