Stylish Skirts. Sato Watanabe

      The silhouette of this skirt widens towards the hem, which hangs straight. This is achieved by joining trapezoid shapes on the diagonal and attaching a straight hem panel. The end result looks a bit like a snail shell. This skirt would look cute with lace or some other decoration along the skirt panel seams too. The zip is inserted in line with the diagonal seams.

      how to make→page 54-55

      Irregular Gathering

      Ⓙ Skirt with Irregular Gathering

      This skirt has gathering at irregular intervals. At the center back, the gathering is lower than at the front for a change of focus. The waist cord can be tied at the side for a different look. Their versatility is one of the great things about skirts sewn using straight lines.

      how to make→page 56-57

      Wrap Skirt

      Ⓚ Wrap Skirt with Frilled Edge

      By adding darts around the waist, a skirt drafted and sewn with straight lines becomes more three-dimensional. A gathered frill has been added along the front edge and hem for a sweet touch.

      how to make→page 58-59

      Pleated Skirts

      Ⓛ Trapezoid Skirt with Line Detail

      This trapezoid pattern confirms how pleats can create a pleasing silhouette. Joining pleats to panels means that the hem doesn’t flare out too much.

      A line of white tape attached near the hemline sharpens the look.

      Enjoy a grown-up, nautical style in this skirt that’s much more than plain old navy and white.

      how to make→page 60-62

      Denim Skirt

      Ⓜ Denim Skirt with Patch Pocket

      When using denim, I think a simple design is desirable. This skirt has seams positioned at the front right and center back, and the small patch pocket at the front and larger version at the back add subtle details. Waist darts have been added to flatter the hip area.

      how to make→page 64-67

      Tuck & Lace

      Ⓝ Tucked and Gathered Cotton Skirt

      In pink and trimmed with lace, this skirt embodies loveliness. Brown grosgrain ribbon has been threaded through the eyelet lace trim, perhaps giving something of a streamlining effect. Use a heavy material to tone down the volume and transform the skirt into a more elegant design.

      how to make→page 68-69

      Tweed

      Ⓞ Tweed Skirt with Panel Detail

      This slightly avant-garde skirt has been created by joining squares and triangles of fabric. It hangs smoothly at the back, but is more expressive in the front. Have fun styling it with boots that peek out from under the hem. It would look cute made in denim too.

      how to make→page 70-73

      Balloon Skirt

      Ⓟ Long Balloon Skirt

      The secret to creating a balloon skirt lies in the lining. By gathering the voluminous hem of the outer layer and stitching it to a closer-fitting lining, the material draws up to form a pleasant balloon hemline. Tucks at the waistline give it a neat fit.

      how to make→page 74-79

      Black Balloon

      Ⓠ Black Balloon Skirt

      This mid-length balloon skirt suits both dressed-up and more casual outfits. Use a stiff fabric to create a more voluminous silhouette. A cord is used around the waist, making for flexible sizing.

      how to make→page 74-79

      Shirring

      Ⓡ Skirt with Shirred Yoke and Lace Belt

      This skirt has evenly-spaced shirring around the waist and hips. It’s based on a gathered skirt but the shirring means it fits well around the hips. The skirt has a slight bell shape, and the waist belt uses the same lace as the trim around the hem.