I rarely use patterns when I make skirts, preferring to just whack out a dirndl. It\’s easy to just throw together a couple of rectangles and you can hem it by machine! But I made an exception for Butterick 6285, one of the new(ish) releases in the \”Patterns by Gertie\” Butterick line.
This pattern is a bit of a fabric guzzler with those four double box pleats; I had several lengths in my stash that were just a bit too short. Also, keep in mind this is cut on the cross grain–in fact, the skirt front is cut on the fold on the cross grain and the back of the skirt is a bit off, so this is not a pattern for obvious directional prints! A non-directional floral (like mine or Gertie\’s) or a smallish abstract or ditsy print will work better. This would also be stunning in a solid color of something luxe.
I made the size 12, but I would drop down to a size 10 if I made this a second time. I was between sizes (looking at finished measurements!! always finished measurements, ladies!) and I opted to size up since I\’d rather something be a bit too big than too small. I may take this skirt in a bit on the sides; I probably won\’t bother unpicking the waistband, I\’ll just make a little tuck.
Inside, I serged all my raw edges (yay, serger!). I took up a pretty deep hem (easing it in with a long basting stitch) and then hemmed by hand. It really does make a difference, and I like the added control with such a wide, curved, edge.
Overall, I really like this for when I\’m looking for something a bit swingier than my regular dirndl; between those two shapes I think I\’m just about set for super-full skirts. Now if I could find a perfect bell/a-line mini (this one is on my radar) I\’d be done buying skirt patterns… right?
Also, I\’d like to say thank you for all your kind words and advice on my last post. It means a lot that y\’all not only put up with my occasional rambles, but also have such thoughtful things to say!
Anonymous says
Such a gorgeous skirt! I've been wanting to make a box pleat skirt for ages – seeing your lovely make might inspire me to finally do it 😉
diana massey says
Omg you look adorable. That skirt is very flattering on you with those double box pleats. Coral is your color. Along with pink, green and navy of course.
Alex Jackson says
nice vinyl selection
Unknown says
Ahhh its a gorgeous skirt! Interesting that its cut on the crossgrain – something you really need to know when picking your fabric and not something I would have been thinking about!That Vogue skirt you linked to is on my radar too…initially because of the top that comes with it, but have started thinking the skirt would be pretty great to have in my stash as well!Also, that coral colour (of your scarf) is SUCH a great colour for you 🙂
Unknown says
I love full skirts and floral prints so this is a winning look in my book!
Unknown says
This totally caught my eye on the feed! Such a pretty and happy skirt!
Unknown says
We love this on you soooo much! Left you a comment on your IG post. Well done!
allie J. says
The double box pleats on this one are so pretty and unique! It is also much swingier than a box pleated skirt made of rectangles.
allie J. says
Thank, I had good lighting 😉
allie J. says
The Decemberists are always appropriate.
allie J. says
Thank you! I love a good girly skirt 🙂
allie J. says
Thank you! Something has to perk up these dreary January days, right?
allie J. says
Thank you! I sent an email requesting permission to post, it's https://www.pinterest.com/helloalliej/ 🙂
allie J. says
Yes, it's tricky that way! And thanks–you may be able to tell from my walls that it is one of my very favorite colors!!
Sarah says
Such a cute skirt! It looks great on you.
Emily || www.maiattique.com.au says
I saw this pattern before and thought it was circle skirt, too! Your skirt looks equally adorable as those on the bottom of your post. And they're hundreds of $! Also love the Erdem skirt from your link, I may end up sew myself one soon 🙂
Unknown says
What kind of fabric are you using? It looks so textural and little bit crisp.
allie J. says
It's some sort of cotton/cotton blend brocade with a printed pattern on it–sorry, that's the best way I know how to describe it! Something like a cotton sateen would be a similar weight.
allie J. says
Thank you, Sarah!!
allie J. says
You can't tell what it is at all from the pattern photo!!
Anonymous says
This is beautiful! What a great shape!