With a dramatic flared silhouette, the Yasmeen skirt from Just Patterns hugs the waist and hips before flaring out below the knees. The seven panels enable fitting over every contour of your lower body. The skirt closes with a center-back invisible zipper. Details include French seams, a grosgrain-faced waistline, and a hand-sewn hem. This line of patterns is meant for sewers with some experience. The instructions are minimal, focusing on seam allowance widths, which vary, and the construction order. The pattern company’s website includes tutorials for steps that may be tricky for some sewers. All seams and notches match well. Our seamstress recommends staystitching the waist edge of all garment sections before construction to prevent distortion. This design works best with drapey fabrics, such as silk crepe, rayon, and soft linen.
(Sized 34–46 for hips 33.875–43.25 inches)
—Tested by Ruthe Ploskunyak, Moneta, Virginia

 

This version was sewn in a drapey linen suiting from Stylemaker Fabrics. The material was heavy enough to stand up to the closely fitted waist, yet soft enough to fall nicely in the wide hem. A stiffer fabric would result in a more dramatic flair at the hem, which could be fun for a party or other formal celebration.