{"id":39,"date":"2013-03-28T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2013-03-28T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/?p=39"},"modified":"2019-08-04T20:39:50","modified_gmt":"2019-08-05T00:39:50","slug":"making-a-pencil-skirt-sloper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/making-a-pencil-skirt-sloper\/","title":{"rendered":"Making a pencil skirt sloper and the resulting skirt"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!--INFOLINKS_ON--><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Why design your own pencil skirt sloper pattern?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Have you EVER owned a pencil skirt that fit you properly? \u00a0I find\u00a0the\u00a0ready to wear either gape in the waist, or are too tight across the hip or thigh or the darts aren't right. \u00a0I guess perhaps my waist to hip ratio does not match the ideal hourglass figure. \u00a0Neither is my widest point in\u00a0the\u00a0regular hip &#8211; I am a true pear with my thighs wider than my hips but with a very square waist to hips too.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2208\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2208\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2208 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"300\" height=\"415\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-217x300.jpg 217w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-108x150.jpg 108w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/415;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2208\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2208\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"300\" height=\"415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-217x300.jpg 217w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-108x150.jpg 108w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/noscript><p id=\"caption-attachment-2208\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Does your skirt fit like this? You need a custom pattern.<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Now that I can sew (a little) I thought it was about time I tried to rectify this with my own pencil skirt. \u00a0But buying a pattern would not solve the problems and would require so many alterations and it's so difficult to fit on myself\u00a0without\u00a0any help. \u00a0So drafting my own pattern from scratch seemed to be the way to go. \u00a0I know you all love free sewing patterns as much as I do, so let's give this a go.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I'm going to show you how you can make your own custom pattern too.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2225\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2225\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2225 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0171-500x376.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"500\" height=\"376\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/376;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2225\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2225\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0171-500x376.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"500\" height=\"376\" \/><\/noscript><p id=\"caption-attachment-2225\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Want to make your own perfectly fitting skirt pattern &#8211; read on!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>How to make a pencil skirt sloper<\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of tutorials online and I took inspiration from several to eventually come up with a system that worked for me and I drafted my pattern as follows:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Take measurements at the natural waistline and at the widest part of the body (hips, bottom or thighs if needed).<\/li>\n<li>If you have a tape measure that uses centimeters, I recommend using that for this pattern drafting as it will give a more accurate\u00a0measurement\u00a0than using inches. \u00a0If you cannot use centimeters, then try to be as accurate as possible with your measurements in inches for the best finished result. \u00a0Do not round to the nearest inch. <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Mark on the body where the\u00a0measurements\u00a0were taken, or tie around a piece of string or loose elastic and then\u00a0measure\u00a0the vertical distance between your measurements from waist to widest part of the body.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2205 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy-218x300.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - measuring for your pencil skirt sloper\" width=\"218\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy-218x300.jpg 218w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy-473x650.jpg 473w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy-768x1055.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy-1118x1536.jpg 1118w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy-109x150.jpg 109w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy.jpg 1165w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 218px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 218\/300;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2205\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy-218x300.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - measuring for your pencil skirt sloper\" width=\"218\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy-218x300.jpg 218w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy-473x650.jpg 473w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy-768x1055.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy-1118x1536.jpg 1118w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy-109x150.jpg 109w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/croquis1-copy.jpg 1165w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px\" \/><\/noscript><\/li>\n<li>Measure how long you want your\u00a0standard\u00a0skirt length from waist to hemline.