Sew Over It Erin Skirt Pattern Review

This skirt has been on my wishlist of things to make since it came out in September. I love the idea of a pattern eBook capsule wardrobe and had been seriously considering making a purchase of this when I came across this pattern free inside Simply Sewing Magazine. I must admit I had first been attracted to the magazine because of the free Fold Line Joni dress pattern. Imagine my delight when I discovered that part one of the Erin skirt was included in this issue too! It gets better – the paper pattern pieces were included too – not even a download to print off and stick together. Just dreamy!

After I had finished making the Joni dress (check out my review on the blog), I couldn’t wait to make the Erin skirt. I have admired so many versions of this popping up on Instagram, and I knew I wanted a knee length button-front skirt this Autumn/Winter to wear with warm tights and boots. Lush.

The pattern was incredibly simple to follow, with clear images as well as written instructions. Although these were the instructions from the magazine I would expect them to be the same as you would receive if you purchased the eBook.

Part one in issue number 22 takes you through cutting out, darts and pockets. The second part in issue 23 completes the skirt by taking you through adding the waistband, hem and buttons and buttonholes. I particularly like the slanted pockets on this skirt.

I chose to use a soft denim with a slight stretch which was perfect. No interfacing was necessary for this fabric choice. It sewed up really quickly, nothing complicated at all. There is a fair bit of topstitching required ( on the pockets, skirt front edges and waistband), so I was super slow and careful when stitching these parts as any wobbles would be noticeable, but my patience paid off and they all came out nice and neat. I chose an olive green thread as this gave a lovely contrast to the denim without being too crazy.

I only needed 1.5 yards of fabric as I made the shorter version of this skirt. I’m 5’2″ so thought the longer length would drown me, and as I know I will be wearing this mostly with tights I chose to line it with a pretty bright emerald green lining. Can’t be doing with my skirt sticking to my tights can you? I’ve never lined anything before and it was a doddle and apart from being really practical it gives the skirt a really fancy finished result!

I will definitely be making this skirt again. I would love it in a nice corduroy or cotton drill. Imagine it in a fabulous African wax. Yes please. The only thing to be careful of when using denim is to watch where it has been folded on the roll. If it has had a fold in it you may find a line in the denim as I discovered on the back of my skirt and waistband. Never mind it’s not too bad – I have learned to watch out for this next time I use denim.

It also came out a little on the small side for my measurements. I think this must have been an error on my part and that I must have cut the wrong size as other reviews of this pattern don’t seem to have found this. Silly me.

This has been my first experience with a Sew Over It pattern and I was thrilled. I have been following Lisa and the Sew Over It team for a long time now I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to make one of their patterns. I am really interested in the other patterns in the City Break collection, and would love to try the Molly top and dress, so cute and comfortable I imagine.

Have you made the Erin skirt too?  I would love to hear about it. As always I’m delighted that you are here and I hope this will inspire you to make this easy cute wardrobe staple.

Take care and I’ll be back soon,

Kathy x