Fitted Paneled Skirt With Back Tails
Introducing a women's made-to-measure sewing pattern for a sleek, paneled skirt distinguished by its unique tiered "tails" design at the back hem, offering both sophisticated structure and graceful movement.
When To Wear
This elegant skirt is perfect for occasions demanding a refined yet unique silhouette, making it an excellent choice for:
- Professional Settings: a distinctive and polished option for business meetings or upscale office environments.
- Formal & Evening Events: Its unique flounced back provides a sophisticated touch suitable for parties or dinners.
- Fashion-Forward Styling: a statement piece that pairs well with classic blouses for an elevated ensemble.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: a fitted, pencil-style skirt through the hips and thighs, gracefully flaring out at the back hem with a distinctive tiered design.
Waist: Features a structured waistband that sits at the natural waist, providing a tailored and flattering fit.
Front: Sculpted with angled panel seams that contribute to the contoured fit and add subtle visual interest.
Back: Defined by a unique construction of layered "tails" or flounces at the lower back, creating a visually striking, ruffled silhouette that moves beautifully.
Closure: Fastens with a discreet invisible zipper located at the back, secured with a single button at the waistband.
Length: Designed to fall to a sophisticated midi length, typically below the knee.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. This pattern requires precision in assembling multiple panels, setting an invisible zipper, and skillfully constructing the layered, bias-bound flounces at the back hem.
Fabric Recommendations
Opt for soft, easily draping fabrics with some body, made from natural or blended fibers, to best achieve the skirt's sculpted fit and flowing "tails":
- Wool crepe
- Gabardine
- Heavy satin
- Blended suiting fabrics
Additional Supplies
- Fusible interfacing
- 1 invisible zipper
- 1 button
- Bias tape (length specified on the front skirt panel pattern piece)
- Lining fabric
Cutter's Must
- From main fabric:
- Front skirt half - 1 qty
- Front side skirt half – 2 qty
- Front upper side skirt half – 2 qty
- Back upper skirt half – 2 qty
- Back side skirt half – 2 qty
- Back side2 skirt half – 2 qty
- Lower central back – 1 qty
- Large tail – 1 qty
- Small tail – 1 qty
- Waistband – 1 qty
- From fusible interfacing:
- Waistband – 1 qty
- From lining fabric:
- Front lining – 1 qty
- Back lining – 2 qty
Sewing Instructions
- Reinforce the waistband with fusible interfacing.
- Fold the bias binding in half lengthwise and press. Finish the lower edges of the tails and the lower central back with bias binding. Place the large tail onto the right side of the lower central, then the small tail, align the upper edges, and secure with a stitch 0.5 cm from the edge.
- Attach the side 2 skirt half to the lower central. Begin the stitch from the upper corner because the lower edges of the pieces do not match (the central has finished lower seam allowances, while the side does not). Overlock the seams and press them towards the side.
- Attach the side skirt half to the side 2 skirt half. Overlock the seams and press them towards the side 2. Stitch the back side and front side skirt halves together. Overlock the seam and press it towards the back.
- Stitch the darts on the back upper skirt half. Press the dart folds towards the center. Overlock the center edges of the back. Stitch the edge from the notches for the zipper to the lower edge. Press the seam allowances open. Insert the zipper. Stitch the back and front upper skirt halves together. Overlock the seam and press it towards the back. Stitch the slanted relief seam, connecting the upper and lower parts of the skirt. Overlock the seam and press it upwards. Attach the front central skirt half to the skirt. Overlock the seams and press them towards the center.
- Mark and stitch the darts on the lining of the front and back skirt halves. Press the dart folds towards the center. Stitch the side edges. Press towards the back and overlock. Overlock the center edges of the back lining. Stitch the edges from the notches for the zipper to the lower edge. Overlock the lower lining allowance, fold it inwards, and topstitch.
- Place the skirt with the lining, align the upper edges, and secure them.
- Attach the waistband to the upper edge of the skirt. Finish the ends of the waistband, trim the seam allowances at the corners, and turn out. Fold the inner edge of the waistband and topstitch into the attachment seam. Press the waistband in its finished state.
- Overlock the hem allowance, press it to the wrong side, and hem with blind stitches.
- Mark and overlock the buttonhole. Sew on the button.
