Replacing the waistband for a dropped waist

This is an easy alternative if you prefer a slightly dropped waist and no waistband. The pockets have been omitted in this variation and the zip moved to the side seam. Ideally use an invisible zip. 

Once you have completed Step 1 and stitched the pleats including the centre back pleat, trace the shape of the top of the skirt front and back pieces as shown above. This will become the skirt facing. Cut out the facings in fabric and interface them. 

Using an invisible zipper foot insert the invisible zip to the left hand side as worn, then stitch from the hem up to the invisible zipper. Stitch the other side seam and press the seam open.

If you are using an ordinary zip, stitch the side seam as far as the base of the zip opening. Lengthen the stitch length to the longest possible stitch and ‘tack’ the zip opening. Press the seam open. Place the zip face down and using a zipper foot stitch the zip in place. Remove the tacking stitches. 

Stitch the front to the back facing pieces at the right hand side as worn. Press the seam open and press the other end of the facing over by 1cm

With right sides together, place the facing onto the skirt and stitch in place, press the facing over. At the zip hand stitch the facing in place. On the right side of the skirt, stitch down the seam above each pleat to hold the facing in place. 

Once the hem is stitched the skirt is finished.