My new leatherette skirt...
Until now, that is. I happened to see this faux leather in Spotlight, and it was 40 % off, which made it only about $12.00 for fabric, plus thread and zip. I loved the colour and decided to buy it.
I decided to use a straight skirt pattern I have used before:
This is a basic straight skirt, front and back darts with a godet at the hem at the rear of the skirt. I did not use that, instead extending this part of the CB seam into a kick pleat.
As this fabric cannot be ironed (it's sort of PU sprayed onto polyester jersey) as it would melt, I had to decide how to flatten the seams. I decided on to fold the seam over (like a flat fell, one seam trimmed back, and the other folded over, but not pressed under), and then top stitch it.
I inserted an invisible zip, and also finished below that with the same seam method.
For the waistband, I thought this fabric would not take the strain of a skirt hook, so for the inside waistband I used a firm interfaced cotton drill. I also used a bit of elastic as both my waist varies, and so do the amount of layers I might wear with the skirt. They add bulk too.
I overlocked the seams - the fabric was not going to unravel, so I could have skipped this step, but it just looks more finished inside.
I used a ball point needle to make this skirt - I wasn't sure what to use, but it did sew up very nicely.
Now for the construction pictures (I'm sort of proud of how this skirt worked, but I have to admit I did put in quite a bit of effort too!):
Back with invisible zip:
The folded and flipped seam below the invisible zip:
Inside |
Outside |
The folded and flip
Inside |
Outside |
Details of the kick pleat - I used binding on the inner pleat as this was less bulky than doing a narrow hem on this fabric:
And the finished entire length of the back:
And the waistband fasteners:
And how do you press the hem of a fabric that can't be finger pressed flat and can't be ironed. Use a heavy weight - I used a phone book:
Normally I tend to wear tops out over my waistline, as I am a rectangular shape and can look a bit like a block, albeit a thinnish one.
So this is what the skirt looks like with a longer line top over it:
So there we are, my never say never faux leather skirt. I love it :)
Do have a lovely weekend everyone, wherever you are...
Sarah Liz
I love this post! Your skirt is fantastic, and beautifully sewn. I have been wondering about sewing with these faux leathers. What kind of machine needle do you use? Good tip about the phone book. I am trying to get up the courage to tackle my fake fur from Spotlight.
ReplyDeleteI used a ballpoint needle - I wasn't sure what to use. I found the fabric easy to sew through, but I do have a semi industrial (dry bed) machine. I also found it easy enough to use an ordinary needle to attach the fasteners. I've edited the post to add the bit about the needle :)
DeleteI've never worked with fake fur - it looks as though it would get caught in everything.
That's awesome Sarah! It's a good thing you keep challenging yourself!
ReplyDeleteThanks Maureen, yes it is :)
DeleteYou did a great work on the skirt. It's always good to try a new thing. You look so lovely and thank you for the tips :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend to you too.
Thank you Hana
DeleteIt is a very nice skirt. I love the pattern of the fabric.
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteThis is excellent! Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteSo Cute. Great wardrobe addition.
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteNice work on that skirt, Sarah. Thanks for all the information on the process. You look like you're enjoying the edginess of the look!
ReplyDeleteThank you, and yes, I am :)
DeleteDefinitely a WINNER!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteVery neat and so professionally sewn. It looks absolutely great, Liz.
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteI love your skirt! It is very flattering fit on you!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteVery cute !!!
ReplyDelete(a walk on the wild side...)
:-)
Thank you :)
DeleteReally great skirt. And thanks for the tip on sewing it...particularly the phone book and binding. Never thought of this when I last sewed with faux leather and it was painful!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteWow! I guess I need to step outside of the box. Your skirt is super cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteHaha. Never say never! Great skirt and always in-style!
ReplyDeleteYes, never is a very long time :)
DeleteThat is great! Looks very styling :) I really like the seam finishes, they're really nice. I've never sewn with faux leather, good to see how you made it all work, for a great end product.
ReplyDeleteThank you - I try and share info when I have some that might be useful :)
DeleteSarahliz. this is gorgeous.. You really do an excellent job with your fitting and sewing..
ReplyDeleteAnd you just proved how smart you are.. [by using a phone book to flatten the hem.] Such a fantastic idea.
Thank you Judy - yes, I get quite inventive when I need to :)
DeleteAnother step outside the sewing comfort zone ~ with an awesome skirt as the result! Well done, I think it looks brilliant ... J
ReplyDeleteThank you Judith :)
DeleteWow. I'm a bit no fake stuff too but your skirt is fabulous. I like how you did the seams and boy isn't your invisible zip perfect. Looks fantastic so no wonder you are pleased!
ReplyDeleteThank you -It's surprisingly great to wear - I've change my mind about no fake - it has it's uses :).
DeleteSo glad you went for it! Very cute skirt.
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteIT turned out so gorgeous!! It looks luxurious and you look like a natural at wearing leather snakeskin!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteExcellent! And thank you for the tips.
ReplyDeleteA pleasure
DeleteSo professionally done. And I love the pattern on the fabric :)x
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteYour skirt turned out great. Thanks for the tips.
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteGreat skirt. Love the phone book iron. Very nice "fabric".
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteI love your skirt. I think it looks fabulous on you!!! And the phone book pressing weight is fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteFantastic skirt and great tips for dealing with this fabric.
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteYou look absolutely fantastic!!!! Love the skirt!!!! So glad you changed your mind about 'never'! :) I really enjoyed reading your construction details as I've got a piece of faux leather that's been looking at me for about a year now waiting to be made into 'something'. You did a great job!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you - look forward to seeing what you make one day :)
DeleteYour skirt looks fantastic. I like it with the top "out" too :)
ReplyDeleteThank you - yes, I prefer to wear tops "out".
DeleteLove this. What a great idea to use faux leather!
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
Delete