Pencil skirts make a great wardrobe basic and, since they can be made with almost any fabric, they can be the starting point for a variety of looks. Best of all, pencil skirts are fairly straightforward to sew, so you can make a few and create endless styling options.

Defined as straight skirts, pencil skirts typically have minimal seaming, front and back darts for shaping and a waistband. Of course, there are lots of variations within that theme — pockets, pleats, seaming, etc. — but to start, a simple skirt with a side or center back zipper closure is a good choice.

LEARN HOW TO DRAFT AND SEW A PENCIL SKIRT WITH THIS FREE TUTORIAL!

How to Make a Skirt Pattern: Draft a Skirt Sloper or Block

How to Add Seam Allowance and Ease to Pattern Slopers and Blocks

How to Create and Sew a Test Muslin for a Skirt

How to Sew a Dart Quickly and Easily

How to Sew A Skirt Muslin Together

How to Alter a Skirt Pattern for a Perfect Fit

Pattern Making Foundation: Drafting a Straight Waistband

Attaching a Waistband and Facing to a Pencil Skirt

How to Insert a Lapped Zipper the Easy Wa

How to Hem a Pencil Skirt Quickly and Easily