Creating a sewing pattern for a pencil skirt involves taking accurate measurements and drafting a basic pattern on pattern paper or drafting your pattern directly onto your fabric. Here's a simple guide to help you create a pencil skirt pattern:
Materials You'll Need:
- Measuring tape
- Pattern paper or tracing paper
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Fabric
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine
Steps:
1. Take Your Measurements:
- Waist: Measure the narrowest part of your waist.
- Hips: Measure the widest part of your hips.
- Skirt Length: Measure from your waist to your desired skirt length.
- Hip to Hem: Measure from your hip to the desired hemline.
2. Draft the Pattern:
- Start by drawing a rectangle on your pattern paper with the following dimensions:
- Width: (Waist measurement + 2 inches) / 4
- Length: Skirt Length + Waist to Hip + Hip to Hem
- Label the top of the rectangle as the waistline, and the bottom as the hemline.
- From the top (waistline) of the rectangle, measure the width you calculated earlier and mark this point. This will be the hip width.
- Connect the waist and hip points with straight lines. This will form the side seam of your skirt.
- At the bottom (hemline) of the rectangle, measure the same width as the hip width, and mark this point. This will be the hem width.
- Connect the hip and hem points with straight lines, creating a tapered effect.
- Add seam allowances (typically 1/2 inch to 1 inch) around the entire pattern, excluding the waistline. Label it as your "Front Skirt" pattern piece.
- To create the back of the skirt, simply duplicate the front pattern and label it "Back Skirt." Remember to cut the back on a fold, so you won't have a side seam.
3. Cut Your Fabric:
- Pin your pattern pieces to your fabric, making sure to cut one front piece and one back piece.
- Pay attention to the fabric grain and ensure your pattern pieces are aligned with the grain.
4. Sew the Skirt:
- With right sides together, sew the side seams of both the front and back pieces.
- Install a zipper in the back seam, leaving the top 2-3 inches open for the waistband.
- Hem the bottom of the skirt to your desired length.
- Create a waistband by folding a strip of fabric in half lengthwise, sewing it to the top of the skirt, and inserting elastic or a hook and eye closure for fastening.
5. Finish and Fit:
- Try on the skirt and adjust the fit as needed.
- Trim any excess fabric, and finish the seams with a serger or zigzag stitch.
That's it! You've created a basic pencil skirt pattern and sewn your skirt. Feel free to customize your skirt by adding pockets, a slit, or other design elements to make it your own.
