Simplicity 2452: The Double knit Not-So-Mini Skirt Edition
I have a party to go to tonight. Yesterday I decided to make something to wear to said party. At the last minute. Of course. I always do that to myself.
I knew I wanted to make a knit skirt. Specifically I thought I would make a double knit mini skirt to wear with tights and my black boots. But I don’t have a pattern for a double knit skirt in my stash. That’s when I got the harebrained idea to draft it myself. Before I went off on this undoubtedly time-consuming tangent, I asked my sewing peeps on Facebook if they had any suggestions for my last minute project.
Well, Katie of KatieKadiddleHopper came to my rescue right away. She suggested I use her tutorial on how to make a comfy knit pencil skirt and then modify it for a mini skirt. The genius behind this tutorial is that you use a darted skirt pattern that you have already used before and that fits you well as the base for the knit version. Except you don’t sew the darts and use elastic instead for the waist. Katie explains it better than I do, so head on over to read her tute.
I used my TNT pencil skirt pattern, Simplicity 2452 (original review here).
I just shortened it and left the darts unsewn, then added the elastic. And wham bam, thank you ma’am, I had my double knit mini skirt that’s not so mini since I’m not that brave. I could go a little shorter, but I won’t change this version. Oh, will there be more versions you ask? You bet there will be. I love this skirt. I love the coverstitched hem too. This skirt is going to be a well-loved addition to my wardrobe. Oh and I slapdashed together a slip to wear under it because the double knit would stick to my tights in an unattractive way. This slip will never see the light of day. It is not pretty. But it works. So that’s all I’m going to say about that.
When I make it again (oh and I will as this is a great skirt for my new lifestyle), I will shave a little of the hip curve out and take it in at the waist a little. I have a little poofiness (or poi fines as Katie was auto-corrected on Facebook last night – so funny) at the waist. Not enough that I wouldn’t wear this version though. I’m just being picky.
I can’t wait to wear my new skirt tonight. The navy double knit in my stash is definitely gonna be made into this skirt as well. LOVE. THIS.
Thanks Katie!!!
Happy sewing!
You know I’m actually enjoying the process of you developing a new wardrobe for this new life. You should definitely make this skirt again because this one looks great on you. Have a wonderful time at the party!
Very pretty skirt and I like how you styled it. Have fun at your party.
I once typed moustache and had it corrected to mousy ache, and also as moist ache. Lol.
Bet you wore it well!
Great skirt
!
Wow…what a great tip! I have a great woven pencil skirt TNT…can’t wait to try this with some ponte knit….you look great in your mini!
I was thinking about double knit skirts yesterday. I’ve decided that I need several to help me through the last cold winter. My solution might be to use the bottom half of a double knit dress that I already love the fit of. I think I’ll need to add to the waist a little bit to accommodate getting it over my hips but I think it should be easy.
Cindy
Love, love, love it!! I’m glad my tute helped! It looks awesome!!
You look great, love the little skirt. Your whole outfit is lovely. The spot where you’ve taken pictures is so pretty also.
What a great idea! Your skirt looks perfect. Hope you had a great time at the party!
Simple yet awesome! It looks fantastic – one of those pieces I am sure you will get a ton of use out of because it will look great with so many things.
What a fun and easy make!