Choosing a Pattern
Skirts get their shape from darts, seams, gathers, pleats, or elastic. They may have front, back, or side zippers, or — in the case of elastic waist skirts — none at all. Some skirts have a waistband, though many of the newer styles do not, instead often riding 1″ or more below the natural waist. Narrow skirts often have a slit to make moving easier. Some have patch pockets; some have pockets hidden in the seams.
Before you go shopping for your skirt pattern and fabric, take your waist and hip measurements. Also take inventory of your closet to see what you'll want your skirt to go with. As you study the pattern books to pick out your skirt, don't worry about how each of the features mentioned above is constructed. Choose whatever style of skirt will be most flattering for your figure and will fit with your activities.
If you want to use a skirt pattern over again but want your skirts to look different, try adding different belt carriers. Consider wide tab carriers that come to a point and are decorated with a button. Or perhaps you'd like a group of three narrow loops side by side. You'll be surprised how much they can change the look of a skirt.
