{"id":3588,"date":"2021-05-29T14:45:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-29T18:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/?p=3588"},"modified":"2021-05-29T14:32:47","modified_gmt":"2021-05-29T18:32:47","slug":"how-to-choose-fabric","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/how-to-choose-fabric\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose Fabric &#8211; How to Sew A Skirt Series"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Welcome to Episode 1 in the How to Sew A Skirt Sew-along series. \u00a0The subject for today is: \u00a0Overview, tools and equipment,<strong> and how to choose fabric.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Button.jpg\" alt=\"How to Sew A Skirt. Beginners tutorial series covers fabric, patterns, cutting out, darts, zipper, lining, hems and more. You can totally learn to sew from this set of tutorials - from So Sew Easy.\" class=\"wp-image-3613 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Button.jpg 350w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Button-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Button-150x150.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 350px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 350\/350;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Button.jpg\" alt=\"How to Sew A Skirt. Beginners tutorial series covers fabric, patterns, cutting out, darts, zipper, lining, hems and more. You can totally learn to sew from this set of tutorials - from So Sew Easy.\" class=\"wp-image-3613\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Button.jpg 350w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Button-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Button-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let's have a look at the skirt we are going to make together. &nbsp;It's a simple skirt but flattering and versatile. &nbsp;Can be made in a casual fabric for days off or a formal fabric for days at the office or even from a glamorous and glittery fabric for evenings out and special occasions. &nbsp;Make it mini, knee-length, long or floor-length easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-sew-a-long.jpg\" alt=\"How to Sew A Skirt. Beginners tutorial series covers fabric, patterns, cutting out, darts, zipper, lining, hems and more. You can totally learn to sew from this set of tutorials - from So Sew Easy.\" class=\"wp-image-3894 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-sew-a-long.jpg 600w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-sew-a-long-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-sew-a-long-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-sew-a-long-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/400;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-sew-a-long.jpg\" alt=\"How to Sew A Skirt. Beginners tutorial series covers fabric, patterns, cutting out, darts, zipper, lining, hems and more. You can totally learn to sew from this set of tutorials - from So Sew Easy.\" class=\"wp-image-3894\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-sew-a-long.jpg 600w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-sew-a-long-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-sew-a-long-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-sew-a-long-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The basic straight skirt is a wardrobe essential and once you have your custom pattern you can make a whole series of these in different fabrics knowing that each one is going to fit you beautifully without any fiddling about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The skirt we will make in this sew-along has a center back invisible zipper, darts front and back, sits just below the waist (or where ever you choose) and is fully lined. &nbsp;I'm going to concentrate on good sewing finishes and will show you how you can make a skirt that rivals many ready-to-wear in terms of its fit and finish. &nbsp;And mostly probably at a fraction of the price for what you might spend on a good quality skirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tools and Equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To do a job well, you really do need the right tools and equipment. &nbsp;You won't need a lot and much of it you probably already have. &nbsp;Let's look at what we will be using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Paper, pen, ruler, calculator, <a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/l\/measuring_tape\" title=\"Amazon.com: Singer 60-Inch Tape Measure: Arts, Crafts &amp;amp; Sewing\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\">measuring tape<\/a>, scissors<\/li><li>Fabric scissors, pins<\/li><li>Fabric, lining fabric and matching thread<\/li><li>A sewing machine and multi-purpose needle<\/li><li>A zipper foot, having an adjustable zipper foot and an invisible zipper foot will work best but you can make do with just a regular zipper foot too. &nbsp;We will talk more about zippers later.<\/li><li>An invisible zipper &#8211; about 8 or 9 inches long to match your fabric<\/li><li>An iron<\/li><li>Some time&#8230; a little at a time is fine.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to choose fabric for your skirt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We will be using a woven fabric for the skirt, and nothing stretchy like a jersey or knit fabric. If you have a fabric &#8216;stash'you most likely already have something suitable, if not, then you'll need to visit your local fabric store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"265\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ID-10018471.jpg\" alt=\"How to choose fabric - part of the Sew A Skirt series on So Sew Easy\" class=\"wp-image-3626 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ID-10018471.jpg 400w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ID-10018471-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ID-10018471-150x99.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 400px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 400\/265;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"265\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ID-10018471.jpg\" alt=\"How to choose fabric - part of the Sew A Skirt series on So Sew Easy\" class=\"wp-image-3626\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ID-10018471.jpg 400w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ID-10018471-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ID-10018471-150x99.