Pencil Skirt
Who says you have to suffer to look good? Today we’re making a pencil skirt that will have you feeling stylish, comfortable, and right on trend. Pattern included!
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew a close-fitting, high-waisted pencil skirt from stretch knit fabric. The simple front and back shape is finished with a concealed elastic waistband.
The demonstrated skirt is short, but its length can be changed before cutting or when preparing the hem.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Cut the front and back from the same on-fold pattern piece.
- Check the direction of greatest stretch before placing the pattern.
- Use a ballpoint needle and walking foot without stretching the knit.
- Join the side seams with a serger or stretch-compatible sewing-machine stitches.
- Measure, join, and attach 3 cm-wide elastic at the waist.
- Turn the elastic inside, secure it discreetly, and sew the hem.
Choosing the knit
Use stretch knit containing elastane or spandex so the skirt fits close to the body and recovers after wear. Test the fabric because its stretch affects the finished fit.
Place the greatest stretch around the body. If the fabric has a directional print, confirm the waist and hem orientation before cutting.
Make it your own
Lengthen the pattern for a longer pencil skirt or shorten it for a mini. Try on the skirt before hemming to choose the finished length.
Small side-seam adjustments can refine the fit when one knit is firmer or stretchier than another.
Pattern sizing
The updated downloadable pattern covers sizes 34 through 50. Because knit stretch varies, use the pattern size as a starting point and check the side seams before finishing.
The video class includes the downloadable pencil-skirt pattern in sizes 34–50.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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