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Vogue V1486 Skirt
In a nutshell- Vogue V1486 is the best skirt sewing pattern from Vogue – I have sewn it 5 times so far and have plans for more! This post is the ultimate pattern review for Vogue 1486 where you can read about all the different types of fabrics and design changes I have sewn.
You will always have a unique skirt in your wardrobe with this pattern. It doesn’t disappoint.
The best Vogue skirt sewing pattern – V1486.
I made these sewing mistakes with V1486 so that you won’t have to. Individual pattern reviews are written in most recently sewn order and you can use the handy table of contents to take you to the section you want. Feel free to use the gallery to see which one of the fabulous skirts you want to read about.
Sewing Pattern – Vogue 1486
Vogue V1486 Pattern Details
V1486 is a two piece pattern that includes a crop top and a skirt that has lined waistband, side pockets, and pleated lower front and back, cut on crosswise grain.
It was designed by Australian based fashion designer Nicola Finetti. I have all of the Vogue designer patterns by Nicola Finetti. His back story is quite fascinating. He used to be an architect before moving over to high fashion.
His designs are quite bold while embracing femininity. His signature style is romantic, sensual and wearable garments. The label creates some truly beautiful garments – a smorgasbord of inspiration.
What fabric is suitable for V1486?
Tha pattern envelope calls for moderate stretch knits. This means that any woven fabric with a small amount of stretch can be used. I sewed one using a fabulous chintzy curtain fabric that has zero stretch, the second was in cobalt blue embossed scuba while the third one is an uber summer floral scuba. The fourth and fifth were also in scuba.
The key thing to note is that when I use scuba I go a size down (to size 10) whereas when I am sewing with a woven fabric , the I use size 12. The scuba works well for this style because the instruction call for leaving the hem unfinished. Scuba fabric does not unravel unlike woven fabrics which look unsightly on the hem.
Whether you are sewing with a woven or knit, V1486 needs a lot of fabric. The lower skirt that creates all the volume will need at least 2 meters on its own. If you want to pattern match you will need at least 50% more than the reccommended yardage.
Is Vogue V1486 true to size?
Yes it is. I hvae sewn it using scuba fabric which a stable knit fabric but have used one size smaller in order to make up for the give in scuba.
However, when I sew V1486 using a stable woven fabric than I use size 12 – the size that is based on my waist and hip measurement.
I made a trial garment so its always important to do that in the first instance to check the fit for you.
Remember “If in doubt, make a toile!”
Altering Vogue V1486?
You can absolutely alter Vogue V1486 to your preferences. With the 5 skirts that I have sewn, I made some of my own design alterations which I will detail below.
1. The waistband is a straight waistband which means that it doesnt sit comfortably on my contured waist. I reduced the width of the waistband so it wouldnt roll and bunch.
2. I switched from side seam pockets to patch pockets because the side seam pockets would gape. I drafted my own patch pockets and 2 of my skirts have the patch pockets while 2 have side pockets and 1 doesnt have pockets. I have a patch pocket tutorial on my sewing Youtube channel.
3. I moved the center back exposed zip to the side. I did not want to interuppt the pattern of the fabric by having an exposed zip.
4. I have used a 2″ wide black elastic on the Sunbeam Missouri skirt and skipped the waistband altogether. This is a great way to reduce the seam bulk. Scuba fabric has good stretch and recovery.
Would you reccommend Vogue V1486 to others?
Yes! An unequivocal yes – you will have beautiful seasonal piece depending on the fabric you select. I’d love to make another one in linen and another in African wax print.
Would you sew Vogue 1486 again?
Yes. Given that I have psewn it 5 times now, I’d have thought I was done with this pattern. But I am not – its quite versatile depending on the fabric you use for it.
When in doubt, make a toile!
Hila Willing (2020)
Vogue V1486 is a designer pattern which I have a great fondness for. Fondness might be an understatement – I LOVE this pattern.
Vogue V1486 #1 – The Perfect Winter Skirt
Fabric Selection – Lady McElroy Scuba Jersey Knit Fabric Wine
Sometimes a sewing project happens serendipitously without any effort. This was the case when I set eyes on the Lady McElroy scuba fabric. I fell for those eye-catching splurges of colourful bright teal posies against a deep sultry burgundy background.
So to sum up the alterations – zero fit alterations plus 3 design changes :1) added patch pockets, 2) moved zip to side seam, and 3) reduced the width of waistband by half.
Style Notes
This midi length floral look works in so many ways. I layered it with a tonal rollneck (this is Burda 9/2015 #121 roll neck that I have sewn 5 times). This look could easily take me to spring giving it more mileage. If you are after something that is elegant and supremely wearable then do give scuba a go.
Vogue V1486 #2 – Sunbeam Missouri Skirt
This fabulous skirt is sewn using a Lady McElroy scuba knit fabric called Sunbeam Missouri.
Design Alterations – Sunbeam Missouri
I used a 2″ wide thick elastic for the waist. This makes this skirt very comfortable to wear. It also sewed up quicker.
I added my self drafted patch pockets and removed the centre back exposed zip. As a result of removing the center back zip, I cut the skirt back on a fold.
Vogue V1486 #3 – Bright Floral Scuba Skirt
Floral Scuba Skirt – Design ALterations
I skipped the center back zip on this skirt and cut the upper back on the fold. The fabric stretches and recovers well enough for me to easily pull the skirt on and off without need for a zip.
The side seam pockets tend to gape hence why I realized that I needed to change the pockets to patch pockets.
Links
Vogue V1486 #4 – Curtain Fabric Skirt
This skirt was sewn with a curtaining fabric that has the large floral print.
Design alterations – Chintzy Curtain Fabric V1486
This has no alterations at all. The waistband is exactly as cut from the pattern. It is a straight waistband. I do not have a straight waist – my waist is contoured so I had to change the waistband to make it narrower.
Once I reduced the width of the waistband by half it sat on my waist comfortably.
Vogue V1486 #5 – Embossed Scuba Skirt
Voge V1486 Embossed Scuba Skirt – Design Alterations
I didnt sew the side seam pockets on this embossed scuba skirt. The center back zip was also moved to the side seam which meant the back skirt was cut on a fold.
*Originally appeared on MinervaCrafts blog as guest post.
Didi
April 23, 2019 5:44 pmHi Hila, Great skirt! I have wanted to work with scuba – love the colors and prints! I wonder how it wears though. Is it suitable for spring and summer clothing, or does it get too hot?
Thanks,
Didi
Hila
April 24, 2019 10:59 amThanks Didi! Scuba is definitely ok for spring and summer. Apart from these skirts, one of my fave McCalls M6886 dress is made of embossed scuba and I wear it a lot in spring summer. Most dressmaking scuba is ok but watch out for when it says neoprene weight in the description – that scuba is the thicker weight that you’d want to avoid for warmer months. Hila. x
Erika
April 26, 2019 2:24 pmLovely skirt! I’ve added this one to my pattern wishlist. 🙂
Great review.
Hila
May 1, 2019 11:40 amThank you! So glad you found the post useful!