Eloise Skirt

Magic happens when a classic design and an eye-catching print go hand in hand, like this pairing by Amanda Walker. The best bit? You can recreate the winning formula for yourself in only four steps. We recommend keeping your styling simple: just pair Eloise with a plain tee – our version on page 24 will do nicely!

Essentials

Fabric, 2m (150cm)
Fusible lightweight interfacing
Concealed zip, 22cm
Hook and bar fastening

Cutting guide

Front and back skirt: cut two on the fold
Waistband: cut one in fabric and one in fusible interfacing
1.5cm seam allowance used throughout, unless otherwise stated.

Download the pattern from sewmag.co.uk, then print out and follow the cutting guide. Fuse interfacing to the waistband. Neaten one long edge of the waistband and the side edges of both skirt pieces. With right sides facing, pin and stitch the side seams of the skirt together.
Stitch down the entire length of the one seam and leave a 20cm gap at the top of the remaining seam to insert the zip; this will become the lefthand side seam. Press the seams open. Stitch the concealed zip into the opening using a zipper or concealed zipper foot.
Lay the waistband around the edge of the waistline, right sides facing, and sew in place, leaving the extension of the waistband protruding from the right-hand side. Fold the waistband in half lengthways, then stitch the left-hand end and the extension. Turn the waistband back over to the wrong side of the skirt.
Pin along the waistband on the right side of the skirt, then seal it by stitching in the ditch. Neaten around the base of the skirt, then fold and press up the 2cm hem. Hand stitch the hem in place by using a hemming or a herringbone stitch. Sew a hook and bar fastening to the ends of the waistband just above the top of the zip.