Pattern Description:
The Fiera Maxi Skirt is a flowing, floor-length design with a sleek waistband and elegant silhouette.
Suitable for sizes 00-32, it features front and back pieces cut on the fold, allowing a graceful drape. This versatile skirt works beautifully in silk, sateen, or charmeuse for a refined finish.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Fabric: Silk, Sateen, or Charmeuse (yardage varies by size)
- Optional lining (cut 2” shorter than main fabric if used)
- Zipper for closure
- Sewing thread matching fabric
- Scissors, pins, ruler, and measuring tape
- Pattern includes body measurements (waist 23–63.5”, hips 34–61”) and finished length ~43-44” depending on size.
Instructions for Making the Fiera Maxi Skirt Pattern:
1. Preparing the Pattern and Fabric
Start by printing your pattern at 100% scale. Use the 2-inch test square to confirm accuracy before cutting the rest of your pages.
Assemble the sheets either with the trimless overlap method or the trimmed alignment method, depending on your preference.
Once the pattern is ready, identify your size using the body measurement chart or compare with the finished garment measurements if you want more or less wearing ease.
Lay your fabric on a flat surface following the grainline direction. For silk, charmeuse, or other delicate fabrics, use pattern weights instead of pins to avoid snags.
If you want a lining for added coverage, cut an additional set of the skirt panels (front and back) from lining fabric, shortening them by 2 inches.
2. Cutting the Fabric
From the pattern, cut the following pieces:
- Skirt Front: Cut 1 on the fold
- Skirt Back: Cut 1 on the fold
- Waistband: Cut 1 (not on fold; follow the grainline)
Be sure to mark any notches, darts, or zipper placements with tailor’s chalk or washable fabric markers. Transfer all pattern markings carefully, as they will guide your construction steps.
3. Stabilizing and Preparing Pieces
Before sewing, finish the raw edges of your fabric to prevent fraying. Lightweight fabrics like silk benefit from French seams or narrow overlocking.
Press your waistband piece flat with an iron, adding interfacing if you want extra structure, especially for fabrics that are prone to stretching.
4. Assembling the Skirt Panels
Place the front and back skirt panels right sides together, matching the side seams. Pin from waist to hem. Stitch with a ½-inch seam allowance.
If your skirt includes a zipper, leave the designated section of the back seam open for insertion. After stitching, press the seams open and finish the raw edges neatly.
5. Adding the Waistband
With right sides together, pin the waistband to the waist edge of the skirt. Align notches and side seams to ensure even distribution.
Stitch the waistband in place, again using a ½-inch seam allowance. Press the seam toward the waistband.
Fold the waistband to the inside of the garment, encasing the seam, and stitch it down either by hand with an invisible slip stitch or by machine for a clean finish.
6. Inserting the Zipper
At the back opening, install a regular or invisible zipper depending on your preference. For delicate fabrics like charmeuse, an invisible zipper maintains a smooth look.
Use a zipper foot on your machine to stitch close to the teeth. Once installed, finish sewing the remainder of the back seam below the zipper. Press lightly to avoid puckering.
7. Lining (Optional)
If you are adding a lining, assemble the lining skirt pieces in the same way as the main fabric, leaving room for zipper access.
Attach the lining to the inside waistband seam, keeping it 2 inches shorter than the outer skirt so it doesn’t peek out at the hem. Hand-stitch the lining to the zipper tape for a polished result.
8. Finishing the Hem
Try on your skirt to check the length. The Fiera Maxi Skirt is designed to fall around 43–44 inches, but you may shorten or lengthen as desired.
For slippery fabrics, a narrow rolled hem or baby hem works best. Fold the hem under ¼ inch, press, then fold again and stitch. Alternatively, use a narrow hem foot for an ultra-fine edge.
9. Pressing and Final Touches
Give your skirt a final press, using a pressing cloth to protect delicate fabrics. Ensure all seams are lying flat, the waistband is crisp, and the hem hangs evenly. Check zipper functionality and trim any stray threads.
10. Styling and Variations
The Fiera Maxi Skirt is timeless in design, making it versatile for day or evening wear. Using silk or charmeuse creates a glamorous flow, while sateen offers a structured look.
For variety, experiment with prints, add a side slit for ease of movement, or adjust the waistband for a high-waist or mid-waist fit.
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