Beautiful on the inside – Vogue 1247

Vogue 1247 front view

This pattern is Vogue 1247; a Rachel Comey design that’s been on my mental to-sew list for a while. I’ve seen so many great versions of this made up that I expected Vogue would be selling the pattern forever, so it was a big surprise to see it in the “out of print” section on Sew Direct recently. Here’s the line art.

Vogue 1247 line art

I hastily bought a copy before it became completely unavailable, only to discover that it calls for finishing all the seams in the skirt with bias binding. At first I thought I’d ignore such fiddly nonsense and overlock the seam allowances instead, but then I noticed the right angle internal corners between the pockets! Attempting to feed those through the overlocker sounded like a recipe for disaster, so I reluctantly dug out a roll of black cotton bias binding and set to binding seams. I couldn’t even use my faithful binding foot as it doesn’t work well on sharp corners. I did manage to save myself one bit of extra work by cutting the waistband edge on the selvedge of the fabric so at least I didn’t have to bind that edge. And it does look really nice inside if you don’t look too closely at the corners.

Vogue 1247 insides

This skirt is seriously short. I added five inches to the length and made a one inch hem instead of the two inch one in the pattern. I’m tall, admittedly, but I wouldn’t want it any shorter than it is. I also think this one is a bit more true to size than some Vogue patterns; there’s not a lot of ease built in. If like me you’re in the habit of always going down a size in Vogue without really thinking about it then make an exception for this one. Luckily I checked the finished garment measurements before cutting; I ended up making my true size for once.

Vogue 1247 back view

I really like this pattern. Unusually for me I’d worn the finished object quite a few times before taking photos. The pockets are huge and it’s very comfortable to wear despite having a high waist. I can cycle in it (with thick tights or leggings underneath) too. And for once I’m pretty sure I will make it again because I’ve already cut another one out.

Notes and changes:

  • About a metre of heavy weight green/brown cotton twill; the same fabric I used for my Burda 115-12-2009 trousers
  • Size 90 denim needle
  • Black cotton bias binding for seams
  • 8″ invisible zip
  • Skirt hook
  • Vilene F220 interfacing for waistband
  • Added 5″ to length, made 1″ hem
  • Added hanging loops in black poly satin ribbon
  • Top-stitched hem

Vogue 1247 sitting

20 thoughts on “Beautiful on the inside – Vogue 1247”

  1. This is a great pattern. I’ve made it four times. It’s such a shame that some things go ‘out of print’, I can only assume in the case of ‘designer’ patterns it may have something to do with licensing.

  3. This is a great skirt. You look good in it, and so does everyone else out there in sewing blog land.I really must get my version out and make it up.

  4. I love this pattern, it’s such a winner. The last time I made the skirt I overlooked the pockets and it was ok – I just had to be careful with the way I fed the fabric through. It doesn’t look nearly as nice as your binding, though! The other thing is that occasionally when I’m sitting down, the bottoms of the pockets will peek out past the hem. Binding would look much prettier than the overlocking!

    1. Good to know about the overlocker. I guess I need more practice with corners before I try that though. Hadn’t thought about the pockets peeking out because I lengthened the skirt so much, but at the original length they certainly would.

  5. I made my own version of this pattern and really enjoy wearing it. I’m sure you will find that this is a truly wearable skirt. There is a reason there are a gazillion of these made up!

  7. Thanks for the tips in your post about the bias binding foot. I just bought this foot off ebay last week and am waiting for it to arrive. it seems like it will be a miracle worker!

    Your skirt looks great, as do all your clothes!

    1. Thanks! I hope you enjoy your binding foot; out of all the sewing machine add-ons I have it’s the one I find most useful after the invisible zip foot.

  8. Love this skirt and your version! I’ve made it many times, with and without pockets, getting rid of the waistband and facing it instead, keeping the waistband… I’ve worn all but one version out (a heavy wool one, the first version, which is very, very short, so not many appropriate times for that one, esp in Florida). Need to make another one…

  9. Funny, that the skirt fits true to size, because almost every review I’ve read of the top says that it is drafted at least 2 sizes too large.

  10. Very nice finish and very nice skirt. I haven’t made this for a while but you are right, it is the perfect skirt for going into winter. Maybe I should dig out the pattern again

  11. Looks great – seems like a really versatile pattern to make up. I think I need a couple of things like this for winter to wear with thick leggings… shame the binding is necessary, but looks worth it 😉

  12. I have made this skirt twice, and I wear them frequently. I couldn’t face all that binding so I lined them. I didn’t care for the top though, although it is an interesting project.

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