I’m going to start a new Sew-Along series, beginning with this 1-hour skirt!
It’s going to go like this: I’m going to choose a pattern (or take reader suggestions!) and I’m going to make up the pattern taking tons of pictures so you can make the item along with me!
Sewing from patterns can be difficult – the instructions are not always very clear and the drawings are not as easy to follow as real photos.
For the first Sew-Along I used Simplicity 7229, a very simple and easy bias cut skirt that can be made with a wide variety of fabrics. I have three skirts made from this pattern using three different fabrics – wool, wool flannel, and a double knit. They’re all very comfortable and the length is easy to adjust, so the pattern is flexible.
The pattern says you should be able to complete this skirt in 1 hour of sewing time which is about right – let’s get started!
SUPPLIES
- Simplicity 7229 (View A)
- Fabric (see pattern)
- Elastic or drawstring
INSTRUCTIONS
***Pattern requires a 5/8″ seam unless otherwise stated
1. Pre wash and dry your fabric, lay flat on a large surface so none of the fabric hangs over the edge.
2. Select the pattern pieces for View A (1, 2, 3) and cut out.
3. Lay the pattern on the fabric so the bias grain arrow is parallel to the selvage edge of the fabric. I do this by pinning one end of the arrow to the fabric, measuring from the arrow to the selvage then adjusting the other end of the arrow to match. Measure again…and one more time just to be sure. Grain is everything in apparel sewing!
Pin the rest of the pattern to the fabric by smoothing the pattern paper out from the center and using lots and lots of pins.
4. Cut out – I always cut with the back of my hand to the pattern. I find I can be more precise this way.
Be sure to cut out all notches…
…and mark anything else on the pattern (like button holes!) before removing the pattern from the fabric.
This time I used carbon tracing paper and a tracing wheel but you could also use a fabric marking pen or pencil, chalk, or tailor’s tacks.
You will be putting 2 button holes on the Yoke Front so we’ll do that next!
5. Grab a scrap of fusible interfacing and apply to the BACK of the Yoke Front piece where you’ll be putting the button holes.
6. Sew the button holes. Don’t be afraid of button holes! Practice first on a scrap and then use them all the time so you don’t forget how to make them!
(Back view of the button holes and interfacing.)
7. Cut button holes open between the lines of stitching (be careful not to cut any of the stitches!) by putting a pin in one end and a seam ripper in the other end. Tear the fabric up until you hit the pin. Having the pin there will keep you from tearing through the bar tack and ruining your fabric.
8. Sew skirt front to skirt back at the side seams. To pin, I place a pin at either end and then work towards the middle, evenly distributing any difference in length of the two pieces.
Line up notches and pin there…
…and everywhere in between! The more pins, the better.
9. Sew the side seams of the yoke front and yoke back pieces together (match up notches and use lots of pins!).
10. Press seams open.
11. Finish seams (serging is easiest but there are a handful of ways to do it – a zigzagstitch over the raw edges is the second easiest).
12. Pin the yoke (with the button holes on the front) to the skirt, right sides together, matching seams and notches.
13. Sew the yoke to the skirt.
14. Finish the seam.
15. Press the seam down towards the skirt.
16. Hem the skirt – with a seam gauge, measure and pin the bottom of the skirt up to the inside 5/8″. Sew and press.
17. The last thing to do is insert a draw string (you can use a shoe lace, ribbon, very small piping, whatever you want) or insert elastic and join it in the front. The elastic will be visible between the two button holes, and the pattern does call for a drawstring that you tie, but I figured no one would see the waist and thought elastic would be more comfortable. That part is up to you!
Let me know if you try this pattern and how it works out – it’s a very easy skirt to sew and also very comfortable to wear!
Our next Sew-Along will be using McCall’s M6427, a Toddler Sleep Sack (available at Hobby Lobby for sure, probably JoAnn)! I hope you’ll sew along!
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