Are you getting started with sewing or looking for a certified wardrobe staple that will go with everything? May I suggest considering an A-line skirt? My first handmade garment was an A-line skirt made out of a lovely wool from my Nan’s stash. It was my first invisible zip (before I knew they were supposed to be challenging) and I was so pleased with the final item. I had sewn something I could actually wear! It’s a great sewing project for beginners.

So, what’s so great about the humble A-line skirt? They suit most body shapes and are a great basic item to wear with shirts, t-shirts, jumpers, tights and more! They can work all year long. I swotted up on A-line skirts before pulling this together and discovered that the term ‘A-line’ was first used by Christian Dior for his spring 1955 collection. A-line refers to the namesake capital ‘A’, a triangular shape typically fitted at the waist and gradually widens from hip to hem.

That’s enough geeking out on the garment… onto the A-line skirt sewing pattern picks!

I’ll kick off with a beautifully panelled number – ideal if you want to sew a denim A-line skirt. The Itch to Stitch Quebranda Skirt has 11 gored panels that fall into a streamlined silhouette. This project could work well if you have several pairs of jeans you want to upcycle. If you fancy recreating The Great British Sewing Bee’s first technical challenge – the A-line denim midi skirt – it is a great base. If you omit the back zipper and add a button placket down the front you will get that look.

Are you more of a mini skirt wearer? The Bella Loves Patterns Dulce Skirt is a classic A-line style that looks great sewn up in smart fabrics. The pattern is beautifully designed with a bagged-out lining and luxurious finishes so it will elevate your sewing skills.

Next is a versatile design that will fulfil all your A-line skirt needs. The Liesl + Co Garibaldi A-line Skirt has two views and three hem lengths to play with. It looks lovely in crepe and satin fabrics if you want to sew a dressier skirt.

The Friday Pattern Company Saturday Skirt Set gives you two patterns in one so you can sew a set! The skirt is a flowy A-line dream with elastic at the back for an easy and comfortable fit and roomy pockets. The skirt itself is easy to sew so is be good for novice sewers wanting to expand their repertoire. Make this set from silk for a dressy look or from linen for an everyday uniform. I think it’s great wedding-guest-wear.

If you lust after sewing patterns with interesting details, try the Maison Fauve Kim Skirt. It’s a feminine and comfortable skirt with a slightly high waist and elasticated back. Choose from two patch pocket finishes and two lengths: mini (mid-thigh) or midi (below the knee). Kim can button down the centre front for a touch of 70s style, or wrap over with a statement button placket. I picked the images to show how you get two quite different looks from one pattern.

Do you like your patterns to grow with you as your skills progress? If so, I recommend the Grainline Studio Reed Skirt. If you are newer to sewing you can tackle the back zipper version (remember that I started with a zip so you can do it too!) and once you’ve progressed to buttonholes, the button-front version will be waiting for you. You can have fun with the panels and pockets on this number as the striped example shows.

If you are a complete beginner wanting to get into garment sewing, could I suggest the Tilly and the Buttons Miette Skirt? I used this pattern to sew my second skirt and chose it to teach my sister how to sew a garment so I promise you it looks tricker than it actually is. The generous wrap-around style omits any fiddly fastenings and I can attest to the no-flashing promise!

What’s on my sewing wish list you ask? It has to be the True Bias Salida Skirt. The top of the skirt is fitted to the body with a soft V-shaped yoke at the front and back. My favourite feature is the panels that flare out at the bottom which feels quite 70s in its styling. Sewing the zip fly with build your skills (ready for sewing jeans if you want to) and I can see this skirt being worth the effort.

Are you a fan of mix-and-match patterns? ME too! I picked the In The Folds Barkly Skirt for the numerous options you can play with, making this basic style not so basic. The midi version has a cool slit for comfortable movement but adds something to the overall design.

Last, but by no means least, I have one for the knit lovers. The Tessuti Fabrics Mahlia Skirt is designed for knits with body and good recovery so will be very comfortable to wear. This cool design could easily be worn every day, especially in the cooler months.

If you want to see even more A-line Skirts, browse the lot here!