I have always been a big fan of the pencil skirt. It looks good on almost everyone, it is simultaneously hipand traditional, and…you can make one in ten minutes. How do I know this?
Family function + “desperate” need of a black skirt + hundreds of yards of jersey knit “hanging” around + 10 minutes + husband-kid duty = the birth of the 10-min pencil.

A few disclaimers: you HAVE to use jersey knit so it won’t fray and it will hug just right, you need to own a pencil skirt already (and like the fit of) to use for shape and sizing, and you’ll probably want a belt to wear over it for a finishing touch. H&M and Nordstrom in the junior’s section are great places for cute, cheap belts ($8-$15). This is a super basic, functional skirt, that looks best in darker colors, layered and with fun tights. If you want to go the extra mile and serge the side seams or hem the bottom and top then go for it, but then it will be a 30 to 40-minute pencil skirt, which doesn’t sound as cool.

{Check out more skirt photos at bottom of post}
 
*If the skirt you are tracing doesn’t have much of a high waist, add a few inches, you can always trim it down later if it’s too high or you can fold it over.
*Two things to watch for: Your fabric will most likely naturally curl under one way. Make the side it curls UNDER the INSIDE of your skirt. In other words, the curl should be facing you when it’s on, not out. Make sure top and bottom are cut evenly across since the raw edge will be exposed.
*Make sure you leave about a one-inch hem on both sides for an extra-snug fit. Use a slight zig-zag stitch to allow for the stretch.
*Make sure the fit is right and the side seams are secure.

* Turn right side out so the seams are on the inside of the skirt and there you have it! Your new 10-minute pencil skirt.

Oh the beautiful things money shortages force a person to come up with.

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