Anna pencil skirt

This versatile skirt by Amanda Walker is a wardrobe must-have this season, with its midi length and striking print. It’s simple to sew, with just three pattern pieces, and features a subtle slit at the centre front and a concealed zip side closure. Make in a statement cotton and team with a cami for an evening out, or choose a plain crêpe or lightweight wool to match with a sweater for boardroom chic.

Essentials

Stretch cotton, 1m
Fusible interfacing
Concealed zip, 9”
Hook and bar

Dimensions List

Finished Measurements
Small - Waist 68cm, Hip 91cm
Medium - Waist 72cm, Hip 95cm
Large - Waist 87cm, Hip 101cm
Use a 1.5cm seam allowance, except for the centre front seam which is 2cm

Sew a skirt

1 Download and print the pattern. Cut out the pieces from fabric and neaten the side and centre front seam edges by overlocking or zigzag stitching. Sew the darts at the top of the front skirt pieces and press them towards the centre front. Repeat on the back skirt and press the darts towards the centre back.

2 Stitch the centre front seams right sides together from the waist edge, as far as the notch for the split. Back tack to reinforce. Sew the front and back skirts right sides together at the side seams. On the left side seam, stitch as far as the notch, leaving a gap at the top for the zip. Press all the seams open.

3 To insert a concealed zip, fold and press the seam allowance along the side opening. Open out the seam allowance and with the right side of the fabric facing up, place the opened zip face down matching the teeth to the crease line in the seam allowance. Pin in place.

4 If you are using a concealed zipper foot, place the teeth of the zip into the groove and as you stitch, the foot will uncurl the teeth and the stitching will appear alongside. If you are using a normal zipper foot, you will need to uncurl the teeth with your fingertips. Stitch to the top of the side seam. Back stitch, then sew the other side of the zip in place. Carefully thread the zip pull through to the right side and pull up to close.

5 Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the waistband using a pressing cloth and plenty of steam. Pin the waistband to the top edge of the skirt with right sides facing. Pin in place leaving the hook and bar extension protruding from the back top side seam. Fold the waistband in half lengthways, right sides together, then stitch the ends.

6 Turn the waistband out, press the waist seam allowances up into the waistband, then turn in the 1.5cm seam allowance on the inside and match the folded line to the stitching line. Pin, then hand slip stitch in place. Add a hook and bar on either side of the waistband tab.

7 Overlock or zig zag stitch the hem of the skirt, then folder under 4cm and press. Hand stitch the hem from the corner of the front split with a hemming stitch, finishing on the opposite side of the slit.