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Image courtesy of Bill Longshaw \/ <a href=\"http:\/\/www.freedigitalphotos.net\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FreeDigitalPhotos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fabric stores vary in how they are laid out, but you will basically find fabrics next to each other that have similar fibers and characteristics. &nbsp;If in doubt, ask one of the assistants for advice &#8211; tell them what you plan to sew and when and where you plan to wear your skirt and they can give you some suggestions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you find a fabric you like the look of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Unroll the fabric bolt a little and have a look at how the fabric hangs (called its drape). Do you like the feel of it? Is it soft or stiff? Is the fabric scratchy?<\/li><li>Unroll a couple of feet and hang it from your waist. &nbsp;Does it look like this fabric is right for you? Would you wear this print in a skirt? &nbsp;Do you have something to wear on top that will go with it?<\/li><li>Look at the fiber content and care instructions. &nbsp;Check the width of the fabric. &nbsp;A very narrow bolt such as 44 inches might require you to buy twice as much fabric as one that comes 54 or even 60 inches wide.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are a beginner I recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Cotton &#8211; you can use <a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/quilting-fabric.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Quilting cotton<\/a> if you fancy a trendy or designer print<\/li><li>Cotton Lawn or Voile<\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/SearchResults2.aspx?Source=Header&SearchText=poplin&CategoryID=1d5f47dc-9991-4088-93f3-26a376046a5e&\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Poplin<\/a><\/li><li>Poly cotton &#8211; mix of cotton and polyester, easy care<\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/SearchResults2.aspx?Source=Header&SearchText=stretch+cotton&CategoryID=1d5f47dc-9991-4088-93f3-26a376046a5e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stretch cotton<\/a> &#8211; has just a little bit of give in the fabric but not what you might call stretchy<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Use plain colors or small prints. &nbsp;Avoid stripes and big patterns if you are new to sewing &#8211; it can be very difficult to match them well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have more experience, you could also try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/apparel-fashion-fabric.aspx?fabric-type=satin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Satin<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/apparel-fashion-fabric.aspx?fabric-type=velvet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Velvet<\/a><\/li><li>Corduroy<\/li><li>Chiffon or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/apparel-fashion-fabric-lace-fabric.aspx?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lace<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/apparel-fashion-fabric-linen-fabric.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Linen.<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/apparel-fashion-fabric-denim-fabric.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Denim<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/apparel-fashion-fabric-special-occasion-fabric.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Other<\/a>&nbsp;of your choice<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your lining fabric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We are making a full lining for this skirt. &nbsp;Of course not all skirts are lined, but it gives it a nice hang, makes it feel comfortable and expensive to wear, covers any seams on the inside, and can make the skirt last longer and prevent stretching out at the rear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-tutorial-091.jpg\" alt=\"How to sew a skirt. Fill skirt sewing instructions from pattern drafting, to darts, zipper, lining and finishing. From So Sew Easy.\" class=\"wp-image-3607 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-tutorial-091.jpg 400w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-tutorial-091-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-tutorial-091-150x113.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 400px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 400\/300;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-tutorial-091.jpg\" alt=\"How to sew a skirt. Fill skirt sewing instructions from pattern drafting, to darts, zipper, lining and finishing. From So Sew Easy.\" class=\"wp-image-3607\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-tutorial-091.jpg 400w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-tutorial-091-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Skirt-tutorial-091-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several fabrics you can use to line the skirt:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A plain lightweight cotton or cotton <a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/apparel-fashion-fabric-broadcloth-fabric.aspx?usage=lining\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Broadcloth.<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/SearchResults2.aspx?Source=Header&SearchText=pongee&CategoryID=1d5f47dc-9991-4088-93f3-26a376046a5e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pongee<\/a> &#8211; a lightweight satiny feel fabric &#8211; I used this on my skirt<\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/SearchResults2.aspx?Source=Header&SearchText=bemberg&CategoryID=1d5f47dc-9991-4088-93f3-26a376046a5e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bemberg lining<\/a> &#8211; anti-static and luxurious feeling<\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/SearchResults2.aspx?Source=Header&SearchText=china+silk&CategoryID=1d5f47dc-9991-4088-93f3-26a376046a5e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">China Silk<\/a> &#8211; soft and lightweight<\/li><li>See more <a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/links\/7948432\/type\/dlg\/https:\/\/www.fabric.com\/apparel-fashion-fabric-lining-fabric.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lining options<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If in doubt, ask the store assistant for their advice. &nbsp;Your lining fabric will normally be a lighter weight than the outer fabric you have chosen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much fabric to buy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You will need to buy a piece of fabric that is wide enough to go around you once at your widest part, plus an extra 8 inches. &nbsp;It will need to be long enough to go from waist to the length of the skirt plus 6 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally speaking, assuming a 54-60 inch wide fabric, one yard would be ideal. &nbsp;Buy the same for your lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you have a large pattern repeat, and want to match the pattern at the center back seam, you will need to buy additional fabric to do that. &nbsp;Perhaps two yards depending on the length of your skirt and the size of the pattern repeat. A future episode will deal with pattern matching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preparing your fabric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A VERY important step before cutting your fabric is to prepare it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"248\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110-500x248.