ABSTRACT
Figure 19.14 The skirt comprises four rectangular panels with seams at Center Front, Center Back and each Side Seam. The original (Chest Size 37") dress has skirt panels 34" wide and 26½" long for both the front and back panels. However, you can adjust the length and width to create the skirt length and fullness desired. The original dress has 13 pleats in the front panel and 12 in the back. When the original dress was constructed, the skirt was pleated onto a waist stay tape before being sewn to the bodice. Instead of marking each pleat, the stay tape was probably marked with the front, back, and side seams. The pleats were measured while pinning and any adjustments taken as needed. Each pleat is not rigidly accurate, some sections are slightly over or under especially in the back where fewer pleats are used. The original skirt fabric is lighter weight than the bodice. If using the same fabric in the bodice and skirt, add extra ease at the bodice waist to accommodate the bulk of the pleats.
