Thread: What the best mermaid skirt pattern with a slit?

I've been reading past threads, most bhuzzers are saying they like the simplicity patterns more but some have had success with Madame X's. I need one that I can make a slit in, does anyone have any experience making your own mermaid/trumpet skirt with a slit? Can you share pics or details?

Thanks!

I've made quite a few. I have used both madame x and my own pattern made from an old L.Rose skirt. It is easier to make a slit in the lrose style to me since you just leave it open and don't add the insert to one piece - I can give you details if you like :) On the other hand, I order a lot from lrose just for the ease of getting all matching accessories too ;)

I've tried the Simplicity pattern and the Madame X pattern and the L Rose method. I agree with Mahsati, that the L Rose method is the best one of the bunch. Basically all you do is cut a bunch of rectangles and triangles and sew them together. It can be a little trickly getting the triangles in, but it's not too bad once you get the hang of it.

I am a math freak & make my own based on measurements alone...

divide your upper hip measurement by 12 and add half an inch- if you are using stretch fabric, no need (generally) to add in the full hip measurement, pm me if you are using nonstretch- draw a rectangle based on the 1/12the measurement (width) and the hip to floor measurement (height) measure from hip to knee on one side & at the knee add a 45 degree angle to your line (can be more or less depending on personal taste) & extend by the knee to floor measurement. use a string or ruler to connect the bottom of the rectangle via an arc to the end of the flare. this pattern piece should be places on a fold & you should cut 6. now, if you want a slit, just leave the flare off one side of 2 pattern pieces. I tried to draw this, but apparently I don't know how to post pictures on bhuz properly- hope this helps!

Thanks ladies! I'm such a novice sewer (with a machine at least) and I'm so afraid to make my own pattern lol. I'm going to try the lrose method, however I dont have one with a slit.
Sorry Lara- your wording is a little confusing for me! I appreciate the help though, especially the drawing efforts!

Originally Posted by midnight_star56

Thanks ladies! I'm such a novice sewer (with a machine at least) and I'm so afraid to make my own pattern lol. I'm going to try the lrose method, however I dont have one with a slit.
Sorry Lara- your wording is a little confusing for me! I appreciate the help though, especially the drawing efforts!

You'll make 6 rectangle panels that should equal a bit less than your actual hip measurement (so that it can stretch) and between all but one put a triangle of fabric to make the flare. On the last one, keep it open without a triangle piece for as high as you want the slit and finish the edges. Works great! ..g.:

Originally Posted by mahsati

You'll make 6 rectangle panels that should equal a bit less than your actual hip measurement (so that it can stretch) and between all but one put a triangle of fabric to make the flare. On the last one, keep it open without a triangle piece for as high as you want the slit and finish the edges. Works great! ..g.:

I saw an Eman skirt where the front and back panels was a little bigger then the 4 side panels. Is this the case for L rose skirts?

Originally Posted by toria_dances

I saw an Eman skirt where the front and back panels was a little bigger then the 4 side panels. Is this the case for L rose skirts?

Not sure on all of them, but on the ones I have they are all the same...but I think the front and back stretch to look wider when I wear them :)

Originally Posted by Lara L

I am a math freak & make my own based on measurements alone...

I'm with you, Lara, I hate sewing with patterns. I have been wondering what's the best way to make a trumpet skirt and can't wait to try using your method. Thanks for posting it!

Khalisah

The skirt I'm wearing in the photo below is one I made using Simplicity #4401. Sorry the pictures are yucky, but they show the skirt better than any of the other ones I have.

I just cut the pattern pieces out as is (I cut out the smallest size, since the pattern has some ease built into it, and is designed for nonstretch fabrics, but I wanted the skirt to be fitted and stretchy), and I cut off the top part of the pattern pieces (from the hips on up, I lopped off the top so that the waistband would be at the hips, not at the navel), and then I added some length back to the pattern at the "shorten or lengthen" here line that is marked on the pattern.

There are 8 pieces to this skirt. I sewed 7 of the seams all the way up as normal, but then for the seam over the right leg, I simply sewed down just a little bit (5 to 8 inches I think) from the waistband, and left the rest of the seam unsewn. That makes the slit. Easy as pie!