Digital Sewing Pattern - 231 Big Sky Riding Skirt by Folkwear

Sizes XS-3XL.

At the turn of the 20th century enterprising equestrian women, such as rodeo star Fanny Sperry Steele (1887-1983), wore a divided skirt, or split skirt, that enabled them to ride astride, but preserved the look of a skirt. This garment is actually a culotte with a movable front panel that buttons either to the left, for a skirt effect, or to the right for a pant effect.

This sewing pattern has a deep center back pleat conceals the legs, providing plenty of fullness and assuring a smooth hipline. Double front plackets on either side of the front panel are secured with buttons, which extend down to the hem. We've added side seam pockets, not provided on the antique original. Two lengths are presented: a contemporary mid-calf length and the traditional ankle-length.

This slick and clean skirt has come to us from the collection of Tona Freeman Blake, who, with Liz Stiffler and Dee Marvine, has co-authored Fanny Sperry Steele's biography. The pattern was developed from Fanny's own skirt by Ruby Erickson of Augusta, Montana. 

This PDF pattern has instructions, and files for copy shop (36” and A0), print at home (A4 and 8.5”x11”).

Suggested fabrics: Medium to heavyweight cottons and blends such as poplin, denim, gabardine, corduroy; linen; light to medium-weight wools; suiting weight silks.

231 Yardage Chart 

LEARN MORE:

• Buttonholes 101: Part 1 (very helpful for all the buttonholes and buttons in the pattern)

• Buttonholes 101: Part 2

• See all the Folkwear 231 Big Sky Riding Skirt samples

• 231 Big Sky Riding Skirt Sew Along