Burda Style For people who sew

I have a really simple question, but it is something I cannot remember and I want to know other people’s opinion.

When making a simple skirt, should the CF or CB length be the same length as the side seams?

for instance, if you want the skirt to be 18" long, should this measurement be 18" at CF and at the side seams, and then you curve it to match? Or do you allow the side seams to be slightly longer? I Have noticed on some blocks that the bottom is square, and therefore the side seam measurment tends to be longer. is this just for block reasons..

Apr 30, 2012, 04.00 PM by leashbean

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  May 14, 2012, 08.39 AMby katexxxxxx

  If the side seam curves over the hip, it WILL be longer. CB and CF seams tend to be straight on the block.

  18" isn’t a skirt! It’s a pelmet! ;)

  My skirts are all 34+ long… :D
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  May 14, 2012, 02.57 PMby leashbean

  thanks! I knew that if it went over the hips it would need some room to compensate, but I can’t find any information in my books stating how much so it got me thinking.

  As I become a woman I am finding that 18" is not sufficient to cover my bum comfortable, so maybe its time to add a few inches. hahahaahah. i am pretty sure 34 sounds like enough covered for me.

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    May 15, 2012, 05.47 PMby katexxxxxx

    I like my skirts LOOOOONG! :D

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  May 24, 2012, 04.15 PMby mickeygirl

  Take a tape measure and hang it down over your center front and center back and see the length. Usually poeple make their basic skirt pattern to their knee length since that is an easy landmark to use. Then to make a skirt longer or shorter they add or take off from the hem.

  You’re right that you need the CF and CB to be at square with the hem. The side hem might curve up depending on the fit/style of the skirt. You usually walk/measure the front and back side seams to make sure that the seam is going to make.

  Some women are larger in the stomach or bum so they need more room over the CF or CB. Or some have those hippy curves. Everyone is different -

  I have a book “How to make Sewing patterns” by Don McCunn. It is a very good book because it shows you how to make sewing patterns to fit real people not some stuffed dummy. He says to make the skirt test from fabric and then try it on the put in the waist darts – this makes sense because most of the other books I have will tell you how much dart and where by some formula which is not my body.
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  Jun 9, 2012, 08.43 AMby kritika kapoor

  Nicely described here and i really got it as a good one here. According to good measurements i will try the same and will craft the same easily.
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  Aug 3, 2012, 09.47 AMby michaelG4369

  I found that replies helpful and will try in future. Post is also appreciable.