Finished: Vintage One Seam Skirt

Earlier in the month I posted about my sewing plans for the next couple of months. This is the first item from my plan...

Pattern Used

Simplicity 3983, a skirt pattern from 1952. I made view 1, which has shaped pocket edges.

 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I was initially attracted by the pocket detail but what is brilliant about this pattern is that it has ONLY ONE SEAM, at the back, and doesn’t use much fabric. I made this out of a metre (though it is shorter than the original length). I love that it is quick to make and doesn’t require much finishing inside too. I made this from start to finish over the course of a day, including a trip into town to buy a zip.

 

Fabric & Notions

Seagreen needlecord and two stash buttons. There was supposed to be Petersham ribbon inside the waistband but the waistband piece wasn't wide enough and I couldn’t be bother to cut another one.

 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made

I made it shorter, which was a novelty since I normally have to lengthen everything. I took 4 inches off the length when cutting out the pieces then removed an additional 3 inches and still had a generous hem allowance. I wanted this to be knee length as I mostly wear flat shoes so this is much more flattering.

 

I also used a lighter fabric for the inside of the pockets as I was concerned that using too much cord would be a bit bulky – this was a helpful suggestion of a commenter, Mumasu – thank you! I used a flat felled seam for the back seam and did a bias tape hem, so it looks neat inside. The pattern was also a 30” waist and I’m 28” but it was easy to cut a little smaller by hanging the main pattern piece over the edge of the fold by 1/4” and cutting in by 1/4” at the other side – I love when grading is easy.

 

Would you sew it again and do anything different next time?

I am definitely going to make a few of these – it’s going to be my new ‘go to’ skirt pattern, and I’ve already been thinking about possible changes I would make, such as using piping to emphasise the pocket edges and using different fabric for the yokes of the pockets. Two changes I will definitely be making are to make the pockets deeper and cut the waistband wider as I found that it was not wide enough to house a 1” wide Petersham ribbon inside which, according to the instructions, it should be.

 

Did you use any new techniques?

I put in a central zipper properly, for the first time ever so am bloody chuffed with myself. I’ve been using a lot of invisible zips recently because I’ve cracked those, but I feel that this is particular zip is a thing of beauty.

 

Would you recommend it to others?

Yes without question. Lose the length though if you want a more modern look.

 

Cost

About £14 including the pattern, but I will definitely be using that again.

 

Conclusion

The only thing that makes me a little sad about this project is the big line down the centre of the skirt. This was the central crease in the fabric when it was on the blot that I just could not get rid of at all, no matter how I ironed it. Any tips? It looks a bit like it’s supposed to be part of the style of the skirt, which is ok, but I’m not overjoyed with the stupid fabric. I’m sure that an un-removable crease counts as a fabric flaw. I love the colour though and am pleased with how the buttons look on it too.

 

Have I convinced you how much I love this skirt? Well, I really do, and this definitely won't be the last you see of this pattern.

K x