The Pleated Pencil Skirt: Inside and Out
By Allie
Allie is the co-founder of Indiesew and creator of all things pretty on the site. Follow Allie and receive other Indiesew updates by subscribing to the blog.
The Arctic Blast has arrived here in the US and I’m more than happy to be snuggled up in the Indiesew HQ blogging, sewing and taking photos. I’m totally giddy about today's post, in part because I’m so incredibly proud of something I sewed, but also because the world needs to know more about the Pleated Pencil Skirt by Delia Creates. This longtime blogger and brand new designer made the online sewing community's jaw drop with her first women's sewing pattern. I can’t wait to show you why.
If you haven’t heard all the hub-bub yet, the Indiesew Winter Collection has launched and the Pleated Pencil Skirt is one of the foundation patterns within the bundle. I’ve had my eye on this pattern since it launched, knowing it would be perfect for the Winter Collection. Pencil skirts are such a great wardrobe basic that can be worn year round and they flatter most body types. The Pleated Pencil Skirt is all of that and more.
Pattern Details
The Pleated Pencil Skirt is a high-waisted fitted skirt. For most women around 5’5” tall, you can expect the skirt to fall right at knee-length. If you’re taller or shorter than 5’5”, the pattern has detailed instructions for shortening or lengthening the skirt. It should be noted that this sewing pattern contains just two pattern pieces! That means minimal printing, taping, tracing and cutting. Thank you, Delia.
For any fitted sewing pattern, I always recommend sewing a muslin (a test version in muslin or other inexpensive fabric) before cutting into expensive fabric. This skirt is no exception and will be well worth the extra effort.
Darts
Like most fitted skirts, the Pleated Pencil skirt features two front darts and two back darts to provide shape around our hips and butts. The dart placement was spot-on for my pear shaped body.
Kick Pleat
One of the most unique features of the Pleated Pencil Skirt, and the origin of the pattern name, is no doubt the rear kick pleat. I’d guess that most women have had a run in with a pencil skirt that was impossible to walk in, purely because the circumference of the skirt around the knees was just way too small. Delia’s kick pleat allows for easy movement with this fun, unexpected detail. Plus, kick pleat is fun to say and even more fun to sew. You’ll see.
Invisible Zipper
The invisible zipper, sigh. I just love these things. I just recently mastered the invisible zipper, and now I want to put one in everything. The Pleated Pencil Skirt’s zipper runs up the side of the skirt and is completely concealed. The fabric I sewed my skirt in was a bit heavier than recommended, hence there was a bit of bulk right around the waistband seam making it a bit hard to zip up initially. But the more I use the zipper, the easier it is to pull up and down.
Full Lining
Ah, this detail is arguably the best part of this entire pattern. The Pleated Pencil Skirt is completely, and totally lined with zero raw fabric edges showing from the inside. This pattern feature nearly always blows my mind, leaving me thinking, “How is that possible?!”. But alas, it is possible, and will have you beaming with pride as you finish up your skirt. What’s even better, this lining is sewn in entirely with your machine. No hand sewing makes me so happy.
Fabric Recommendations
Delia recommends using light to midweight apparel fabrics for this pattern. Suiting, chambray, linen, or wool would produce great results! I chose this denim from Imagine Gnats, and decided after much deliberation to use the wrong side of the fabric as the visible fabric. I am so happy with that decision, as the wrong side has a bit of slub that makes this skirt one that can be easily dressed up or down. For the lining I used a lightweight purple polyester that was very silky and had great drape.
Wearing Your Pleated Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts are quite possibly the easiest wardrobe item to style, next to a pair of skinny jeans. That’s because nearly any shirt tucked into them looks great!
I’m currently loving the dressed down pencil skirt trend, like this. With a Lane Raglan and Cowl Scarf paired with your Pleated Pencil Skirt you’ll be totally pulling off that dressed-up-dressed-down look.
If you need more pencil skirt inspiration, head on over to our Winter Collection Lookbook to see more. Also, check out what Indiesew creators are making by browsing the Pleated Pencil Skirt Creations. Make sure you’re following our board on Pinterest for daily sewing inspiration!
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