Japan Skirt – Sewing Instructions

The following instructions are for sewing this skirt pattern.  These instructions are to give you an idea of construction if you are thinking of buying the pattern and for anyone making The Japan Skirt Pattern from my pattern making post.

With this skirt pattern you get two length choices for cutting that are indicated on the pattern.  My original skirt, from the pattern making post, was made using the asymmetric hemline as featured in the image above.  The sewing instructions you receive with the PDF download are for the skirt with the straight or level hemline, because it suits the yarn dyed check linen I used.

The most important feature in this skirt pattern is the dart included for the waist fitting.  It is both waist shaping and a zip seam in one feature.  Every step for the sewing of this zip seam are included in the sewing instructions that come with the PDF sewing pattern.

For this particular fabric I’m using the excellent finish on the selvedge of the fabric as my hem.  A machine stitched hem is very acceptable in this case, or you can hand stitch if that suits your chosen fabric better.

If you have a small waist or would prefer a closer waist fit on this skirt you can make those changes when finishing the waist turning.  The options are to either add some elastic to the back waist of the skirt, or to add two darts into the back waistline.

Place the elastic in the back waist turning and make sure you have the front drape where you plan to wear it.  Either in the centre, or off to one side.

Waist darts can be added to the back waistline, placed equally on each side of the centre back.  Again be sure you have the front drape where you plan to wear it in future.

You can get your own copy of this sewing pattern here.