Black Faux Leather Skirt and a Knit Top


Leather, both faux and real, have been trending for the last several fashion seasons.  So when this Black Faux Stretch Leather came in I had to sew a skirt ASAP!  

The pattern is an OOP McCalls 4837 view C that I made once before using a rayon/poly blend georgette.

This is an easy pattern but the fabric requires some special handling. Always practice sewing techniques on your remnant pieces of fabric before you commit to your garment. Here are my tips when sewing with this Black Faux Stretch Leather:

  • Use a rotary cutter to cut out the fabric.
  • I used a size 11 stretch needle.
  • Loosen the presser foot pressure so the fabric can glide through easily.
  • Use a silk organza press cloth and an iron setting between 2 and 3.  I pressed on both the wrong and right side.  Don’t press for very long!
  • I used a fusible stretch interfacing for the invisible zipper. (see tip above)
  • I made this before so I knew how long I wanted the skirt to be. I left the hem as is. This is where the rotary cutter is very useful!
  • Stabilize the waist with stay tape.

The knit top (Streaks) is Burda Style 10/2014 #103.  It’s a quick knit top once you can decipher how to join the front to the back.

It’s important to transfer all markings to your fabric.

Front

This is the fold line for the cowl.

This is the placement line for joining the back to the front.

Back

Shoulder Line

This is the notch that matches the intersection of the cowl fold line and the placement line on the front.

Finish the back neckline with a strip of knit up to the notch.

Match the back notch with the front.

Right sides together, stitch along the placement line.

This what it should look like.

I hope these tips will help you successfully sew with stretch faux leather and make thisBurda Style knit top!

14 Comments

  1. Mrs. Smith
    December 12, 2014 / 2:00 pm

    That skirt is INSANE! I love it!!!!

  2. Roz
    December 12, 2014 / 9:40 pm

    LOL!! Thank you Mrs.Smith!

  3. Cheryl Lemmons
    December 12, 2014 / 11:06 pm

    Wow! This is stunning! And, of course, red shoes are the best choice with that outfit.

  4. Andrea
    December 13, 2014 / 1:38 am

    The skirt was gorgeous in person and just stunning in these pics. Now I want that stuff. You are terrible!!! I feel like a teenager wanting my friends clothes. But wait!!! I can make my own….lol.

  5. Roz
    December 13, 2014 / 2:59 pm

    Hi Cheryl! Yep red shoes…needed to break up all the black/white.@ Andrea–LOL! But it's so much fun to share fashion ideas. You know I'll steal yours :). Thank you Cheryl and Andrea.

  6. sarahlizsewstyle
    December 14, 2014 / 4:53 am

    That's a beautiful skirt – I guess it is important to have sizing right before starting with faux leather, especially with pleants. It really looks fantastic – better than the straight versions. As does the little tee.

  7. Roz
    December 15, 2014 / 4:07 pm

    You are right Sarahliz! Taking in is ok but letting out is a no-go. Thank you for your lovely compliment.

  8. Aminat
    December 19, 2014 / 3:58 am

    Absolutely gorgeous, thanks for sharing the tips

  9. Roz
    December 19, 2014 / 6:05 pm

    Thank You Aminat!

  10. Justine/ Sew Country Chick
    December 25, 2014 / 6:43 am

    So beautiful Roz!

  11. Roz
    December 26, 2014 / 2:17 pm

    Thanks Justine!

  12. Linda
    February 14, 2015 / 11:56 pm

    Great looking skirt. I like the pleated look using this faux leather.

  13. Anonymous
    October 5, 2015 / 6:28 pm

    thank you so much for the instructions! I couldn't wrap my head around them, but this makes sense! 🙂

  14. Roz
    October 5, 2015 / 8:53 pm

    @anonymous Glad to help!

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