<\/li>\n<li>Use large sheets of paper or tape together enough smaller pieces until you make up a piece of paper big enough to draw your pattern. \u00a0Many sewists like to use <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B000PNEWVU\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000PNEWVU&linkCode=as2&tag=soseea-20\">Sewable Swedish Tracing Paper<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;\" src=\"http:\/\/www.assoc-amazon.com\/e\/ir?t=soseea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000PNEWVU\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" \/>\u00a0or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B007AH74VO\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007AH74VO&linkCode=as2&tag=soseea-20\">Medical Pattern Paper<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;\" src=\"http:\/\/www.assoc-amazon.com\/e\/ir?t=soseea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007AH74VO\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" \/>\u00a0for pattern making &#8211; it's strong enough to use again and again and can even be pinned to the body to check for fit.<\/li>\n<li>Make the paper the length of your skirt plus 4 inches, and the width of your widest measurement, divided by two and add back 4 inches. \u00a0This will give you some working area and allow for you to write down your measurements and calculations.<\/li>\n<li>Now draw a rectangle in the center of your paper which is the length of your finished skirt\u00a0measurement\u00a0from waist to hem, and the 1\/2 width of your widest measurement plus sitting ease. \u00a0We will need some &#8216;ease' in our skirt if it is not to be skin tight and then split when we sit down and our bottom and thighs expand. \u00a0So add some ease to your hip\u00a0measurement\u00a0&#8211; for slimmer bodies allow 1.5cm, for softer bodies allow 2.5cm. \u00a0Example &#8211; my hip\u00a0measurement\u00a0is 99 centimeters, so I divide by two to get 49.5 cm, add on 1.5 cm for ease and make my rectangle 51 cm wide.<\/li>\n<li>Length A to B is the length of the skirt from waist to hemline excluding the width of any waistband.<\/li>\n<li>Length A to C is the hip\u00a0measurement\u00a0divided by two, plus your ease of 1.5 or 2.5cm.<\/li>\n<li>Now find the center of the line at the top and bottom and draw a vertical line down the center to make two pattern pieces. \u00a0On the right hand side, make this the skirt front and mark that it is to be cut on the fold. \u00a0The left hand piece is the skirt back.<\/li>\n<li>Add a hip line D to E across the full width and down from the waistline according to your\u00a0measurement\u00a0from waist to hip. \u00a0Length A to D is the waist down to hip\u00a0measurement.<\/li>\n<li>Your basic pattern should look like this so far. \u00a0I'm working in miniature so it is easier to\u00a0photograph!\n<p><div id=\"attachment_2212\" style=\"width: 496px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2212\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2212 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-486x650.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"486\" height=\"650\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-486x650.jpg 486w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-768x1027.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-112x150.jpg 112w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021.jpg 1831w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 486px) 100vw, 486px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 486px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 486\/650;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2212\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2212\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-486x650.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"486\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-486x650.jpg 486w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-768x1027.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021-112x150.jpg 112w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-0021.jpg 1831w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 486px) 100vw, 486px\" \/><\/noscript><p id=\"caption-attachment-2212\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The basic rectangle of length and hips plus sitting ease.<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n<li>Our bodies are curved at the waist so we need to curve our pattern. \u00a0First mark across on each side for a quarter of the waist\u00a0measurement\u00a0plus 4.25cm for the two darts on the back, and quarter\u00a0waist\u00a0plus 2.25 cm for the one dart on the front. \u00a0Make these points F and G.<\/li>\n<li>Now measure up 1.5cm from F and G and make these points H and I. \u00a0Draw lines from H to A and from I to C. \u00a0Make these lines slightly curved.<\/li>\n<li>Now to add the darts &#8211; let's do the front first. \u00a0The dart should be centered 4 inches from the fold, so measure in 4 inches and make a mark on the waistline. \u00a0This is the center of the dart. \u00a0Now measure out 1cm on each side of your mark and these are the outsides of your dark. \u00a0Mark. \u00a0The length of your front dart is 10cm and it should run parallel to the skirt front. Draw up the dart, joining up the points you just marked.<\/li>\n<li>It should look like this.\n<p><div id=\"attachment_2217\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2217\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2217 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-005-500x375.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/375;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2217\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2217\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-005-500x375.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" \/><\/noscript><p id=\"caption-attachment-2217\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Showing the curve of the waist at the top of each piece.<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n<li>Procedures are the same for the two back darts. \u00a0We will space them evenly so divide your quarter waist measurement into 3 for the spacing. \u00a0My quarter waist is 20cm, so the first dart is at 6.7cm and the second at 13.3cm. \u00a0Dart lengths are 14cm for the one on the far left, and 12.5cm for the one on the right. \u00a0Each will be 2cm wide and run parallel to the side. \u00a0It should look something like this when finished, although yours may be neater because I am working in miniature.\n<div id=\"attachment_2219\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2219\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2219 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-500x376.