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Floral Midi Skirt With Pockets | Easy Dressmaking Pattern

Quick Links: What you'll need Project steps

Sew Debbie Shore's custom-fit midi skirt pattern with handy in-seam pockets.

This comfortable, relaxed skirt is perfect for sunny days out or relaxing in the garden. I’ve chosen a viscose fabric because it drapes beautifully, ensuring the skirt has a flattering fit without the bulk from the elasticated waist. Crepe de chine is also an excellent choice, especially when cut on the bias, as this skirt is. For added versatility, you can use jersey knit, but I recommend making the pockets from a woven fabric to prevent them from stretching..

Bias cutting (cutting at a 45-degree – or diagonal – angle) allows the fabric a little stretch, making it easy to slip on, and ensures that it’s not too tight when sitting. Cutting on the bias will always use a lot of fabric, but it’s really worth it for the beautiful drape.

It’s always a good idea to make a toile first to ensure your garment will fit you perfectly – you can save a little on fabric by just making a toile of the waist/hip area. (If you haven’t heard of a toile, it is basically a test garment made with cheap fabric of a similar weight to the fabric you are planning to use. You can use an old bed sheet or any inexpensive fabric for this. For more information about this, I've created a small technique on toiles that you can find here.)

Test your fabric for fraying – you may wish to finish the seams with an overlocker/serger, pinking shears or zigzag stitch. On a simple skirt design like this, finishing the raw edges can be done easily after the sides and pockets are sewn. If your fabric doesn’t fray you may not find this necessary.

Note: Use a ⁵/₈in (1.5cm) seam allowance unless otherwise stated.

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You will need:

Equipment

• Fabric shears
• Sewing machine
• Lots of pins!
• Optional: pinking shears, for finishing the edges of your fabric

Materials

• 60 x 79in (152.5 x 200cm) of fabric with a non-directional print – this is sufficient for a waist/hip measurement of up to approx. 45in (114.5cm). If you have a larger waist/hip, you will need 60 x 98in (152.5 x 250cm) of fabric. Note that if you would like to make a maxi-length skirt, you will need at least another 19¾in (50cm) of fabric.

  TIP: Smaller sizes will have fabric left over, so how about making a matching purse?

• 1in (2.5cm) wide flat knitted elastic: the length will be your waist measurement minus 2in (5cm)

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