This is the newest pattern from Pattern Emporium: the Coastal Side Split Skirt. It was just released this week and I had fun testing it! It’s a pretty versatile skirt as you’ll see in my photos — you can wear it for winter with a sweater or summer with a tank top or t-shirt.
I should also note that this is a super fast sew. Maybe an hour or two once you’ve gotten the pattern taped and cut out. It’s a good one to have in the “omigosh I need something for the party tonight” pattern folder.
It’s mostly a straight skirt, but has 2 slits up either side. I don’t find the side slits too high, but some folks did and there are instructions for lowering them.
It has optional pockets, and generous ones at that. They’re topstitched onto the front of the skirt rather than underneath which makes them very easy to decide on at the last minute, alter if you want smaller, or ditch all together if you realize you don’t have enough fabric (which may have happened on my first test). But they’re nice and don’t add extra bulk to your hips like in-seam pockets sometimes do.
The waistband is elastic which keeps it super comfy. I did the 1.5” elastic but there’s a 2” elastic option as well. You can also sorta tell here that I did the low waist option. I personally find that more comfortable but you can choose to put it at your natural waist.
One of the nicest details of the skirt is the mitered corner finish on the edges. It’s very clean and polished looking. The notches and instructions make it straightforward, but it does require sewing from the inside. So you’ll want to make sure the tension is even on your machine before embarking on this one since the bobbin side of your stitches will be visible.
I opted for the ankle length (versus the slightly shorter midi option) which I quite like. If you check out the pattern page, you’ll see that some testers even hacked it and made it knee length. So you can manipulate the length to whatever works for you if the two provided options aren’t exactly what you want.
The fabric is viscose crepe by Atelier Brunette which I got during the pandemic at Stonemountain & Daughter. This skirt only takes 1.5 yards for my size (10) so I still have quite a bit left. Might use the rest to make a summer dress.
My first version (which is not pictured) was made of a linen and I really didn’t love the way it looked on me whereas I quite like the crepe. So fabric choice does make a difference with this pattern. That being said, some other testers looked great in their linen versions so it’s really personal preference. And while I love the look of the viscose crepe, it was a slippery beast. I wrangled it, but it was a challenge. From other testers, I understand that rayon was much easier to work with.
I’ll be honest, when I first started this test, I wasn’t sure how it would go. This isn’t my usual style. However, I really am quite happy with how it turned it out. Even though I like it with the sweater, this fabric gives me beachy vibes so I’m looking forward to wearing it somewhere tropical with a tank top once the weather warms up.
(And if you’re curious about the sweater I’m wearing — I made that, too! — it will be in my next post.)
