This review was originally featured in Threads #147 (February/March 2010).

McCall’s 5812

Feminine and youthful, this floor-length, peasant-style skirt is made contemporary with eight bias-cut tiers cut with visible overlapping raw edges. A side zipper replaces the typical gathered waist. Make it any length by simply eliminating tiers. Requiring more than 71⁄2 yards of 60-inch-wide fabric, this skirt is voluminous, so choose a lightweight fabric. The self-lined yoke supports the fabric’s weight. The 31 pieces aren’t difficult to cut out, but that step can be time-consuming. The length of the tiers, the amount of gathering and sewing, and the sheer volume of fabric in this skirt can be overwhelming, but the result is very pretty and well worth the effort.

(Sized Misses’ 6–20 for hips 32.5–44 in.)

Style Tip: Combine this skirt with a contemporary top and accessories for a modern look.

-Tested by Mary Travis, State Line, Missouri

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Style Tip: Combine this skirt with a contemporary top and accessories for a modern look.