The Anna Skirt

DIBY Club

I was recently given the opportunity to choose a pattern from the DIBY Club to review. For me, it was an easy decision. As soon as I saw the Anna Skirt, I knew it was for me. There are many different options with this skirt, including 4 lengths, the option of high waisted or mid waisted, and options like pockets and belt loops.

(Note: The pattern was gifted, but all options are my own)

This was my first time using the DIBY Club website and their sewing patterns. I was really impressed with the amount of information offered both in their pattern and on their blog. There are tutorials for a variety of different sewing challenges, including how to fit pants correctly and how to install an invisible zipper. I even found that my go-to guide for serger tension (that I have used many times and even saved on my phone for quick reference) is originally from the DIBY Club blog. ( You can find it here ) Their tension troubleshooting comparison chart has saved me many headaches!

Putting the pdf pattern together was straightforward. The instruction package was thorough, however, I did find that sometimes it was easy to get lost in all of the content. Everything is clearly outlined in the table of contents, but when scrolling through the steps, I sometimes lost my place or my rhythm because I stopped to read about different seam finishes or I couldn’t quickly find the number of buttons I needed.

Before cutting into my fabric, I made a quick muslin (in the mini length) to check the fit. With the topstitching on the skirt, it would have been harder to take in the seams after the fact if it didn’t fit correctly. It ended up fitting perfectly except for having extra fabric at my lower back. Following the instructions provided in the pattern, I did a sway back adjustment and it worked out perfectly.

Skirt Details

Size: 14 graded down to a 10 at the hip

Waistband: High Waisted

Length: Midi (I used 6 buttons on the skirt, instead of the suggested 8)

Adjustments needed: 1″ sway back adjustment

Fabric: Famous Maker Deep Rose Mauve Baby Corduroy from LA Finch Fabrics

Tack Buttons: Minerva

Changes made:

• Moved buttons further apart on the waistband (so that they weren’t touching)
• Added a second row of stitching at the hem to resemble a double needle

What I love most about the finished skirt are the details. The top stitching on the seams waistband, as well as the tack buttons, give it a really professional look. I used a quilting presser foot on my machine to make sure that the topstitching was in a nice, straight line. 

Final Thoughts

The Anna Skirt is a well made pattern that can be used again and again with many different looks. The panels of the skirt give you good control of fit, and the explanations for alterations are clear and helpful. There are also so many hacking possibilities for this skirt!

Will I make this skirt again? Yes. I plan on making the mini length in a leopard poplin for fall (to wear with opaque black tights and boots), although I will add in-seam pockets. 

I would recommend the DIBY Club to beginners and more experienced sewists alike, as the instructions are clear, but I learned something new too (that was my first sway back adjustment on a skirt and my first time using tack buttons. I used their YouTube tutorial for help with that.)

I am really happy with my Anna Skirt. I will be able to wear it to work, and wear it more causally with a t-shirt and runners. I am looking forward to trying more DIYB Club patterns in the future.