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"500\" height=\"376\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-500x376.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-1536x1155.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-2048x1540.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-150x113.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/376;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2219\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2219\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-500x376.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"500\" height=\"376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-500x376.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-1536x1155.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-2048x1540.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-007-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><p id=\"caption-attachment-2219\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Showing the front and back darts added<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_2220\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2220\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2220 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-1536x1153.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-2048x1537.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-150x113.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/225;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2220\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2220\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-1536x1153.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-2048x1537.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-008-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/noscript><p id=\"caption-attachment-2220\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Your pattern so far<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>Now marks F and G need to be smoothly curved from the waist to the hip line. \u00a0Yours may be more exaggerated than mine because I am rather square. \u00a0Your body is curved so draw a smooth curve rather than a straight line between waist and hip. \u00a0A <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B001BDEOVG\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001BDEOVG&linkCode=as2&tag=soseea-20\">drafting curve<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;\" src=\"http:\/\/www.assoc-amazon.com\/e\/ir?t=soseea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001BDEOVG\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" \/>\u00a0can help and will come in useful if you plan to draft or alter patterns yourself.\n<p><div id=\"attachment_2223\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2223\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2223 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-500x375.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-150x113.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/375;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2223\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2223\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-500x375.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-015-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/noscript><p id=\"caption-attachment-2223\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Curve from waist to hip<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n<li>Now your basic sloper is ready. \u00a0However you do need to add seam allowances.\n<p><div id=\"attachment_2224\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2224\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2224 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-017-500x376.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"500\" height=\"376\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 500\/376;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2224\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2224\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/pencil-skirt-sloper-017-500x376.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - drawing your own pencil skirt sloper pattern. It's so easy - spreadsheet provided.\" width=\"500\" height=\"376\" \/><\/noscript><p id=\"caption-attachment-2224\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The finished pattern &#8211; now add seam allowances<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n<li>Cut out your pattern\u00a0pieces\u00a0separately and then stick them down on a large sheet of paper and draw in your seam allowances around the outside. 5\/8th of an inch is standard, you may want to add 2 inches for the bottom hemline. \u00a0Do not add a seam allowance to the front center as this is cut on the fold.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Testing your sloper pattern<\/h3>\n<p>Now, not all bodies are the same, and some of us like a skirt to fit differently to others. \u00a0So before you go cutting into any special or expensive fabric, do try out your new pattern on some muslin, cheapy remnant or old sheet to check the fit. \u00a0Then if any\u00a0adjustment\u00a0is needed, do remember to alter your sloper for next time.<\/p>\n<h3>Making a waistband for your skirt sloper<\/h3>\n<p>You can sew the skirt without an added waistband, just with facings and a zipper right up to the top. \u00a0Or you can add a simple straight waistband. \u00a0For the waistband:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Draw a rectangle 6cm wide by the length of your\u00a0waist\u00a0measurement plus 4cm. \u00a0This extra is for\u00a0the\u00a0center back overlap for any button or closure.<\/li>\n<li>Add a 5\/8th inch seam allowance around the entire outside and once folded in half, this will form a simple one piece waistband for the skirt.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Making a skirt from your sloper pattern<\/h3>\n<p>Well, all this looks good in theory but will it actually work out in practice? \u00a0Let's see. \u00a0 I had a piece of quite thick shiny satin in a navy blue from the remnant bin this week that was perfect for a trial piece.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2199 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-487x650.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - draw your own pencil skirt sloper - it's so easy!