Well, in our 7th grade home ec class we made a dirndl skirt, so that is probably the easiest lol!

We made a dirndl skirt in grade 8 (grade 7 was still elementary school) and that was our first project.

We did an A line skirt in my sewing class.

Easiest skirts are knit. I used to whip up a 4-gore skirt all the time...sew the 4 seams, make an elastic casing for the top, hem the bottom, done.

Back in the day, when during the war you couldn't get zippers, Mom knew how to make a skirt without a zipper. It had a pocket on the side and a button on the waist band over the pocket....when you unbuttoned it, the way the pocket opened would give you the room you needed to get in and out of it. I've tried finding how to do it, but have been unsuccessful.

Why was it they had us make dirndls? I remember making one too...

I took a different track in HS and was in chemistry when my friends were in Home Ec. I'd never heard of a dirndl until today. I can see why they'd have you make one. It looks forgiving in creation and for figures. It also utilizes gathering, a waistband and zipper insertion. Pretty much everything basic you'd need to get started in sewing. Which would've been my suggestion for an easy pattern, gathered skirt, but like nicole, with elastic. That's easiest ;)

like these

Maybe a circle skirt would be easiest. One seam for the skirt, plus waistband. You can do quarter up to full circle depending on how full you want the skirt. Depending on the fabric and how much you have to lay out, a gored skirt is also super easy, I've done a bunch of those. 4-6 gores, waistband.

Waistbands. Often elastic case can be the easiest to do. Wrap ties can be easier, but don't necessarily work well with as many skirt types. Sometimes a simple band with an easy sew on snap closure can look more finished. Do buttons instead of snaps for even more detail and finish. Ziippers can be a bit difficult for an easy level learner, but not too bad once you get your confidance up with even seams and sewing. I've seen upcycles where someone took the whole waistband and closure off one thing, and built it into their other. It can look really neat or really bad, lol.

I'd think a wrap skirt would be easiest because there's no zipper and usually no gathering to deal with either.

But yeah - I do think dirndls are the most basic beginners sewing project - they're simple to cut out with fewer pieces. My first sewing project was an apron made from 1 yard of fabric. It had gathers too.

My first sewing project was a pillowcase...learned how to make a french seam and finish edges. Mom gave me gingham fabric so it was easier to learn to cut and sew straight.

When I taught sewing, they made an elastic waist skirt, a simple tote and pajama pants. Easiest is the skirt.

@Annie Deighnaugh here's one site which shows how to make a side opening. a button in the waistband could be used instead of the tie. i know I have an old pattern somewhere which was designed for the side pocket entry. I shall go searching as i could use more pants in my new size.

Side entry

That's it blubird!! Thanks so much!!

First skirt I was taught to make in Jr. High was what was called back in the day a 'peasant' skirt. Full skirt/ruffle on the hem/elastic waist band. Mine was yellow gingham-which made the project more of a challenge due to the matching of the stripes but my mom was a seamstress who knew how to assure it would be perfect and it was. There was also an A line skirt with a side zipper and button hole which --button holes I never did master!!! hahaha Which is why I prefer making window treatments and pillows to clothes!

I had to sew a 4-gore cotton skirt with waist band and zipper in 7th grade Home Ec clss. Must have been easy because I could do it!