A Skirt from a 1960 Pattern: It’s Reversible!

I didn’t know I wanted a reversible skirt until I saw the pattern, but then I really wanted it! I used McCalls 5481 (c.1960). It’s a very clever design because most skirts in late 50s/early 60s style require a crinoline or petticoat underneath for fullness. However, the ruffled side of the skirt provides enough volume that a separate crinoline isn’t needed.

I made a quick mock up of the upper portion of the skirt in two different fabrics to make sure the waist would be the right size (fortunately the waist was the only measurement that mattered in this design which made fitting easy) and so that I could figure out the reversible construction. I didn’t bother making a full mock up because I would have needed 9 yards of fabric.

For the ruffled side, I needed six yards of fabric which is quite a bit more than most of the options I had available. Fortunately, I had a little more than six yards of this sunflower print in my stash. It was a good candidate because I couldn’t visualize the print on a full dress and it unfortunately had some lines of fade (sun or fold damage). The way the ruffles fell disguised the fade lines so I was able to use up a fun print, even the damaged parts.

For the plain side, I chose a dark green which coordinated in tone with the navy blue on the sunflower print. This way, if the wrong side was slightly visible when worn, the two fabrics wouldn’t clash with each other. I had initially schemed about creating some kind of 3-D element with sunflower applique or embroidery on this side. There are some amazing 1950s “poodle skirt” inspirations! However, I realized that when the green side was turned in, this wouldn’t be comfortable to wear. In the end, I decided it would be valuable to have a solid color skirt (most of my vintage style ones are patterned and multi-colored) so that I could wear it with a patterned shirt or sweater sometimes. I ended up just adding a band of white lace at the bottom for a little extra elegance (and to hide my uneven blind hem which wasn’t so blind on the solid fabric).

It was so fun to make and I’m thrilled with the versatility! I can wear it in all seasons.

I’m still offering sewing lessons if any locals are interested. I’ve had two teenage students so far and they are each finishing up a dress they made for themselves. It’s been exciting to pass on this skill!