sew a skirt

1 Download and print the pattern, then cut out referring to the cutting guide. Turn the top pocket to the right side along the fold line, and stitch down the corner nearest the centre front on both pockets. Trim the bulk from the corners and turn the pocket facings back to the wrong side. Adjust your sewing machine to a larger stitch and sew a row along the seam line, 1.5cm away from the cut edge. To help neaten the edge of the pockets and make a smooth curve to the base corners, pull the threads of the stitching line up slightly. Press the edge of the fold and trim away the bulk from the curved corners.

2 Position the pockets on the notches indicated on the pattern on the side seams. Pin in place and edge stitch down the edges nearest to the centre front and across the base. Neaten the skirt seams by overlocking or zigzag stitching the side seam and centre back seam edges. The pocket edges will be neatened along with the side seams.

3 Stitch the darts at the top of the back skirt and press toward the centre back. Sew the centre back seam together from the hem edge, as far as the notch for the zip opening, then back tack to reinforce the end of this seam. Stitch the front and back skirts together. Press all the seams open at the side seams.