April 3, 2017

How to transform the Upton Dress into an Upton Skirt


Updated 1.1.2021: You can now make Upton Skirts in a variety of lengths using the contoured waistband included in the Upton Dress & Skirt plus Mix & Match Expansion Pack–no pattern hacking necessary!

Hey, chaps and chapesses!

For my recent trip to LA, I decided I needed to whip up a skirt with some amazing burnt orange and purple “painted” Liberty lawn I got at the mysterious cheap Liberty shop. I’m not much one for a ditzy print, but these chunky tulips called my name from the back of the basement.

I contemplated the skirt patterns in my stash but none really appealed and then I realised I should take a different approach: hack the Cashmerette Upton Dress into a skirt! And here it is, a hack of Upton Dress view A, the pleated skirt.

Pretty fabulous, non? I paired it with a chambray Harrison Shirt, knotted at the waist like the carefree LA chick I am (ahem).

Upton Skirt Hack

This was a super easy hack, and very quick to whip up. I’m planning another pleated beauty with some amazing Suno burn-out silk I got on Emma One Sock, and also a version using View B, to make a gored skirt.

Once you have your copy of the Cashmerette Upton Dress, making an Upton Skirt is pretty easy.

Before you start, consider the size: the Upton Dress has a high waistband, which sits on the lower ribcage (your high waist). If you want your skirt to hit there too, make your regular size. However, if you want it to hit at a more traditional waist height, you need to consider whether your waist is bigger than your high waist. Mine is, by about 2 inches (the narrowest bit of me is just below my bust, and then I get progressively bigger towards my hips), so I sized up from my usual 18 to a 20.

Upton Skirt Hack

To get step-by-step illustrated instructions, simply click here to download the PDF: Upton skirt tutorial.

19 thoughts on “How to transform the Upton Dress into an Upton Skirt

  1. Eleanor says:

    How much fabric?

    1. Depends on what size and length you’re making, and pleated vs gored. But roughly 2 yards

  2. nic says:

    Great idea, thanks Jenny! You look gorgeous!

  3. Dana Tougas says:

    I’ve been wondering how to do this. Thanks!

  4. Natalie says:

    What a great skirt. I love the bright colors! I’ve never attempted anything pleated before. Might have to give something like this a shot. Time to head to the fabric store! 🙂

    Cheers,
    Natalie

  5. Rene says:

    very cute, but it would have been nice to see how the actual waistline fits. 🙂

  6. Nujoi says:

    Will you please provide instructions for creating a lining for the pleated skirt and dress?

    1. Just cut the same pieces as the main skirt, and baste them to the outer skirt before attaching the waistband.

  7. Madeline says:

    Beautiful dress, Great! I adore that fabric and love the sandals!

  8. I think you need some skirt patterns in your brand. Love this skirt and plan to give it a try. Looking forward to seeing skirt patterns in your growing selection of fabulous patterns.

  9. Mizz. R. says:

    As a beginner pattern sewer, it would be helpful to have the amount of fabric required for the skirt on the tutorial .pdf. Since I have never done anything like this yet, beginners need all the details and specifics for sewing that we can get that. Thank you!

  10. Patty Wood says:

    You got me thinking about using the high-waisted Upton dress to hack/sew a skirt. If we want the waist of the skirt to sit lower than the Upton dress waist does (as you presented as a possibility), then the length we want in our skirt may be shorter than the skirt part of the Upton Dress. Should we cut off any excess length from the bottom (at the hem)? We wouldn’t want to eliminate length at the waist, or we would cut into the pleats, right? Give us a little guidance please Jenny. I want a swishy skirt but not too long.

    1. You’d need to experiment, depending on where the waistline hits you, but yes, I’d reduce length from the bottom.

  11. Amanda says:

    Do you ever do tutorial videos for your hacks? I’m a visual learner and it’s best if I can see the process in action.

  12. Kelly Werre says:

    Beautiful! Love that skirt!

  13. Sandra says:

    Hi Jenny (and Team). I’m new to sewing, 69, retired and living in sultry Cairns (Far North Queensland, Australia). I’ve just bought the Upton Extension Pack and am in the process of making the gorgeous gored skirt (calico muslin). My waist is 96 cms standing and 98 cms sitting – I chose size 18. Even though the calico is stiff, the skirt fits beautifully.
    However, I can slip the skirt over my head, over my boobs (112 cms) and it sits quite comfortably on the waist without a zip (hips are 115 cms). Do I have to insert a zip? Your thoughts would be appreciated. Regards, Sandra

    1. Sandra says:

      Hi Team – you have already confirm that if I can slip the skirt over my head/chest area, there’s no need for a zip – thank you. However, I’m a bit concerned about the waistband stretching out with wear – your advice would be much appreciated. Regards, S

Let me know what you think!