Happy Monday everyone! Thanks so much for stopping by and reading. I love sewing and lately, I’ve been challenging myself to create things that are new to me. In walks Burda 6291. I picked up this pattern over the summer during a rare Burda sale at Joann Fabrics. Guys – I have a secret – my blog is named Darts and Pleats, I’ve never made anything with pleats. Yes – I know, it’s quite shocking. But this is a sewing journey that started with one stitch.
Pattern and Fabric Description
Burda 6291 is a dream skirt. From the website: “The new flared skirts feature not only two deep pleats on the front skirt panel but also angled pleats for a whole new look. Skirt view A has a pleasingly high waist.” I opted to make the skirt in View A with the addition of the pockets from McCall 7974 for an added flair. The fabric I chose was a 3 meter cotton remnant from Selvedge and Bolts. It’s a cotton print with some stretch, so I believe it’s a sateen, but I’m not entirely sure. The vibe that I was going for with this skirt was a timeless New York look. Audrey Hepburn and Charlotte York Goldenblatt are my style mavens and the skirt is very reminiscent of them.
Pleat Construction
The skirt is fully lined so naturally, I love that aspect. So many fabrics are opaque and for the beginner sewer, a lining feels necessary. I’ve sewn linings for bodices, but never skirts, so I was glad to see it incorporated in the pattern. The first thing I did was sew the skirt back darts. I sewed the darts for the main fabric and the lining. Then, I went right into the pleats in the front of the skirt. I don’t know why making the first pleat was so daunting, but I was incredibly nervous of messing it up. However, the pattern is great with its directions to sew the pleats. I found the markings with the directional arrows super helpful. Once the front side panel pleats were put in, my nervousness subsided and I put in the front panel pleats successfully. Well, successful for a beginner.
Skirt Construction
The front comes together relatively easy to sew one the pleat hurdle is jumped. As I mentioned earlier, I added pockets in the skirt. The pockets are a practical addition, but I added them not realizing that the skirt has two waistbands. I should’ve accounted for the additional waistband by raising the pocket, but next time. The paperbag waistband is the cutest, so I’m not upset about the pockets. For me, sewing the back and putting in the invisible zipper was quick compared to the agita of the front. After the construction of the general skirt, I added in the lining and hand sewing the hems and boom, we have a skirt people.
Final Words
I love this pattern. Between the pleats, the length, the paperbag waistband, my personal addition of the pocket, what’s not to love? I definitely want to make this for the spring in maybe a jacquard a pastel cotton print.
Thank you so much for reading. Happy Sewing!
