How to Draft a Wrap Skirt Pattern
Drafting a wrap skirt pattern can be a rewarding and creative experience, allowing you to customize the fit and style of this versatile garment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewist, this guide will walk you through the process of creating a wrap skirt pattern that fits your body perfectly and suits your personal style.
1. Gather Your Materials
Before you start drafting your wrap skirt pattern, gather the following materials:
– Measuring tape
– Notebook and pen
– Ruler or measuring tape
– Pattern paper or a large piece of paper
– Scissors
– Fabric marker or pen
2. Take Measurements
To ensure a perfect fit, it’s essential to take accurate measurements. Measure the following:
– Waist circumference: Measure around the narrowest part of your waist.
– Hip circumference: Measure around the fullest part of your hips.
– Skirt length: Measure from the waist to the desired length of your skirt.
3. Draft the Basic Block
Using your measurements, draft the basic block for your wrap skirt. Start by drawing a horizontal line to represent the waistline. From this line, draw a vertical line to represent the center back. Then, draw a curved line to represent the side seam, connecting the waistline to the center back line. Repeat this process on the other side to create the side seam.
4. Add the Front and Back Pattern Pieces
To create the front and back pattern pieces, add darts to the waistline and side seams. The darts will help shape the skirt and ensure a comfortable fit. The number and depth of the darts will depend on your personal preference and body type.
5. Draft the Waistband and Hem
Next, draft the waistband and hem. The waistband should be about 1.5 to 2 inches wide and should fit comfortably around your waist. The hem can be as wide or narrow as you prefer, but it should be long enough to cover the desired skirt length.
6. Adjust the Pattern
Once you have drafted the basic pattern pieces, it’s time to adjust them for a perfect fit. Make sure the waistline, side seams, and hem are all even and smooth. You may need to make small adjustments to the darts, waistband, and hem to ensure a comfortable fit.
7. Trace the Pattern
After making any necessary adjustments, trace the pattern pieces onto your pattern paper. Make sure to label each piece and include any important notes, such as the number of pattern pieces and the grainline.
8. Cut and Sew
Now that you have your wrap skirt pattern, it’s time to cut and sew your skirt. Follow the instructions for assembling the pattern pieces, adding the waistband and hem, and finishing the seams. Once you’ve completed the construction, you’ll have a custom wrap skirt that fits you perfectly and reflects your personal style.
