Sewing School: Making a skirt with a zip fly part 1

Please note

The cost of this session is included in the price for part 2 of the workshop which is being held on Saturday 14th October. You need to book both sessions in order to attend.

In this session we will accurately take our body measurements to determine what size or sizes we will need to use with the dressmaking pattern. We will then prepare our pattern and cut out our fabric, transferring all pattern markings and finishing the raw edges with an overlocker. This means we will be ready to sew our skirt in the next session on Saturday 14th October.

There are two pattern options to choose from, depending on size.

Size UK 6-20 Tilly and the Buttons Ness or

Size UK 14-30 Cashmerette Ellis

Please let us know which pattern you would prefer to use when booking. Be sure to check the body measurements and finished garment measurements when making your selection. Do not use your ready to wear size to estimate the size needed on the pattern as they can vary significantly.

Minor fitting issues such as grading between a couple of sizes, or lengthening/shortening can be dealt with, but fitting issues requiring more complex adjustments will not be possible in the time constraints of this session. If you typically experience fitting issues with ready to wear garments, you should expect that you will need to adjust dressmaking patterns and the adjustments very much depend on the specific fitting issue.

Our main focus in making the skirt will be the practical application of inserting the zip fly, and we will prioritise our time to ensure you do this successfully. Other additional features on the pattern may not be covered in the workshop, as it will depend on the length of time it takes to insert the zip fly to your satisfaction. The features we might not cover include belt loops and decorative top stitching. We will also be using a metal snap fastening on the zip fly rather than a button and buttonhole. You can of course include these additional features in your own time, or on a future make as the pattern is yours to use again and again.

Required sewing knowledge/experience

You need to have good basic knowledge of a sewing machine and be able to sew a straight stitch. You also need a basic understanding of using a dressmaking pattern. This session is not suitable for absolute beginners that haven’t got experience of using a sewing machine or making clothes using dressmaking patterns. You will need to have previous experience of inserting a fly zip or have attended our sewing school zips skills session.

Fabric and tools required

Feel free to bring your own sewing machine and supplies with you. If you would like to borrow one of our studio sewing machines please let us know during the booking process so we can have one ready for you.

You can check the fabric and notion requirements of each pattern on their respective websites linked here:

Tilly and the Buttons Ness

Cashmerette Ellis

We will be able to provide the tools for the metal snapper.

You will also need your matching thread, denim/jeans needle; metal jeans zipper – size depends on which pattern you have chosen.

If you need to purchase any supplies for this workshop contact our sister company Bugweed’s Fabrics. All purchases need to be done before the workshop to allow the workshop to start on time.