Hi Friends,
Can a not very tall (5’3″), curvy woman pull off midi length voluminous culottes? I personally think the answer is yes. What do you think?
These culottes were made using Butterick 6179, and I highly recommend them if you want a true “divided skirt” look.
They are, as the pattern states, fast and easy, and I sewed them up with absolutely no pattern changes (aside from making the hem a little deeper than suggested).
I wore them out to a lunch with a friend with my crossover wrap top and felt cool, comfortable and stylish. I wish you could see the fabric in person! It is an amazing linen/ cotton mix twill that I purchased from Mandors in Glasgow. It has the most expensive looking sheen to it in real life.
Pattern Review
Pattern Description:
MISSES’ SKIRT AND CULOTTES: Skirt or culottes have waistband, side-front and side-back seams and back zipper. A: Bias front and back. C: Topstitching. D: Side pockets. I made view D, the culottes.
Pattern Sizing:
6 – 22
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the finished shape and look. It’s just like wearing a circular skirt. Very comfortable and the fit is perfect. Be warned: I don’t think the notches match up properly on the inner leg seam and the waistband. It wasn’t a problem for me (a little maths required to make sure the overlap on the waistband was ok) but as this is rated as a very easy pattern by Butterick I think it might throw some beginner sewers off.
Fabric Used:
A linen/ cotton twill.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Absolutely no pattern changes! Not even to the length.
I picked my size according to the finished waistband length, and compared the front and back crotch curves to another pant pattern I had previously sewn and they looked good, so I went ahead with cutting out.
I topstitched the waistband rather than handstitching it. I made the hem 2 and 1/4 inch and hand stitched that.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Not sure if I will sew again (although I also think these would be great done in a wool for winter) and I do recommend.
Conclusion:
Culottes: you either love them or hate them. I love these!
Husband’s verdict: their nice but a little ridiculous. Hmmm….men…!
Until soon.