Butterick 4026 skirt

Reviewed by:	Ann Smith	About Ann Smith CA USA Member since: 8/24/02 Reviews written: 155 Sewing skills:Advanced Favored by: 186 people patterns reviewed: 152 Bio: I love to sew for fashion, especially unusual designs. I own way too many patterns and fabric! I hav...full profile
Posted on:	10/11/04 12:45 PM
Last Updated:	10/11/04 1:55 PM
Pattern Size:	Regular
Project Photo:
Pattern Rating:	Recommended, but with modifications
Pattern Description: This is described as a loose fitting, lined, slightly flared skirt, below mid-knee or above ankle at sides with contour waist and side zipper. Pattern Sizing: There are 3 multi-sized choices: 6-8-10, 12-14-16, and 18-20-22 Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? The length and proportions seem different from the illustration. Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were adequate. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I wanted a flouncy skirt to go with my top but only had 1 1/2 yards of 45" wide fabric. This was about the only one in my pattern stash that filled the bill. I disliked the shape of the yoke pattern piece which is why this pattern needs modification. It curves out until the last 2 inches before the bottom where it awkwardly curves back in. This causes an unattractive poufing where the yoke is joined with the skirt. I had to fiddle with this quite a bit to get it to be acceptable and still don't find it quite right. This is extra tricky because the zipper ends very close by. Also it would be better to have the zipper in the back to avoid a curved seam zip application. Fabric Used: A black with pink polka dots silk from my stash. Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did not line the skirt because I wanted it light and flouncy. I also "petite-ed" the yoke by folding out an inch so it falls higher on me. And I cut the length as long as I could with my amount of yardage which came between the two pattern lengths. So I took out an inch of length in the yoke and added 4 inches to the shorter style length and yet it doesn't look any longer on me than the shorter version as drawn. And since I usually shorten skirts 2 or 3 inches I will suggest that the skirt is shorter than as pictured. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I'm not crazy about this style. It took extra fussing to get the yoke right and the skirt gathers at center front and back to be right. I think a gored skirt with vertical lines would be more flattering. Conclusion This is a useful pattern if you want some fullness without much fabric. Also, for those of you onionskin lovers wondering about the top...it is RTW but it is onionskin. The black is 2 layers on the front and back, single layer on the sleeves. The pink is a single layer just attached along with the black fronts with a higher cut cowl. Sleeve and bottom hems are just cut and left unfinished.