Adding a Lining to the Reed Skirt

We've gotten a few questions about adding a lining to the Reed Skirt and we're here today to answer that for you! It's quite easy and this tutorial can be applied to many other skirts as well. We're using rayon Bemberg for our skirt lining, it's one of our all time favorite linings around the office. Since it's rayon it's breathable, and it also sews up beautifully and is stronger (read it will last longer) than silk.

We've shown you how to line the views with the zipper as that seems to be what trips people up, but if we get requests I can walk you through lining the button band version at a later date.

To begin, cut skirt pieces 1, 5, 6 and 7 from your lining. We removed the seam allowance from the front of piece 1 and cut it on the fold since there's no need for a seam here in the lining. Sew the skirt pieces together in the same way you sewed the shell, obviously without putting pockets on. We also recommend finishing the seam allowances as one and pressing both to the same side.

Follow the instructions in the sew-along to assemble the skirt and waistbands. Attach one waistband to the waistline of the skirt and press the seam allowance of both the skirt and waistband up.

We'll now attach the other waistband to the waistline of the skirt lining. Think of this waistband as a facing rather than the inside of a waistband. Press the seam allowance of the skirt and waistband (facing) up and understitch along the seamline on the waistband.

Sew up the portion of the lining below the zipper notch. Finish the seam allowances together and clip at the notch just to the seam line. Then press the seam allowance to one side.

Take your skirt and, following the instructions as written, insert your zipper.

With the right sides of the lining and skirt facing each other, align the top edge of the two waistbands and sew. Grade the seam allowance.

Press both seam allowances and the inner waistband away from the outer waistband and skirt. Understitch along the seam line.

Press the inner waistband towards the inside of the skirt.

We'll now press the raw edge of the lining and inner waistband to the inside along the seam line as shown.

Fold the waistband and lining back down and pin the lining in place around the zipper. Make sure you don't get so close to the zipper teeth that the zipper won't shut! I stay at least 1/16" away from the zipper teeth. Slipstitch the lining in place.

And you're done, it's really that easy! If you're using a semi-sheer fabric like this wool twill, a lining really makes the skirt much more functional. Linings also prolong the life of your garment by keeping friction at a minimum, and they're a life saver with tights!

I hope you've found this tutorial helpful and if you have any questions let us know in the comments below!