1950s Vintage Skirt

Step 1 - assemble your materials

I used 2 yards/metres of navy cotton poplin from Etsy, an 8 inch (20cm) invisible zip, grey medium weight iron-on interfacing and a small hook and bar. I would also recommend a good quality thread, such as Gutermann.

Step 2 - download, print and assemble your pattern

I love PDF sewing patterns - they're a game changer. You can buy sewing patterns from anywhere in the world, print them at home or send them to a copy shop. They're yours to keep and print as many times as you need. There are so many wonderful designers out there to discover.

Step 3 - pre-wash your fabric and cut out the pattern

Pre-washing is a really important step as fabric can shrink by 10% on its first wash. To make sure you are cutting the right size, check your measurements against the size chart in the pattern instructions.

Step 4 - finish the edges

The first stage of the sewing process is to finish the edges of the skirt. I used a serger/overlocker for this, but you can just as easily use the zig zag stitch on your sewing machine.

Step 5 - add the zip

This skirt pattern gives you a choice of zip. I went with an invisible zip. They can be a little tricky to start with, but once you get the hang of them you'll be putting invisible zips in everything! Top tips - carefully iron the teeth to uncurl them before you sew and use an invisible zip foot for your sewing machine.

Step 6 - sew up the side seams

This is a nice, easy step as you've already finished the edges. It very quickly starts to look like a skirt now!

Step 7 - interface your waistband

Iron your interfacing (bumpy side down) to the wrong side of your waistband. Top tip - use a scrap of fabric as a pressing cloth between your iron and the interfacing to protect your iron! This will give it more structure.

Step 8 - attach your waistband to your skirt

You will do this in two stages - first the waistband is machine sewed on, then you fold over the waistband and hand sew in place.

Step 9 - hem

A nice easy step, but don't underestimate how long it takes - a full-circle skirt has a very long hem!

Step 10 - attach the hook and bar

The final step is to hand sew the hook and bar in place on the waistband at the top of the zip.

Ta dah - you have made a twirly vintage skirt!