Butterick 5249 - Pencil Skirt

Project Details

Pattern: Butterick 5249, View B (modified)
Fabric: Black/White Wool Tweed (100% wool)
Notions: 9" invisible zipper

Description: Skirt with princess seams, back zipper and high waist, side front pleats, back ruffle and mid-knee length.

I had leftover fabric from these pants, and what better to do than make a skirt. I was inspired by this:

Nanette Lepore - Sorcery Plaid Skirt - $240

I cut the skirt from the waist in a size 14 and blended to a 16 at the hip. I had to alter the the pattern at the hip line by adding an inch to the length and also adding an inch to the length. I followed the instructions for the front. I modified the back:

I used the front side section for the back as well. For the center back sections, there was already a cutting line for views C & D with the ruffle. I used the Ratio of Gathers (2.5:1) to create my ruffle. This means that the ruffle is 2 1/2 times the length of skirt edge. The skirt edge is 10", so the length of the ruffle is 25". A 2.5:1 ratio is considered the norm. If you want less fullness, use a smaller number; and for more fullness, use a larger number.

One of my favorite details are the pockets. What I love most about them is that they lay perfectly flat. The are completely inconspicuous! I used a 2" hem to finish it off. I really love the style of the high-waisted skirt. If I were to make this again, I would probably bone the princess seams in the waist for a little support. Other than that, I completely happy.