My Burdastyle Skirt from June 2022 Magazine.

To be honest, I nearly bit off more than I could chew! This pattern was really difficult to follow, considering the front construction of the skirt wasn't clearly explained or even clearly shown in the photos. Here I show you a few photos so you can see how the underlap is sewn. Also, you can see what it looks like with the loops folded to the front. If I do another loop closure like this, I think I will fold the loops the other way.

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If you want to buy the magazine this pattern is from, you can buy it on EBay, here: Burdastyle June 2022 (Affiliate Link)

When you get to the front of the skirt, the loops are sewn onto the placket and then the underlap is sewn into the same seam as the loops, so that the underlap lies under the button placket and so that the gap is hidden by the underlap.

I sewed the top and bottom of the underlap and turned it to the right side before laying it into the loop placket (first image).

Here you can see what the placket should look like before sewing them onto the front seams of the skirt. Note that on this skirt, the ties are sewn into the skirt and are tucked into the waistband, so that once the waistband is folded inside, the waistband depth is the same as the ties.

It took some puzzling and laying the pieces out in various orientations before I found a layout that made more sense than the others. In fact, I left it to one side for a day or two while I puzzled over it. Amazingly it came to me, virtually in the middle of the night. 

Sometimes taking a break gives my brain a chance to mull something over and then present the solution.

This is the first time I ever covered a button - I had to google the instructions because my buttons didn't come with instructions. A picture would have been useful...

As you can see, the way to do it is to cut a circle, just the right size - it took me a couple of failed attempts to work it out, but the finish is good. Once you have a circle cut out, sew by hand as close as you dare to the edge of the fabric, loop the ends of the thread in a knot and pull it taut with a button held in the centre. Definitely use polyester thread - cotton thread snapped too easily. Use a small pair of scissors to tuck the edges of the gathered fabric back down into the button and then gently push the closer ring on. Double-check that the thread is taut and the excess fabric neatly tucked in and then use the open scissors to push the closer ring down gently and evenly and get it right into the lip under the button edge - job done.

You don't need to, but I like the finish the overlocker leaves for the side seams.

You have to have really good eyesight to pick out the patterns. I bought some back copies of Burdastyle magazine on EBay and they colour coded the patterns differently.

Here is a picture of the front of the skirt. I include this, because it took me ages to work out exactly what it should look like from the instructions. There are no pictures of the assembly of this in the Burda magazine.  The photos of the models also don't show enough to be able to work it out, either. I will also post a video. I just need to add a hook and eye.

Here is a view from the inside. I used 'stitch in the ditch' to close the waistband. Seersucker does not like the sharp front edge on my sewing machine foot, so I had to keep lifting the foot so I didn't rip the fabric.

Here is a view of the waistband. The tie is sewn under and into the waistband - this was also not clear from the instructions.

This was quite a frustrating project, right up until the very end, when I finally puzzled it out. I think the finish is good, but it does not look the same on me as it does on the model. I do think it will be lovely for my holiday. 

The loops are quite time-consuming, but I do think I would like this placket style on a playsuit or a shift dress. I also think I would use plain, uncovered buttons. Covering such small buttons is a true labour of love. I think it would make a lovely feature. I am trying to keep small design features like this in mind, so that I can design something unique which uses this type of feature.

The fabric was actually lovely to work with, the stripes make it easier to cut the pieces straight and to make sure the pieces are the same width.

If you sew this skirt, or something similar, find my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Sewandeverythingelse) and share your version. I would love to see how other people interpreted this pattern - it may be there is a better way to sew it, and when I incorporate this feature into another garment, I may use your method.

If, like me, you have noticed that a lot of the current fashions seem to be repeating those from the 90's, have a look at back copies on EBay, there are so many great patterns - and you will be more sustainable. Burdastyle Magazine back copies Ebay. 

Find me on Facebook, where I post whenever I have new posts or videos on YouTube. Please, share your own makes and your own solutions or interpretations of patterns.

Until next time - Happy Sewing!

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