Spring time means time to make a couple skirts and this year I’m trying out three skirt patterns. I just finished making Lisette B6182 a safari inspired a-line skirt. (The B in B6182 stands for Butterick. You may recall Lisette patterns use to come out under Simplicity Creative Group but now it’s Butterick) Lisette patterns are designed by Liesl Gibson who is the mastermind behind Liesl + Co and the children’s wear pattern company, Oliver + S.
Style details: large center front inverted pleat, two front patch pockets, center back opening with invisible zipper, high waist, tall waist band and the back panels are eased into the waist band for ease without bulk.
I made my skirt up in a mid-weight twill. The twill seemed perfect for the cut and the style.
The pattern is classified as easy and it was. Straight forward construction nothing too tricky except for maybe the insertion of the invisible zipper. The instructions for that step were a little confusing and could benefit from more illustrations – or more practice on my part.
The waist band is cut as one. It’s folded in half horizontally and finished with slip stitching down the inside long edge to the waist seam allowance by hand. The waistband’s short ends are also hand slip stitched close. I thought this was an odd way to finish the waistband ends. Was it just an easy way to do the job (keeping the pattern classified as “easy” and having less instructions to write out or illustrate) or just overlooked? Why not sew the short ends of the waistband by machine, right sides together, and then flip right side out?
What I did differently: I added contrasting top stitching to the pockets, the hem (both required top stitching anyway) and the waistband (which did not call for top stitching).
What I will do differently: I will line the pockets fully to avoid the bulky bias binding applied to the opening and to avoid my fingers having to feel the raw seam allowance inside the pocket. Feeling it unravel. Feeling how crumbs and lint stick deep in between the layers of seam allowance and pocket and skirt.
I will narrow the waist band slightly (it gaps on me) and try stitching the short ends of the waist band by machine, right sides together after the zipper is inserted.
Would I make this again: Yes. It’s flattering, it’s practical, it only takes two yards of fabric and it sews up rather fast. That’s pretty much everything I ask for.
Bonus! I just found Liesl Gibson’s inspiration board for this skirt. Check it out.
Have you made this skirt? If you did, what was your experience with it?
6 Comments on Lisette Skirt: Butterick 6182 Pattern Review
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Love your skirt!! I’m working on mine. The waist is a bit too tight :/
I had to add a half inch to the waist band’s length. It’s wider/taller than I’m use to so the top edge has a little gap. I’m going to have to taper it I think. Boy, It’s taking longer than I thought it would but in the end I will have victory; I will have a great fitting skirt.
Good luck with yours.
Hey there!! I’ve struggled abit with the waistband too!! Im sure my future attempts will improve!! Thankyou so much for reviewing this pattern!! I’ve had it in my stash and never thought to make it or the top but I am so glad you inspired me to!!!
So glad you found a little inspiration. I love that feeling 😉 I’ve since made Lisel + Co’s Everyday Skirt. That waistband has a clever way of going together but it is a different style then this one. It’s flat in the front of the skirt but is an elastic waistband in the back. That skirt also only took 2 yards (I think it says 2 1/4 yds required but I got it in 2) and sewed up quick. I like it but I think I like the style of this Butterick pattern more. It just needs some adjustments in the pattern/construction of to make it better for me.
Have fun sewing yours. What fabric are you going to use? Mine was a twill.
I re did the waist band and I love it!!!
I used cloud 9 collective koi. It’s a drill
Did you make the waistband a little shorter? Not as wide? Tell me your secrets! You’ve inspired me to make this pattern again for this year’s summer skirts.