How to Make an A-Line Skirt // Pattern Drafting & Sewing

I realized I had never exactly shown how to make an A-line skirt, so today it's another adventure in rather a basic skirt style! You can use this pattern modification to make a skirt like I do in this video, or as the skirt portion of a dress by attaching a bodice instead of a waistband.
What other styles of skirts would you like me to demonstrate? Let me know!
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound or the KZbin Audio Library.
Where I get my pattern drafting paper: atlaslevy.com/P... (not sponsored)
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But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

You have done this to yourselves, I didn't want to have to do this...but you're making me say it. I don't like pockets. I SAID IT OKAY!?! I understand this is an unpopular opinion, but I don't mind standing alone! I am incredibly indifferent to pockets. Do I think it's fun when I'm trying on a dress at a vintage store and it has pockets? Sure. Would I ever add them to one of my own projects? No. I don't actually use them, to me they serve virtually no purpose. I always have a handbag for snacks, keys, 8 lipstick options, my phone. I also think they can sometimes entirely ruin the line of garments if set into the seam. If they are a decorative thing, which is all they ever are to me, and part if the design then cool, but I don't believe in them and honestly...I just don't get the hype 😅 In my world pockets are for jackets and coats so you can keep your hands warm outside, and for sticking your thumbs in while standing all cool like with trousers, those are the only two purposes. This has been my pocket rant.

[@jilladamson-land3037]

I have to agree with you about pockets, I am not a small hipped person so I have found at times they just add bulk and like you I always have a bag with me for those essentials. So while others rave about pockets in everything I just keep them for coats/jackets and jeans/ trousers. Thank you for yet another informative and interesting video but also to find that I am not the only one who prefers no pockets made my day xx

[@bianca_boop]

I find pockets useful if I just want to take my phone and ID on a short walk. Otherwise...has anyone actually tried sitting down with their phone, wallet, keys, chapstick, first aid kit, granola bar, wad of tissues, etc. in a nice big pocket? It's not that comfortable. The solution of course is to normalize 'purses' for all genders.

[@MsDeepAndDark]

Huge respect for non-pocket stance) However, Doctor Who has taught me to be prepared 😅

[@raraavis7782]

Finally someone says it. I never got the 'pocket hype' and at this point, the constant, repetitive references to it are just getting annoying. Well, to me anyways, lots of other people would probably beg to differ. Pockets (for the most part) are like hoods on sweaters to me. I don't need them nor want them, but there they are, on almost every damn sweater, I own 😏

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

Each to their own! I would at least like the choice of my garments having pockets. This isn't the case.

[@CharredFibers]

My favorite saying "if you're close enough to see the grain of my skirt (or other details) you better be buying me dinner

[@thecadaver]

That second method of pivoting instead of slash and spread seems SO obvious now but I never would've thought of it in a million years. Definitely magic

[@chaeburger]

I love the second method of drafting an A-line skirt! ✨M A G I C✨

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It definitely feels more like magic, and that is always fun indeed ✨

[@doblemaltita]

I literally said "what kind of sorcery is this"

[@NDN_FTR]

The table of doom! Yes, you are my favorite villain.

[@JuanitathesewingTrex]

Despite it being a “simple” make i learnt a lot today - 😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Juanita!

[@khaxjc1]

The last month or two were a real struggle. I found myself more and more not wanting to engage with the world and do the things that normallyI enjoy. I ended up detaching from most everything including youtube. No checking subs. No watching anything. I just didnt have it in me to. The last couple days that seems to have lifted some and so Im dipping my toe back into watching. Lucky me, one good thing in all of this means I have a nice collection off uploads I missed to catch up on. From my subs. This was a lovely start as A line is my preference in my own wardrobe. Thank you for sharing. I hope anyone coming across this comment is doing alright and if not as the support and such that they need.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I'm sorry to hear things have been so rough, I hope things can look up soon. Try to give yourself grace and care, I know it's not easy ❤

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I like how you showed several a-lines at the end. Versatile!

