Rectangle Drape Skirt

For this #PatternPuzzle post, you have an elegant Drape Skirt that can be cut from my basic skirt block or any pencil skirt pattern.  My Skirt Block is now available here as a PDF download.  I’ve included some interesting seaming that works well with the drape feature that’s included in the front left skirt.

The first stage of the pattern development is to make an ‘A’ line front and back skirt shape as the basis for the drape pattern development.

1. Draw a line from the bottom of the front and back skirt dart, straight down to the hemline, parallel to the centre front and centre back.
2. Cut up this line from the hem to the end of the dart.
3. Fold each dart closed a little to increase the hemline for the same amount (6-8cm front and back) to create an ‘A’ line shape.

For the second stage of the pattern development trace out a full front and back ‘A’ Line skirt.

1. On the back skirt block mark in a diagonal seam from the top left side down to the right side hemline.
2. On the front skirt, the drape feature is located on the left side dart.
3. Extend a seam line off the front dart at an angle as shown in the diagram.  This extension off the front panel seam is angled to hold the rectangular drape in place.  The extension is on both sides of the panel seam.
4. The beginning of the panel seam starts on the back left side skirt and travels into the front drape panel.
5. Add the rectangular pattern shape to both sides of the front panel, blending back to the hemline in the front and back.

Trace off the separate pattern pieces to make the pattern below.

1. The front skirt pattern has a small piece of the back skirt added to complete the shape.
2. The Side Back Left pattern has a piece of the front skirt added to complete the piece.
3. The back right side pattern piece is shaped by closing the back left dart.
4. Trace the rectangles for the front drape pattern piece.
5. Add a strap waistband pattern to complete the skirt.

After some thought, I’m a little concerned that the panel seam opening that supports the drape may be set a little too high, unless of course you like it all revealing.   If not you can drop the drape feature further down the skirt, closer too the thigh.  Let me know if you have any questions about making this pattern.  I’m always happy to help.  If you’d like to buy a copy of these pattern making notes for your own personal use at home you’ll find them here:  Rectangle Drape Skirt – Pattern Making Instructions.  🙂