Jessilous Sunrise Skort

The 90’s are back!

Overview:

Sewing Time: It took me two afternoons, you could finish in bout 6-8hrs

Pattern:

The Sunrise Skort is a modern take on a traditional Skort from Jessilous Patterns. It features shorts hidden behind either a full wrap skirt that ties on the side or a half skirt that covers the front of the shorts. The shorts have ease in the crotch and hips to help keep you cool on those hot summer days.

Jessilous offers size inclusive patterns. The range includes sizes 0- 34 which correlate to W 24", H 34" to W 54", H 65" respectively.

Memories of rocking skorts back in the 90s was enough of a reason to volunteer to test the Sunrise Skort. I chose view A with front flap because that’s the style I wore back in middle school.

The pattern is surprisingly simple to construct though the steps are a bit out of the usual order for shorts due to the addition of the skirt panel. The waistband is finished with facing which gives the shorts a clean finish. The shorts have a bit of ease which makes them comfy.

The pattern calls for the zipper to be installed at the center front seam, but this could be moved to either the side or back. My guess is the center front location was chosen because it can be hidden behind the skirt panel, but I may prefer the center back as I don’t love the zipper showing at the top of the panel. It also allows you to skip the step of unbuttoning the front panel before removing the skort which is a small thing, but nice. No change is really needed if you want to do a side zip, but if you prefer the back zip then you need to split the back facing piece at the center back and add 3/8” seam allowance.

The instructions show you how to install a button closure. You have two options; a hidden button with the button on back of the skirt panel and a buttonhole on the shorts or a visible button which is sewn on the shorts with the buttonhole thru the skirt panel.

I chose to use a snap as I just felt it was easier and I didn’t feel like fiddling with my buttonhole foot.

I’m not sure if it was the stretch twill I used or if I was just off in my measurements but I had to take in about 1” at the waist. thankfully taking in the shorts is relatively easy as it can be taken from either side seam or any of the front or back darts. Next time I’ll cut an 18.

Fabric:

I've had this gingham stretch twill for several years. This year I have vowed to make a dent in my stash especially some of my older pieces. The suggested fabric is a lightweight woven such such as cotton, linen or silk, but it is noted that a mid weight fabric could be used with a lighter lining. Since my twill was a mid-weight I use a lighter satin for the skirt lining and the pockets.

The skirt panel is lined to give a clean finish, but you could also finish the panel with a narrow hem for the top, side and bottom edges if you’d like to save fabric or you’re using a thicker fabric.

Modifications:

None, though I did have to about an inch in at the waist.

Lessons Learned:

Use a lighter fabric
Size down to an 18

Summary:

Pattern: Jessilous Sunrise Skort

Pattern Description: shorts hidden behind either a full wrap skirt with a tie on the side, or a half skirt that covers only the front of the shorts.

Sizing: 0 - 34

Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow: Very clear instructions

Would I recommend it to others? Yes!

Feeling Nostalgic: Jessilous Sunrise Skort