[@selfsufficientsue3307]

You really give me the confidence to wear 1940s outfits. I believe you and I have the same measurements or very similar measurements and I feel like if those clothes look that great on you they might look OK on me. So thank you.

[@sandrabrown6326]

Looks so nice and looks great on you. As I watch you sewing and making something I want to kick myself for not learning how to sew in my younger years. Oh well, I like seeing what you are making . Thanks for posting

[@notthereallukas6357]

You could start learning now

[@ZacharyDBrooks]

I am going on 40 and I picked up sewing less than a year ago!

[@india1422]

@@ZacharyDBrooks I’m 55 and I picked it up briefly about 15 years ago and then more seriously about six years ago. One thing I’m enjoying about being a bit older is I can afford a really nice machine which I really enjoy using

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandra!

[@RoseDoes]

Your dart manipulation explanations are amazing. I’ve been sewing for over a decade and I still learn things from your videos. Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rose!

[@Midblooder]

I don't particularly look that great in pencil skirts or A-line skirts, but the pin&swish tracing method is genius! I'm glad i watched this video.

[@tempesttormented]

The second drafting method made me shout "WITCHCRAFT" and startled my toddler. I don't wear a-line skirts (just not a fan of how they look on me) but I might draft one JUST to try this out.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It is rather fun just for the magic of it ✨

[@inheavenstrenches]

A soon as you turned the darts on the front panel into the flare past the hip, I laughed out loud with delight at how simple it was. Watching the block transform into an a-line was amazing and the magic of how simple that dart manipulation is absolutely blew me away! Thank you so much for these videos! They are going to help my sewing projects so much

[@TheClosetHistorian]

The a-line is extra magic to watch for sure! ✨🧵

[@diamondtrinket]

Hurrah! So glad to see you.. Thursday TV is rubbish.

[@irishflutegirl9022]

I absolutely LOVE your style of sewing. I especially love your zipper installation and the easy waistband idea. 💯 thanks !

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@kjtherrick4031]

I appreciate your telling and showing us how you work from your block patterns and how we, too, can do it and how different fabrics will drape differently. Your skirt looks great!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Ali-yo6vl]

You have a wonderful way of teaching. I came in here completely expecting to have to replay this video at least 5 times to fully grasp everything but it only took 1 time for me to get it (which is so rare for me). I cannot wait to watch your other videos and start sewing.

[@AndreaIris86]

Wow the awl turning method is genius, thx as always for sharing! also love the green strand ;)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Andrea!

[@clt8923]

As always, it's crystal clear. I've started sewing in 2016 and now, I can see myself hand-sewing a lot of things - the corners of a waist band are a good example of that. It feels easier and it looks better. Thank you once again for this video.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@stellar1230]

This video reminds me that sewing and pattern drafting is basically sorcery and I'm here for it.

[@georgiahalpin4292]

The only time it's going further if someone is offended by finishing or structure of my clothes is if I'm on a date with a tailor! Or Bernadette Banner!

[@anessaharris9947]

And who of us doesn't secretly wish to be on a date with Bernadette 😝

[@michellecornum5856]

Awl swing method is brilliant. Never seen that before. Lovely skirts. Love the little slice of green in the bangs! Stay well.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle! 💚

[@comeherelois]

Hello, I come from an upholstery background but recently bought a domestic machine so play around with smaller projects. My partner suggested I try making her an A line and this video is just fantastic. Thanks very much.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@22mendonca]

I particularly love this skirt shape doll! Always a joy to watch you create sewing magic!❤️

[@gilajacobsen2881]

you make me want to go to fashion design school. I have a lot to learn. Thank you for the guidance and inspiration. I hope to come back and learn more.

