Pattern Description:
The Indigo Skirt is a versatile, timeless, bias-cut skirt featuring simple seams and elegant lines.
Designed as a high-waisted, pull-on style, this easy-to-sew pattern is intended for fabrics with excellent drape, such as silk charmeuse or satin. (44 words)
Materials Needed & Measurements:
| Item | Details/Measurements |
| Main Fabric (as used in sample) | 2 yards Italian Pink, Orange and Blue Painterly Floral Digitally Printed Silk Charmeuse. (Note: For directional prints or sizes above 10, an extra yard may be needed.) |
| Elastic | 1 yard 1″ Black Elastic |
| Elastic Length | Cut the elastic $\mathbf{1^{\prime\prime}-2^{\prime\prime}}$ shorter than your waist measurement |
| Alternative Recommended Fabrics | Silk Georgette, Crepe, Satin; Lightweight wool (like crepe or suiting); Gabardine; Rayon satin; Polyester varieties of satin or charmeuse; Linen. Knit fabric can also be used. |
| Seam Allowance | All seam allowances are $\mathbf{1/2^{\prime\prime}}$ unless otherwise stated. French seams are recommended for the center back seam and side seams. |
| Waistband Casing | Formed by folding the top edge inward $\mathbf{1/4^{\prime\prime}}$, then folding down another $\mathbf{1^{\prime\prime}}$ (or the width of the elastic). |
| Hem | $\mathbf{1/4^{\prime\prime}}$ rolled hem |
| Sizing | The specific pattern is available up to a size $\mathbf{30}$. |
Instructions for Making the Indigo Skirt Pattern:
Step 1: Pattern Preparation and Fabric Cutting
The Indigo Skirt is a bias-cut garment, which is one of the easiest types to construct.
Step 2: Fabric Selection and Requirements:
The pattern sample utilized 2 yards of Italian Pink, Orange and Blue Painterly Floral Digitally Printed Silk Charmeuse.
Recommended alternative fabrics include Silk Georgette, Crepe, and Satin, or lightweight wool such as crepe or suiting, Gabardine, Rayon satin, or polyester varieties of satin or charmeuse if concerned about using silk.
Linen is also an excellent choice, especially for warm climates. Knit fabric can also be used.
Step 3: Cutting the Panels:
The Indigo Skirt requires pattern pieces to be cut on the bias. Cutting on the bias means placing the pattern piece at a $\mathbf{45}$ degree angle to the selvage, with lines on the pattern piece depicting where the grainline should be.
It is crucial that the grainline follows the pattern guide, or the skirt will not achieve the flowy fullness typically expected.
The skirt uses three panels: one front piece and two back pieces. To save fabric, the back panel can be cut as two separate pieces, but if this approach is used, ensure seam allowance is added to what will become the center back seam. Alternatively, if the back panel is cut on the fold, the initial seaming step is skipped.
However, the designer strongly suggests keeping the skirt in two pieces, one front and one back, to reduce the chance of distortion when cutting on the bias.
Seam Allowance Note: All seam allowances for this pattern are $\mathbf{1/2^{\prime\prime}}$ unless otherwise specified.
Step 4: Attaching the Back Panels
Begin by attaching your two back skirt pieces at the straight center back seam. For this seam, French seams are recommended to hide the raw edges. Lightly press the center back seam. (If using French seams, the first seam is $\mathbf{1/4^{\prime\prime}}$ and the second seam is $\mathbf{1/4^{\prime\prime}}$, resulting in the total $\mathbf{1/2^{\prime\prime}}$ seam allowance).
Step 5: Attaching Front and Back
Attach your front skirt panel to the back panel at the side seams. French seams are recommended for the side seams as well.
Lightly press the side seams. Alternatively, a serger may be used instead of French seams.
Step 6: Forming the Casing
To form the waistband, fold the top edge of your skirt inward $\mathbf{1/4^{\prime\prime}}$ toward the wrong side of the garment. Lightly press this fold.
Next, fold the top edge down again $\mathbf{1^{\prime\prime}}$ (or the exact width of your elastic).
Step 7: Stitching the Casing
Pin the folded waistband into place. Edge-stitch along the bottom fold of what is now the waistband casing.
Step 7 continued: Inserting Elastic and Finishing the Waistband
- Elastic Preparation: Cut a piece of $\mathbf{1^{\prime\prime}}$ Black Elastic that measures $\mathbf{1^{\prime\prime}-2^{\prime\prime}}$ shorter than your waist measurement.
- Inserting and Securing the Elastic: Carefully seam rip a portion of the center back seam on the inside of your waistband. Feed the elastic through the casing. Once the elastic is fully threaded through, sew the ends of the elastic together. Finally, slip-stitch the waistband opening closed.
Step 8: Final Hemming
Lastly, hem your skirt with a $\mathbf{1/4^{\prime\prime}}$ rolled hem. Once the hem is complete, the garment is ready to wear.
If desired, the length of the skirt can be adjusted; for lengthening, mid-thigh is a good point to extend the pattern.
For shortening, it is suggested to try the garment on before finishing the hem to determine the preferred length.
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