Pattern Hack: Subtle High-Low Hem for the Brook Blossom Skirt

I’m bringing home another Brook Blossom Skirt pattern hack for you that I originally wrote for One Thimble. (Not familiar with One Thimble? It’s a digital sewing magazine, published four times a year, full of original patterns, tutorials, and handmade business advice. My favorite issues are #12 and #15. 🙂 (affiliate links) You should definitely check them out. 😉 )

Want yet another hemline for the Brook Blossom Skirt for you and your girls? Anya, who blogs over at Anna Zoe and was one of my wonderful pattern testers, came up with this beautiful pattern hack—the Subtle High-Low Hem. She explains here how she made the change. I’m going to explain another way to do it.

Anya’s method is best for quick one-offs. If you want to make multiple skirts, whether for selling in your shop or because you love your first one so much you have to make one in every color, go ahead and adjust the pattern.

Here’s how:

First, line up your high-low skirt front and back pattern pieces, overlapping them at the side seam by 5/8” (1.5cm) so that they line up on the seam line itself.

Mark the center front length (knee-length) on the side seam and center back. This will give you a guide to know how long to make your new hem. Go ahead and mark the knee-length hem all the way around. (You could trace your knee-length pattern if you have it already printed.) This makes it easier to see the change.

Mark the new back length. Draw a smooth curve for your new hemline. Be sure to keep the line at a right angle to the center front and center back for 1/4” (6mm) before curving; this will prevent sharp points when you cut out your fabric.

Depending on the curve you chose—the more dramatic a curve, the more necessary—you may need to square the side seam’s seam allowance. It’s easy! Just make the seam allowance go straight out from the seam line, rather than following the curve of the skirt. This will make sure the seam allowances match up when you go to sew them together.

There you have it! You’ve finished hacking your pattern! Simply sew up your skirt as directed in the pattern.

While I love the boldness and drama of the Brook Blossom Skirt’s original high-low hem, I also love the softness and classiness of the subtle high-low. Thanks, Anya, for making your beautiful skirt and inspiring this tutorial.

We’d love to see your own Brook Blossom Skirt! Be sure to tag your beautiful sews with #BrookBlossomSkirt and @orangedaisypatterns to share your creative genius with your fellow sewers and see what they’ve been creating as well!

Don’t have the pattern yet? Order the Brook Blossom Skirt today! And for adorable Mommy & Me fun, buy the girls and ladies Brook Blossom Skirts bundled together for a discount!