[@KristinA-xv4yk]

Thanks for the vid! I usually wear half circle skirts, but I’ve gotten caught on random edges a couple times at a new job (moving around quickly in a warehouse setting). I’ve been wearing a black rayon half circle skirt as my “don’t care if it gets ruined” work uniform, and one of the instances of snagging put a hole in it 😔 Figured I’d try an A-line style to see if a bit less volume would correct this issue, bc I don’t do pants. Tangent: it’s strange how others respond dumbfounded by women who don’t wear pants. Such an interesting change of course from an historical perspective lol

[@misskitty285]

No, I get it. I live in a place where it doesn't really get very warm most of the time, so I'd have to wear tights with it most of the time. I might as well wear a pair of trousers. But I like wearing skirts and dresses as well. I want to remake one of my dresses into a pair of Palazzo pants, mainly because the top doesn't quite fit me like I'd like to - and I want to shorten it, so I don't trip on it (but it has this nice border at the hem, so I'd have to take off the top anyway). As it's a six panel skirt, the legs will be quite wide so I may add a snap button or a drawstring to the bottom for when I don't want them flapping around.

[@StarlingofAzerath]

I prefer skirts as well and find they can be warmer to wear in winter cause u can layer petticoats and layer leggings, tights, and boots better

[@craftynekoLM]

You are the queen 👑 of pattern drafting 👏 👏 👏!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Ha! Thank you! 😅

[@anniehosking2408]

Thank you for explaining how to change the basic pencil skirt block to an A-line. :)

[@anjaprachtstueckwerk7546]

Thank you so much for this video! It´s exactly what I needed right now! I´m totally useless at measuring and construction on paper (usually just wing my projects on the go) but with your help managed to magically make the a-line skirt pattern.

[@kristiprice1939]

This is the first video I've seen of yours and I love that you're using that Singer from 1955. So cool 😎

[@x1435]

Thanks so much for showing both methods! Geometry is hard sometimes, and having different methods demonstrated really helps my brain get it. I'm definitely interested in seeing a side zipper install too! And I'm with you on the dislike of dress side zippers. I've never really thought about it, but they always make me feel like a sausage 😂

[@mallorymyers7525]

This is one of those things that I never would have come up with on my own, but now that you've explained it, it seems like the obvious simple solution.

[@kathyjohnson2043]

That brown outfit has a perfect silhouette for you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kathy!

[@india1422]

I dug deep and bought a Baby Lock overlocker. I do use it for construction. I try not to think of the price but it was worth every rappen

[@JennLeeFoster]

I found a babylock imagine on Facebook marketplace from an old couple for $100. Best money I spent for one of my machines. 😅 I know how lucky I am!!

[@spookyauntieleaha]

I love your channel dearly and the patterned top paired with the skirt is just *chefs kiss* xx It does break my heart that you dont put pockets in your skirts/dresses when possible xx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Leaha! I understand this is an unpopular opinion, but I am incredibly indifferent to pockets. Do I think it's fun when I'm trying on a skirt at a vintage store and it has pockets? Sure. Would I ever add them to one of my own projects? No. I don't actually use them, to me they serve virtually no purpose. I always have a handbag. I also think they can sometimes ruin the line of garments if set into the seam. If they are a decorative thing, which is all they ever are to me, and part if the design then cool, but I don't believe in them and honestly...I just don't get the hype 😅 This has been my pocket rant

[@spookyauntieleaha]

Thank you for your rant. I am on the opposite end of the pocket spectrum as I need them in everything and they must be as big as possible xx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

@@spookyauntieleaha I think I need to make a video all about coming out as a pocket hater ha! Your opinion makes far more practical sense, but I think I am just an unpractical person 😂

[@spookyauntieleaha]

@@TheClosetHistorian while yes it may seem impractical it does give the option of a plethora of accessories in the form of handbags as you have previously stated your love of. I am the proud owner of many handbags that are just not used lol

[@Lili-ls7um]

I remember leaving the house in a dress that I felt was full of problems. I wore it anyway as the kids told me it’s so good etc and I figured even if it isn’t, I will make them happy. The only people who commented on it were full of praises. 😆 I’ve realised since that I was expecting it to be scrutinised as if I am on The Great British Sewing Bee but of course I am not. And most things are not noticeable to most people. So now as long as it’s wearable, I wear it.

