Frequently dubbed the 'slip skirt', this 90's-inspired, gently form-fitting style is a must make for the trans-seasonal #MeMade wardrobe! Melody from Soften Studio has answered our calls for a simple bias cut skirt pattern with her recently released Clo. This pattern was incredibly straightforward to sew, and is a dream closet essential made up in easy-care viscose crepe. Read on for our review, kindly modelled by Fiona from our HQ team!
Pattern Review
The Clo Bias Skirt is a simple A-line bias cut skirt offered in full and midi lengths. Clo is an advanced beginner pattern, and features an elasticated waistband with drawstring detailing, in sizes Aus 6-24. We made up a size 8 for Fiona, and this used 2m of our Viscose Crepe in Military Green. Additionally we used 75cm of elastic and a little piece of Fusible Interfacing - Stretch Weft / White for stabilising the buttonholes.
This pattern was a dream to sew, consisting of just three pattern pieces! The instructions were clear and beautifully laid out, and the French seam construction ensured a nice clean interior finish. We would agree with the advanced beginner difficulty level for this pattern. Note that mid-weight fabrics like linens and cottons are fairly easy to handle and sew even when cut on the bias. Fabrics that are lighter and more slippery, such as silk satins and viscose, can be a little trickier to handle when cut on the bias. Soften Studio suggest hanging out the garments before hemming to allow the bias cut fabric to relax fully, which we did and would recommend doing, especially if you are using finer or fabric with drape. This guide from Seamwork magazine is a helpful pre-read before sewing a bias cut garment too!
The Clo Bias Skirt is available in PDF format from the Soften Studio website here.
Fabric Recommendations
Soften Studio recommend a broad range of mid-weight woven fabrics for the Clo Skirt pattern. Think wispy silks, textural linens and soft drapey viscose! We're loving this selection below of pastel and bright hues from our range of viscose crepes. Clockwise from top right is Viscose Crepe - Doll Pink, Viscose Crepe - Folly Pink, Viscose Crepe - Berry, Viscose Crepe - Deep Verdigris, Viscose Crepe - Sapphire, Viscose Crepe - Cornflower, Viscose Crepe - Maize, Viscose Crepe - Chrome, Viscose Crepe - Pale Thistle and Viscose Crepe - Chai Latte.
Oh Clo! We loved this project and would highly recommend it for any sewist wanting to add to their rotation of wardrobe essentials. We'd love to see what you're working on, use #TheFabricStore over on Instagram and TikTok, we're following along!