Sarah Wraparound Skirt
Introduce Spring into your wardrobe with this super easy to make SARAH WRAPAROUND SKIRT!
Hey, I’m Lorna, a lover of all things crafty, especially sewing and hand embroidery. You’ll catch me making coffee at Workshop or behind an embroidery hoop with a tea and a Hobnob. Other than studying Textiles at school, I have taught myself and learnt from other sewers. Most of my experience is making homeware and accessories; cushions, decorations, bags and aprons. You name it, my friends and family have received it as a birthday present. However, now I’m on a mission to create a sustainable, handmade wardrobe so I’m giving the beaut Workshop patterns a go!
Sarah Wraparound Skirt Pattern - Why I Chose It
I’ve been eyeing up the WORKSHOP SARAH WRAPAROUND SKIRT for a while and with the encouragement of a little bit of sunshine, I decided to give it a go. I’m so glad I did! I’d been getting tired of my winter wardrobe of black jeans and a turtle neck (almost daily) and was ready for a bit of a wardrobe revamp. And what better way to introduce a bit of spring into your wardrobe than with a midi skirt?! And even better… a midi skirt that looks effortlessly chic and is really easy to make?
As someone who has been away from the sewing machine for a little bit of time, this was a really nice project to get back into. This would also be perfect for a beginner as the skirt is very straight forward. It’s just made from three large panels; front, back and then the front wrap over panel along with some bias binding. Minimal faff and maximum result is right up my street.
Materials
This pattern requires minimal material:
- Fabric - 165cm (for a size 10, 140cm width)
- Bias binding - 250cm
I made the skirt in 100% polyester crepe material which was really easy to sew with and the finished product has a really nice drape. I like a more simplistic look to my wardrobe so I opted for this in black (I didn't want to venture too far away from my comfort zone) as I know I will wear it over and over again.
Check out the fabric here… BLACK POLYESTER CREPE FABRIC
However, if you want to be a little bit more adventurous, this pattern is so versatile that it would also look great in so many different fabrics. Especially a funky floral number to get you in the mood for spring/summer. I’ve only just finished making this one and I’m already eyeing up some floral fabric from Workshop to make skirt number two!
Take a look at the black floral viscose BLACK FLORAL VISCOSE HERE.
Getting Started (Cutting and Lay Plan)
Following the instructions from the pattern, I got started by cutting out my pattern pieces. As the Workshop patterns are based on UK standard sizes (6-16), you can be pretty confident knowing what size you’ll need. I’m around a size 10 or 12, I cut mine to a size 10 and it fits great. The great thing about a wraparound skirt is that the design is pretty forgiving sizewise. So there’s not much room for error. Nevertheless, it’s probably best to measure up!
Depending on the width of your fabric (115cm or 140cm), the pattern illustrates how best to lay out the pieces. This saves you fiddling around trying to place the pieces together like a jigsaw. Also, the pattern includes a 1cm seam allowance, which means way less faff getting out the ruler and chalk and adding on your seam allowances - I really appreciated these time saving additions!
Construction and Techniques
I overlocked all my seams (partly because I don’t have the steadiest of hands when cutting) and then I got to work on the construction. The instructions were so easy to follow, simply stitching down the two side seams and leaving a small gap on the right-hand side which allows for the bias binding to run through when the skirt is finished. It’s a really satisfying make as you can really see your progress just after the first two seams have been sewn.
I hemmed the skirt and stitched a rectangle around the small gap on the right-hand side. I did this by hand as top-stitching is visible to the outside of the garment and I wanted to make it as neat as possible. My hand embroidery brain took over and I felt more comfortable and in control doing it by hand. In hindsight, it would have been much quicker and sturdier if I did it on the machine. Now for the finishing touch to bring it all together, the bias binding.
There is a really useful section on the Workshop patterns that talks about the techniques you will need. On the Sarah pattern, bias binding is explained for those who aren't too sure what it is or how to use it. It’s also just a great refresher for someone like me who hasn't used bias binding since textiles at school!
Voila!
Once the bias binding is all attached and sewn, you are done! Honestly, as simple as that. I am really impressed with how mine turned out. It’s such a flattering fit and it’s a great staple for any wardrobe. It can be worn over and over again, from the office to a sunny weekend picnic in the park paired with some converse and a casual tee.
Now, I’m off to make skirt number 2!
MAKE YOUR OWN SARAH SKIRT WITH PATTERN AVAILABLE HERE
OR WHY NOT JOIN US FOR A SEW ALONG?