[@elizabethcowen8079]

I have always admired pattern makers. I'm finally inspired to try and learn this for basic shapes... :)

[@cherylnetter2297]

Nice to see you still using your Singer 99. I've used only vintage/antique machines for the past 40 years. I saw on another video that you are local, :-)

[@CrixJoki]

The second version of the pattern was a clever one, makes it so much easier, can´t believe I´ve never thought of that!!! lol Thank you for sharing :) 💜

[@KianTheRaccoonKing]

You always give me the same vibes as one of my old English teachers and I love ut

[@sarahportelli396]

such a clever pattern hack!!! btw love the green streak.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@jenniferlawrence8533]

Nice tips for adjusting the shapes.

[@kaytiej8311]

I love, love, love how you make the process so easy to understand. I really appreciate how you explain and demonstrate in such a fun format. Thanks heaps!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kaytie!

[@adorothyinkansas4392]

I have done zippers before and would rather sew them by hand than try and insert them without the zipper foot tool! That's how much easier it is! I have been a seamstres for probably as long as you've been alive! But! You never fail to teach me something new!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Sewing zippers by hand isn't such a bad thing really 😅, I'd rather do that in a delicate fabric from nerves almost eek!

[@stevezytveld6585]

Thank you. This is the kick in the patootie I need. Because I have my skirt block. So I just have to do the pattern manipulation and (maybe) slap on a waistband. I've been putting off and putting off my YT tutorial research for the how-to... It looks like it belongs on you. Well done. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cathy!

[@adamreynolds9816]

You are magic! Not solely for you pattern manipulating, but it’s a big part of it!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Adam!

[@ShannonLambert]

OK this is magic! Also, the great thing about making your own clothes is that you can endow them with as many - or few! - pockets as you wish. :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Shannon!

[@lennydiez6943]

Subscribed! Your tutorial videos are so easy to follow!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@janisi9262]

I made my own tailor's ham! Yes, you can use sawdust, but I didn't have any on hand - I used quilting cotton scraps leftover from mask-making. I made my cotton and woolen shell as if I was making a pillow, stuffed it with chopped-up bits of cotton, and slip-stitched it shut, and it works beautifully! I also overstuffed it and it weighs four pounds, but that's besides the point. I love your pivot technique to take the pencil skirt to an a-line. You could even draw it right on the fabric if you wanted to.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Janis!

[@kellyburke5990]

Cool magic with the back pattern!

[@theoffkeydiva]

Cute! Great job as usual

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kayleigh!

[@debra333]

Hi, dear Bianca! Always love your work.🤗

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Debra!

[@vintagecameragirl]

Entertaining as always x

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@mimaberry]

Do you have a video that shows how to make a high-low hem on an a-line skirt? I would love to see you demonstrate that. Thank you. Love your videos.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Teresa! I have never done a high low hem before, but I imagine you can just cut the hem higher in the front and draw a gentle curve to the other length!

[@alexandraleigh]

I was having one of those "Terrible, Rotten, Not very good days yesterday ....Till.. I got the Notice for this !! Thank you for sharing your way of doing A-line skirts and for this video filled with your insights and humor !! I Laughed and Learned and just had a great time Thank you for that and Your awesome work...And You're right if someone is that close to inspect your Skirt they better be approaching with an engagement ring!! LOL

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alexandra! I hope the days are better ones coming up!

[@alexandraleigh]

@@TheClosetHistorian Thank you! I think they will be good but if I get blue I have this video and many more of yours to cheer me up

[@deborahmason4218]

I enjoy watching these directions. Thank you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Deborah!

[@Lilyannaluv]

As always, so lovely 😍 I have a heavy weight black cotton sateen I've been wanting to make into an aline and I don't have a pattern, this is oh so helpful 😀

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Got to love sateen, my favorite 🖤

[@suzzanahbessette6989]

I made my own tailors ham by stuffing it with cabbage I had. Worked wonderfully.

[@claudiaherbert9671]

Thank you so enjoyed this video!

[@trudicole3520]

That is a very nice shaped skirt very flattering

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Trudi!

[@aliceadler4569]

What a very pretty skirt that is very flattering!!! Nice video - thank you 🌹🌹🌹‼️‼️‼️♥️♥️♥️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alice!

