My favourite skirt and trouser patterns

I love wearing separates for versatility and there are some great indie patterns out there right now.

This week I am looking at my favourite skirt and trouser patterns to help you build your handmade wardrobe.

SKIRTS

The Madeleine skirt by Victory Patterns is such a chic piece! It can be made in lots of different fabrics, giving a different look each time. I love the additional (and removable) straps but you can make it without them if you prefer. It is a lined skirt, which I personally love, but it would be perfectly find to leave it unlined. I would suggest a lovely chambray for it, to replicate the pattern cover, but it would also work beautifully for cooler months in a wool mix or in a rayon for the summer.

The Nina Lee Camden is a versatile pattern as you can make either the skirt or pinafore version. I’ve made the skirt and it’s such a lovely, well drafted pattern. I think this one works best in a more structured fabric like a cotton sateen or drill or a needlecord. I would love to make one in our African Cats stretch cotton with black piping around the pockets!

The Ness skirt by Tilly and the Buttons is a classic A-line. It has two different lengths and can be made of denim, stretch cotton or corduroy. I think it would look great in this mint denim for a summer version.

The Agave skirt by Deer and Doe is a lovely pattern that can be made reversible for a very versatile piece in your wardrobe! I think it would look stunning in this Charlotte stretch cotton with a black stretch cotton on the reverse. Perfect over tights in the winter or bare legs in the summer.

TROUSERS

The Lander pants by True Bias are such a classic 70s style with multiple length options. They look great in denim or stretch cotton but are also lovely for the summer in linen. I think you could make a classic ‘goes with everything’ pair from our black linen rayon.

The Closet Core Sasha trousers are a mid rise tailored trouser, that are perfect for workwear and for an accessible way into tailoring. They need a fabric with a bit of stretch so would be great in a denim or stretch cotton like this Sangria cotton chino drill.

The Portobello trousers by Nina Lee are a great high rise (but not too high rise) wide leg trouser. They are really easy to make and can be made winter appropriate in a suiting fabric or summer ready in a floaty rayon like this Ruby Star beauty. For the summer option, you could even make them slightly cropped – Nina has some beautiful versions on her website for inspo!

My favourite jeans pattern is the Closet Core Ginger jeans. I’ve made several pairs and it is such a great pattern with lots of additional resources on the Closet Core website. They need a denim with some stretch in it and I think this lovely smokey grey Cottesmore denim would work beautifully.

And of course, if you are still not ready to give up your lockdown loungewear, there is always the True Bias Hudson Pants. This stylish jogger pattern can be made using cosy fleece backed sweatshirting or you could make a lighter weight pair with a cotton jersey, like this organic ruby one.

SHORTS

I thought I would also add in a stunning shorts pattern from Deer and Doe – the Chataigne. I love the styling of them over tights for the winter and they would look amazing in this faux stretch suede but they would also be beautiful for the summer made in one of the Ruby Star cottons.

I hope that run down was helpful and got you inspired for some trouser and skirt sewing!