Beginner's Project - a Simple Skirt

If someone, who had never sewn before asked me how to get started I’d suggest attending a class or workshop - it is certainly faster to learn with help at hand. Some shops that sell sewing machines and/or fabrics hold classes.

An unlined pencil or A-line skirt is probably the easiest garment to make, therefore is a good one to start with. A simple skirt will be made from three or four pieces of fabric - one front piece, two back pieces and a waistband, if included. You will also need a zipper, I usually use concealed zips. Some good patterns for beginners include McCalls 3341, Simplicity 1465, New Look 6843 and Burda 8155.

The basic pencil skirt pattern I use instructs sewing all the seams, both sides and back, and then inserting the zip, which closes to waistband and then the waistband overlaps and fastens with hooks or similar.  However, I've found this can end up quite bulky so latterly I've attached the waistband before the zip and run it all the way up to the top so it is symmetrical and there is no need for a bulky overlap. 

Choosing Fabric

Chose a fabric that is easy to work with, i.e. does not fray too much and holds it's shape, cotton is a good choice. If you choose a printed fabric be aware that stripes, or geometric patterns will need to be lined up more carefully when placing the skirt pattern on the fabric, so a small, irregular pattern is probably a better choice. 

The floral print skirt in the top picture was made from stretch drill cotton, I like a wide waistband that sits on the natural waist, many patters the waistline sits a few inches below the natural waist. The second picture is of a grey stretch suiting fabric purchased from Fabricland, this skirt has served me well and put up with being used whilst riding a scooter. The tops are from Uniqlo, I have three in different colours and absolutely love them. The shoes are Mary Portas for Clarks.