[@AdirondackRuby]

Love that swing technique. Really good if you're using a limited amount of paper or don't have scraps of paper to fill in the spread open sections.

[@janicepedroli7403]

Made the skirt today. It looks like I bought it.

[@linda6131]

Bianca do you add extra on to the waistband for ease or make it your exact waist size. Thank you for such a detailed pattern video. 👍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Linda! I usually make my waistbands 30" exactly. I would prefer they are a little tight on me to at all loose, and I have a very squishable middle anyhow, but that's just how I personally like my own clothes to fit. There is no right answer!

[@celticgoddess81]

I realize this is an older video but I was hunting for an A line skirt so I was watching this one. :) My modern Semi Industrial Brother Machine has a zipper foot almost identical to the one for your 99k. :)

[@celticgoddess81]

Question: Will this modification still work if the pencil skirt I have only has 1 dart as opposed to two?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Yes it will still work! If the one dart is also small it might not flare much, but you can always add more flare by adding a line from the waist to the hem (or two/three/ whatever lines equally apart say) and adding a bit of flare in as well. The more flare you add, the closer you get to a half circle skirt pattern basically!

[@celticgoddess81]

@@TheClosetHistorian OOOOO Ok that makes a lot of sense! Thank you!

[@ulla.umlaut]

I buy rolls of wide tracing paper (currently 24", but they do make 36" wide) for my pattern Frankenstein-ing and know a professional seamstress who buys boxes of the white paper doctors offices use for exam tables. The nice thing about tracing paper is that it is transparent enough to see through a pattern and still see my gridded cutting board underneath. It does tend to want to roll up a bit more than your paper seems to, but since I'm a pattern weight and rotary cutter person, it all works out.

[@rd6203]

Question: doesn't tracing paper get a little smudgy? Mine does....

[@ulla.umlaut]

@@rd6203 I use sharpies or alcohol-based art pens, which smudge for a few seconds until they're dry, but then they're good. Sketching/drafting is a good use of those light green and yellow sharpies that come in the multi-pack

[@india1422]

What is the difference between whip stitching and felling?

[@MindfullyMindy]

This was super helpful.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mindy!

[@spellmadam2947]

Yeah I could mess that up. Looks fantastic.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@karenclement743]

Could you do a show on using your basic block and adding the ease needed to make the sillouette desired. Then you have

[@mcomeslast]

I just saw the slip/crinoline that Cyd Charise dances in in a movie called Silk Stockings. I have a lace paneled dress pattern to make the body of the skirt but still figuring the flounces. I like it because it looks light and not over the top voluminous.

[@lesleyharris525]

Hi,thanks for showing how to do Aline skirts, I've taken the plunge and got some basic patterns ready to make some clothes,just need the shops to open to get fabric and notions.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lesley! I can't wait to fabric shop in person again one day!

[@robbiecrafter]

You mention using belts a lot. Do you usually put on belt loops, too? If I didn't have them on my trousers, the belt and trousers would definitely have their own minds on where to travel....LOL. BTW, loved the music. You don't hear xylophone much anymore.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rob! I think this is due to my personally body shape, but belts stay right where I want them on me without belt loops. I am such an hourglass shaped human that my waist truly is the smallest part of my body, so a belt set to that measurement cant slide any lower or higher 😅

[@celticgoddess81]

OOO This skirt came out lovely!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@pepperminthomecrafts8269]

Thank you! Explained well. New subbie here. Take care

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@ategetho]

Have you thought of making/recreating or reimagining the Dior Bar Suit? I would LOVE to see how that would be done! Love these videos! I have learned so so much! Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amy! I have never thought to do it myself, but I get asked to do it quite a lot! 😅 It's hard for me to explain just how unqualified I am to make a suit like that eek! I have no tailoring training, and I'm afraid suiting is just much more difficult than dressmaking.

[@ategetho]

@@TheClosetHistorian You gotta do what you're comfortable with! And also what you will see yourself wearing. I agree that tailoring seems like wizardry and magic. That stuff is tough!

