Sew-Along - Butterick 6182 Skirt

The first project in our Fall Sew-Along is this cute a-line skirt, the Butterick Lisette B6182 pattern. You will require the pattern to best follow along with this post. Visit our previous post on Selecting a Pattern for more details.

I really like this skirt and found that the sewing went very quickly. I used a linen blend fabric which was great to work with and was an excellent choice for this skirt. If you are new to sewing, the most challenging parts may be the pocket facing and the invisible zipper. However, if you have an invisible zipper foot it will help make the sewing much easier. I also suggest that you have a needle and thread handy for some hand basting.

Style Details
This a-line skirt has an inverted centre pleat, side-front pockets with a pocket facing, a wide waistband and an invisible zipper.

Getting Started

I started by reviewing the pattern instruction sheets and confirming what steps were required to sew the skirt.

• The first step was to iron the fusible interfacing to the waistband fabric. To ensure that there are no wrinkles or bubbles I worked from one end of the waistband to the other.

• I then stay stitched the required pieces as instructed. I also finishing off the edges (skirt side seam and center back seam) with my serger. If you do not have a serger, you can finish with a zig zag stitch along the edges. On some sewing machines there is also a version of a cover stitch (refer to your sewing machine manual).

Sewing The Skirt

• I created a centre front pleat and used the iron to set it in place. The instructions suggest that you then baste the top of the pleat at the waist line.

• Next I sewed the pocket facing, which is a small strip of fabric on the inside edge of the pocket. I found it really helpful to iron and hand baste during this step.

• When I was finished facing the pockets, I serged the side seam edge of the pockets and continued to prepare the pockets as instructed. I then sewed the pockets onto the skirt using a topstitch. At this point, the front of the skirt was finished.

•  I then sewed the front and back pieces of the skirt together at the side seams and sewed the waistband to the skirt.

• The next step was to sew the invisible zipper to the back of the skirt. It is helpful to have an invisible zipper foot when sewing the invisible zipper; however, you can use a regular zipper foot for the job. In both cases, I suggest hand basting the zipper before stitching. If you do not get the perfect finish with your regular zipper foot you can try stitching a second time, closer to the zipper teeth. After sewing the zipper in place I sewed the back center seam.

• I then folded the waistband lengthwise towards the inside of the skirt and finished the ends as instructed. The pattern instructions suggest using a slip stitch to finish off the waistband on the inside. As an alternative, you can also topstitch the waistband, which can add a decorative touch.

• The final step was the hemline. I finished my hem by serging around the raw edge of the skirt, folding, pressing, then topstitching. Next, I passed the iron along the hem for a crisp finish. As an alternative, you can hand hem or use a blind hem stitch on your sewing machine (refer to your sewing machine manual).

Changes I Made
When I prepared the pocket, the notches did not line up at the side seams and waistband. I therefore focused on matching the side notches and ensured that the pocket laid flat at the waistband. The fraction of a difference at the waist is not noticeable and the pockets lay flat and look great.

What I Will Change
I really like the skirt and will love to make it again; however, I find the waistband a bit too wide and it gapes slightly. Next time I will make the waistband a bit narrower and adjust for the gaping. I will also try lining the pocket as an alternative to the pocket facing. I also think it will be great to make the facing with a contrasting fabric, which can add a decorative touch. Topstitching with a contrasting colour thread can also enhance the look of the skirt. I am also interested in trying this skirt in a light weight wool blend fabric.

A Note On Seam Finishes
Generally pattern instruction sheets do not cover how to finish your seam, you are simply given instructions for the amount of seam allowance. In the case of this skirt pattern, the seam allowance is 5/8". If you do not have a serger to finish your seams, you can leave your seam as is (but they may fray), or you can use a number of other seam finishing methods. You can use a zig zag stitch or a pinking shares. Some machines may also have a cover stitch that has a similar effect as a serger (refer to your sewing machine manual). Another option is to use seam binding or bias binding.

I hope you have found this sew-along helpful and I look forward to seeing your skirts. Remember to join us on Facebook and follow on Instagram. You are also invited to share your pics with us on the sew-along group or tag your pictures with #cssewalong. I hope you will join us for the rest of our sew-along. Our next project is cargo style pants, New Look 6005.

I have added some inspiration to our Pinterest fashion board to share how you can wear your new a-line skirt. Enjoy!

*This post was last updated on 11/24/2015

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Fall Wardrobe Sew-Along
How To Take Body Measurements
Selecting A Pattern
How To Prepare Fabric For Sewing
How To Cut Pattern And Fabric Pieces
Reviewing Pattern Instruction Sheet
Sew-Along - Butterick 6182 Skirt
Sew-Along - New Look 6005 Pants
Sew-Along - Burda 6820 T-Shirt