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-69721 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110-500x248.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110-300x149.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110-768x381.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110-150x74.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110-250x124.jpg 250w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110.jpg 1000w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/248;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"248\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110-500x248.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-69721\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110-500x248.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110-300x149.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110-768x381.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110-150x74.jpg 150w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110-250x124.jpg 250w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_165717110.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>New fabrics will often\/sometimes shrink when washed for the first time or even first few times. &nbsp;So you must wash, dry and iron your fabric in the same way that you would wash, dry and iron your finished skirt. &nbsp;Do this at least once, twice is better just to be sure. &nbsp; You can pin the fabric inside a pillow case to stop it getting too wound up in the machine and to reduce any fraying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note of any care instructions when you buy the fabric and ask at the shop if you aren't sure. &nbsp;Don't end up with a dry-clean only fabric for a skirt you plan to wear all the time or it will soon lose some of its appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learning more about fabric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to learn more about fabric and which <a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/plastic-free-living-organic-bamboo-fabric\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fabrics<\/a> are suitable for which clothing projects, I can recommend a couple of good books on the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1584799560\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1584799560&linkCode=as2&tag=soseea-20\">Fabrics A to Z: The Essential Guide to Choosing and Using Fabric for Sewing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1856696693\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1856696693&linkCode=as2&tag=soseea-20\">Fabric for Fashion: The Swatch Book<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our next steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Join me soon for the next step in our Sew A Skirt series &#8211; <a title=\"The skirt pattern, ease and seam allowances \u2013 How to Sew A Skirt Series\" href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/the-skirt-pattern-and-seam-allowances\/\">Drafting your custom fit pattern, and all about ease and seam allowances<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"301\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/pencil-skirt-sloper-017.jpg\" alt=\"Drafting a custom fit pencil skirt pattern. Part of the Sew A Skirt Series from So Sew Easy. Includes pattern drafting, fabric choice, darts, zipper, lining and hems. Learn to sew with these easy lessons. So Sew Easy.com\" class=\"wp-image-3648 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/pencil-skirt-sloper-017.jpg 400w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/pencil-skirt-sloper-017-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/pencil-skirt-sloper-017-150x113.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 400px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 400\/301;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"301\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/pencil-skirt-sloper-017.jpg\" alt=\"Drafting a custom fit pencil skirt pattern. Part of the Sew A Skirt Series from So Sew Easy. Includes pattern drafting, fabric choice, darts, zipper, lining and hems. Learn to sew with these easy lessons. So Sew Easy.com\" class=\"wp-image-3648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/pencil-skirt-sloper-017.jpg 400w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/pencil-skirt-sloper-017-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/pencil-skirt-sloper-017-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n<h2>If You'd Like To Support Our Site<\/h2>\r\nIf you want to help us continue to bring you a wide selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/free-sewing-patterns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">free sewing patterns<\/a> and projects, please consider buying us a coffee.\u00a0 We'd really, really appreciate it.\r\n\r\n<center><div class=\"ko-fi-button\" data-text=\"Buy me a coffee!\" data-color=\"#ff5f5f\" data-code=\"\" id=\"kofiShortcode526Html\" style=\"float: none; text-align: left;\"><\/div><\/center>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to Episode 1 in the How to Sew A Skirt Sew-along series. \u00a0The subject for today is: \u00a0Overview, tools and equipment, and how to choose fabric. Overview Let&#8217;s have a look at the skirt we are going to make together. &nbsp;It&#8217;s a simple skirt but flattering and versatile. &nbsp;Can \u2026 <a class=\"continue-reading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/how-to-choose-fabric\/\"> Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr; <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":309,"featured_media":3626,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wds_primary_category":0},"categories":[5,160,4,89,10,38],"tags":[51],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3588"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/309"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3588"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3588\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":69723,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3588\/revisions\/69723"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3626"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3588"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3588"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3588"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}