[@dianacollins4127]

But you would look AMAZING in the Dior Bar suit! By the way, just love your channel!

[@DeeDee-hx1km]

just divine.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@gracie_cat]

Coming soon! The Closet Historian Tongue Twister Challenge! Every day is a new chance to quantify how to measure space between humans in a panini - in this case, noticing twill grain inconsistency! Oh, and I definitely heard you say "waist of paper" not sure if that was intentional. By the way, if I've never confessed, I'm not a maker/sewer at all - here merely with pure interest/appreciation. The first pattern adjustment - oh, okay, invert the pleats and flare 'em, okay. The magic option? Jaw dropped the whole time. Magic, indeed!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Grace!

[@michelecromwell1355]

Like the way you did it…but what if I use dart on the A line?

[@jparadise5336]

Very cute

[@kittybrowning]

I'm hoping to move to making clothes at some point but just wondering the parts your pinning down to the fabric is one piece the whole front and the other the whole back please the vid answered the question they are half and the fabrics foilded in half fab skirt and nice design

[@jenniferjoseph5725]

I like the link to your pencil skirt pattern. I want to make an A Line skirt. How would you increase the size to your Pencil Skirt pattern. Thank you. I really like your simple instructions. 💕💕💕💕

[@cara5434]

awesome inspiring tutorial. thank you :-)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@carmenreyes387]

Love it

[@rachelvancamp6982]

I have a question. Why do you open the basting to insert zipper? I've been sewing in zippers with the seam stitched shut for decades and then slitting the seam open. It's easy to push the little zipper handle back out of the way and continue to the end with the basting still in. I've never had a problem with the zipper teeth showing. Why remove the basting stitch before sewing in the zipper? Many thanks for your explanation of two ways to adapt your sloper to create an A-line. Have I ever watched one of your videos and not learned a lot? I think not!

[@MikaelaRitchie]

Thank you! It's a super simple skirt sure, but I would have messed it up if I wasn't watching along while making mine

[@tanjowil9743]

Love it, love the tips too.💐

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@joellenb8671]

Miss B where did you get that lovely blouse, is it a thrift or is there a tutorial I missed? The colours look lovely on you. Much love from Australia 🇦🇺🐨🦘

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Josie! I made the blouse several years ago I'm afraid!

[@irishflutegirl9022]

I love your tutorials. Question, do you cut your waistband ( about 3”wide and about 34” ) on the straight grain ? I’m making a skirt using your example. Thank you !

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I try to always cut my waistbands on the straight grain yes, and if not possible then the cross with a bit of iron-on interfacing to help stabilize!

[@orchestrafusion]

Wouldn't it be easier to just make a half circle skirt? ...or are they the same same exact thing? The outcome seems the same but the process is different

[@eliIamLove11]

Hi, love your videos. Very easy to understand and very beginner friendly. I would like to follow your video but my skirt pattern only has 1 dart per side. Is there a way to do this with one dart? Sorry if this is a silly question😅

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! You can definitely use the same method with a single dart pattern!

[@Ali-yo6vl]

Question, if I wanted to add an elastic to the waistband rather than adding a zipper to the skirt, what changes would I have to make to the pattern, if any? Would I just need to increase the length of the waistband? If so, by how much? Note: I don't actually want the skirt itself to have any gathers created because of the elastic (if that makes sense), I just want some more ease at the waist so I can eat a big meal and not want to strip my clothes off at the table.

[@LadySythe]

I haven't seen yet but have you made a tulip shaped skirt? Pencil skirt that flows out closer to the bottom so it has a kind of flair maybe the last 1/3 of the bottom of the skirt? I'm just curious how you'd make it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I have done one version with a flounce to create the shape which can be seen in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/r53Qmpdrpc-cnJI and a long version here which could be used to make a shorter one here kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioXdioN7mbGSZqM

[@LadySythe]

@@TheClosetHistorian oh lovely! I guess I missed those while binge watching your videos late at night haha Thank you for the lings!