\" width=\"487\" height=\"650\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-487x650.jpg 487w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-112x150.jpg 112w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020.jpg 1877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 487px) 100vw, 487px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 487px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 487\/650;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2199\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-487x650.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - draw your own pencil skirt sloper - it's so easy!\" width=\"487\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-487x650.jpg 487w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020-112x150.jpg 112w, https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-020.jpg 1877w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 487px) 100vw, 487px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\n<p>YAY &#8211; it works! \u00a0I made up this skirt directly from my sloper without any adjustment or fitting needed at all. \u00a0I sewed it, I put it on, it fitted! \u00a0And I have to say this is the best fitting pencil skirt I have EVER owned. \u00a0You can see from the following pictures how I am so square that its no wonder I've never got a RTW skirt that fits me properly.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-022.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2201 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-022-485x650.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - draw your own pencil skirt sloper - it's so easy!\" width=\"485\" height=\"650\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 485px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 485\/650;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2201\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-022-485x650.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - draw your own pencil skirt sloper - it's so easy!\" width=\"485\" height=\"650\" \/><\/noscript><\/a>I am really surprised how the skirt actually appears to make me look slimmer. I think this must just be down to the fact that it fits my body properly so there are no lumps and bumps showing, no places where the fabric is stretched making horizontal lines across my hips and no gaping waist. \u00a0Sadly the dark color doesn't show up the fit in these photos as well as I would like &#8211; should have gone for a lighter color.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-021.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2200 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-021-487x650.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - draw your own pencil skirt sloper - it's so easy!\" width=\"487\" height=\"650\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 487px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 487\/650;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2200\" src=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Blog-clothes-021-487x650.jpg\" alt=\"So Sew Easy - draw your own pencil skirt sloper - it's so easy!\" width=\"487\" height=\"650\" \/><\/noscript><\/a>I am DELIGHTED with the results of this sloper. \u00a0Now that I have this basic pattern I can\u00a0quickly\u00a0run it up in any fabric knowing that it is going to fit me perfectly. \u00a0And it's a great basis for starting to think about some kind of styling to the skirt &#8211; a yoke perhaps? \u00a0Pockets? \u00a0Color blocking, vertical seaming, or a contrast band at the bottom? \u00a0Or I could reduce the\u00a0width\u00a0at the bottom and make it longer and narrower for a retro fit. \u00a0The\u00a0possibilities\u00a0are now endless.<\/p>\n<p>Do give this a try &#8211; its not too difficult and I'll be happy to give any further\u00a0explanation\u00a0or help below. \u00a0Get stuck anywhere &#8211; drop me a note in the comments and I'll do my best to help you out.<\/p>\n<p>Enjoy &#8211; and if you make a skirt I'd love to see it. \u00a0Do post a link below.<\/p>\n<p><strong>UPDATE JUNE 2013<\/strong> &#8211; this skirt is now the basis for our Sew A Skirt beginners tutorial series. \u00a0You can following along and draft and sew this skirt over the course of 13 different tutorial posts. \u00a0Covering choosing and preparing fabric, more about the drafting and seam allowances, marking and sewing darts, matching patterns, inserting a zipper, lining the skirt, hem finishes and more. \u00a0Join us for the Sew A Skirt series &#8211; click the button below to go to the first post.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/how-to-sew-a-skirt-2\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3613 lazyload\" 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.\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" 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\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3613\" 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.\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" 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><\/a><br \/>\nAuthored by: <a href=\"https:\/\/plus.google.com\/u\/0\/117695635189754905375?rel=author\">Deby at So Sew Easy<\/a><\/p>\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=\"kofiShortcode485Html\" style=\"float: none; text-align: left;\"><\/div><\/center>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why design your own pencil skirt sloper pattern? Have you EVER owned a pencil skirt that fit you properly? \u00a0I find\u00a0the\u00a0ready to wear either gape in the waist, or are too tight across the hip or thigh or the darts aren&#8217;t right. \u00a0I guess perhaps my waist to hip ratio \u2026 <a class=\"continue-reading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/making-a-pencil-skirt-sloper\/\"> Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr; <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2225,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wds_primary_category":0},"categories":[5,93,9,95,4,10,38],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39"}],"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\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57780,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39\/revisions\/57780"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2225"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/so-sew-easy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}