Pretty Pencil Skirts

04.11.18

Handmade

In taking steps toward a more handmade wardrobe, I knew that one essential item I had to master was a perfect pencil skirt. I wear skirts and dresses more often than not at work, and pencil skirts are a staple wardrobe item for me. They can be styled so many different ways and have a really nice polished look to them. So I found a promising pattern, ordered fabric I thought would work well… and then waited literally an entire year before attempting them.

I’m not sure exactly what my hang up was but I was so nervous these weren’t going to work out. Eventually I used one of the best motivators – a self-imposed ban on purchasing any more fabric or patterns until I had sewed up at least a couple of these skirts. I am thrilled I finally went for it because I truly love the way these turned out! I’m wearing one as I type this, in fact. It’s cute and comfortable and is indeed exactly the wardrobe staple I was hoping for.

This is actually a pretty quick project overall and after making the first one, the second one was made from start to finish in approximately just under two hours. I opted for the hand sewn hem because I prefer its relative invisibility to the machine-stitched look. So far I have sewed the two pictured here, one in a lightweight herringbone wool and one in a stretch cotton twill. I plan to make at least a navy and a black, but I’m sure other colors will follow. I adore this pattern! Scroll down for pattern link, fit notes, and a gallery of more images.

The Details

Pattern
Ultimate Pencil Skirt
Fabric
Stretch Cotton
Fabric
Arrow Tweed (no longer available)

My Notes

Fit

Love the overall fit of these. UK sizing confuses me often, and that was an issue for me with this project. I did measure myself and cut out initial fabric pieces according to the prescribed size but I could tell that the skirt was going to be way too snug and not the comfortable fit I was going for. I ended up making a size 12 and it’s just right for me – easy to zip up, plenty of extra room in the waistline, but not baggy.

As for length, I shortened my skirt significantly (I would say at least 5 or 6 inches shorter than the original pattern). The original pattern hits mid- to upper calf and with my curvy figure and short stature, that look just doesn’t work. I prefer my pencil skirt to hit just above the knee so this was an important modification for me. I have since shortened my paper pattern to the appropriate length for me so that I won’t waste fabric cutting pieces initially too long and then shortening them later.

Pattern

Sew Over It patterns are a dream! Exceedingly clear and concise with helpful illustrations. I love their patterns.

Difficulty

This is a relatively simple project if you have some sewing experience. Darts may seem intimidating but are super easy to create.

Invisible zipper installation might seem tricky, but it is easily achieved. I recommend watching a video tutorial before attempting. Even though I have made many an item with invisible zips, I watch the tutorial every single time I sew one just to refresh my memory and make sure I have the proper orientation of the zipper before I sew it in place.