[@coyotewilson]

Is your machine a Singer 99? I have one like it but I have installed a hand crank to do the tedious stitching like around doll hands, it gives me a bit more control. I love that machine. I also have a singer 185 turquoise machine that I let my nieces and nephews learn to sew on. I love old sewing machines and I have a few more olds ones I use regularly. I like that little trick with the darts. I have been teaching the children more advanced sewing techniques so they can boldly go forward in their sewing adventures.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Yes it's the 99K, from 1955 with the original motor and foot pedal ❤ I have been fully converted into an old sewing machine person!

[@coyotewilson]

@@TheClosetHistorian I still have the motor and foot peddle of the one I put the crank on incase I want to change it back. I am totally infatuated with old sewing machines. My mother-in-law gave me her old treadle and her mothers. I am looking forward to opening them up and restoring them. I am thinking one is from the 1890s but I will have to go back and look at the number to make sure. Bless Singer and their data base.

[@thebeatisdead]

Okay, your hair does have a pop of green in it! At first, I thought it was the lighting. Did you have green in your hair in the last video? Did my eyes just miss it?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I do indeed have green in my hair now 😅💚

[@juliacheban6767]

Thank you for this amazing tutorial! I've been looking for an easy project to get back to sewing after I (unsuccessfully) tried to learn it a while ago, and this skirt looks like a great idea for that. But I wonder if it works for bodies with a very big difference between the waist and hip measurements (my waist is 74 and my hips are 112 cm). Pencil skirts never worked for me because of that, so I'm curious if this pattern will since it's made based on the pencil skirt pattern. I'll be very grateful if you find the time to reply. Thank you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! These are actually very similar measurements to mine! I have a 76cm waist to 114 cm hip. To be fair a pencil skirt should also 'work', or at least, it is very possible to make one that would fit, whether or not you like the style is a different question of course 😅 I'm sure most commercial pencil skirt patterns don't account for the greater waist to hip difference, but a custom drafted one should. I have a video on how to draft a pencil skirt pattern here kzbin.info/www/bejne/r37ZhISqZ9x_pZo and there may be others online in cm which could be even less confusing. A pencil skirt pattern is the same as a "basic block" or "sloper" skirt pattern, which is just a sorta template pattern that is then used to draft every other style, like this A-line skirt, so it is nice to have one that fits even if you never intend to make an actual pencil skirt from it 🧵 I do think an A-line skirt is an excellent beginner project for sure!

[@juliacheban6767]

@@TheClosetHistorian Thanks a lot! I've watched your videos where you show off the clothes you make and I admire the way you achieve balanced proportions

[@odettemichel3563]

I looove the dress you're wearing at 31:00 ! Did you use your basic bodice block ? I can't really tell, but it looks like you may have added some gathers at the waist ?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I did use my bodice block as a start yes, but the dress has a waist yoke and gathers under the bust like this www.pinterest.com/pin/460563499396168335/

[@odettemichel3563]

@@TheClosetHistorian ohhh thanks for the reference ! Not sure I'm capable of drafting waist yokes and gathers yet ahah. I wish I could rock those silhouettes as well as you do. 😳

[@celestialstorybooks]

Another awesome video! Question: Is it normal that my a-line skirt front comes out bigger than the back piece, flare wise? When I made the muslin, it fits better if I wear it backwards! Should I just use the front as the back? Please help if you have a sec. Thanks!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Interesting! The amount of flare created is all down to the size of the darts, so your result would indicate that your darts are bigger on the front than the back, which is certainly possible. If your darts fit, then the resulting A-line from eliminating them should also fit the "proper" way round as well, so eh...it shouldn't have to be switched up. But! Do whatever fits and looks nice, who cares about the "rules" also 😅

[@celestialstorybooks]

@@TheClosetHistorian Thank you for responding so quickly. My darts are the same width on back and front, but longer in the back. Oh well, maybe I’ll just walk backwards! But it does fit! Next I’m watching the asymmetrical Skirt tutorial! Thanks again, I really appreciate your help😊❤️

[@lupakajsalisa3652]

I feel like a sci-fi Aubrey Plaza is helping me update my closet

[@TheClosetHistorian]

🤣