Two Hour Pattern Emporium Bohemian Wrap Skirt

Sometimes a sewing project starts with the pattern. Other times, it starts with a piece of fabric that refuses to stay forgotten in your stash.

That was exactly the case with this tropical wrap skirt. I recently attended a tropical-themed alumni event and knew I wanted to make something special to wear. Since there was a good chance I'd run into people I hadn't seen in more than 25 years, I thought it would be fun to wear something handmade—and have a built-in conversation starter.

The result? A flirty wrap skirt that took only two hours to sew and earned compliments all evening long.  Read on or watch here:  

The Fabric That Inspired the Project

This project actually started with the fabric.

While digging through my stash, I came across a rayon print I purchased from Core Fabrics during a sale last fall. (Click ➡️ HERE for a similar fabric) It had all the colors I love to wear along with an abstract tropical vibe that felt perfect for the event.

When sewing wrap skirts or wrap dresses, I usually reach for fabrics with drape. Rayon challis, rayon twill, and rayon crepe are all wonderful choices because they move beautifully and create soft, flowing silhouettes.

As soon as I rediscovered this print, I knew it was exactly what I wanted for this project.

Sometimes the fabric picks the pattern instead of the other way around.

The Pattern: Pattern Emporium Bohemian Wrap Skirt*

After deciding on the fabric, I started looking through my pattern collection for the right wrap skirt design.

I landed on the Pattern Emporium Bohemian Wrap Skirt*. The pattern offers several options, including a simple wrap skirt as well as versions with a flounce or ruffle. Since I wanted something playful and summery, I immediately gravitated toward the ruffle option.

The original design is drafted with more of a high-low shape, creating a longer hemline in the back and a shorter one in the front. While I love that look, I was envisioning a mini skirt instead.

So I made a few simple modifications.

How I Turned It Into a Mini Wrap Skirt

Rather than shortening the skirt from the hem, I shortened it from the waistline down.

My goal was to create a consistent length all the way around while preserving the overall shape of the wrap.

Because I'm 5'2" with proportionally longer legs and a shorter torso, I measured down 13 inches from the waistline and adjusted the skirt pieces accordingly. This gave me the length I wanted while keeping the silhouette balanced.

I also kept a gentle curve at the front overlap rather than creating a sharp angle.

The best part? The skirt wraps generously from side seam to side seam, providing excellent coverage while still maintaining that classic wrap-skirt look.

Adding the Ruffle

I knew I wanted the flirty movement of the ruffle, so I added it after shortening the skirt.

Once attached, I realized the finished length was slightly longer than I wanted. Instead of altering the skirt itself, I simply trimmed an extra inch from the ruffle before hemming it.

This was an easy adjustment that gave me exactly the finished length I was after.

A Rolled Hem Detail I Love

One of my favorite finishing details on this skirt is the hem.

I used the rolled hem function on my serger to create a narrow rolled edge around the entire ruffle. Using white thread added a subtle decorative touch while also giving the hem a bit of structure and weight.

It's one of those small details that elevates a simple project without adding much extra sewing time.

Yes, It Has Pockets

Of course it has pockets.

The Pattern Emporium Bohemian Wrap Skirt includes pockets, which instantly makes it even more wearable. I also used the standard waistband option and added a buttonhole opening for the tie to pass through.

I sewed a straight size 10. While my waist measurement technically falls closer to a size 12, the adjustable nature of a wrap skirt made the fit incredibly forgiving.

The Perfect Pairing: Cashmerette Concord Tee*

To complete the outfit, I paired the skirt with an older favorite from my wardrobe: the Cashmerette Concord T-Shirt*.

This version features:

• Cropped length (slightly lengthened)
• Crew neckline
• Short sleeves

It's a pattern I've made years ago, but it worked perfectly with the wrap skirt and tied the whole outfit together.

The Best Part: Telling People I Made It

The event itself was so much fun.

Every time someone complimented the skirt, I got to respond with, "Thanks, I made it."

That never gets old.

People were especially impressed when I mentioned that the skirt only took about two hours to sew. It's a great reminder that not every garment project has to be complicated or time-consuming to make a big impact.

Why This Is a Great Beginner Sewing Project

If you're new to garment sewing, this pattern is absolutely worth considering.

The construction is straightforward, the fit is forgiving, and the results feel polished and impressive. You can make it exactly as drafted or customize it to fit your vision as your skills grow.

It's also an excellent choice for:

• Large-scale prints
• Rayon fabrics
• Vacation wardrobes
• Summer sewing
• Quick sewing projects
• First wrap-skirt projects

With only a couple of side seams, the pattern allows beautiful fabrics to really shine.

Final Thoughts

This tropical wrap skirt reminded me why I love sewing so much. A beautiful piece of fabric inspired a quick project, the project became the perfect outfit for a special event, and the finished garment will continue getting plenty of wear all summer long.

Whether you're looking for a beginner-friendly garment project or simply want a fun addition to your warm-weather wardrobe, a wrap skirt is hard to beat.