Today I am reviewing the Snapdragon skirt from Tenterhook patterns. The pattern is a knee-length pencil skirt with three views: a faux wrap skirt with asymmetrical hem, faux wrap skirt with a curved hem, and a classic pencil skirt. Tenterhook patterns is a pattern company geared toward plus sized woman. The size range is for 33 inch waist / 43 inch hip to 46 inch waist / 56 inch hip.
My measurements are 46 inch waist and 56 inch hip so I made the largest in the size range. I made my first version of this skirt about a year ago and absolutely loved it. I made the faux wrap skirt with the curved hem in pink denim fabric. My fabric has a bit of a stretch in it so I had to take the sides in a bit. There is some ease in the skirt that will allow for room when sitting down. However, in a stretch denim, it doesn’t need as much.
I spent the year wanted to make a ton more, but didn’t get around to it until recently. For my next two versions, I made the classic pencil skirt version with one in a heavy wool perfect for a winter skirt and the other in a medium weight suiting fabric. Neither of my fabrics had any amount of stretch and I didn’t have to make any adjustments for these versions. It’s pretty rare to have a skirt or any pattern fit without any adjustments.
The construction process is fairly straight forward. The major change from other pencil skirt patterns I’ve seen is that Tenterhook has you press your darts over a tailor’s ham in order to get a curved shape. This really makes quite a difference in the shape of the garment and hugs your curves. The instructions are really thorough and easy to follow.
I think the design works well for me and is incredibly comfortable to wear. It’s an unlined skirt and that’s my preference. It wouldn’t be difficult to line it, if that were your preference. Here is a good tutorial on adding a lining to a pencil skirt. Because there is no vent in the skirt, you can just cut the lining from the same pattern pieces as the classic pencil skirt view and then hem the lining slightly shorter than the skirt to hide it from view.
I’m definitely making this pattern again. I’ll be returning to it when ever I feel like a classic pencil skirt.
Size Range (1-5): 4.5
Instructions (1-5): 5
Construction Process (1-5): 5
Final Fit (1-5): 5
Overall Rating (1-5): 4.875
While the size range is geared more toward plus sized women, I do think it could go higher than a 56 inch hip. There is a serious lack of patterns for people who are in that high range, especially for lovely fitted skirts like this. The instructions are fantastic and the fit is great. I really love how pressing the darts over the tailor’s ham improves the shape of the garment overall. The different faux wrap views add interest to the classic pencil skirt shape. Overall I very much love the pattern and think it makes for a perfect pencil skirt for me.
I didn’t like the short and wide appearing illustration of this skirt but seeing it in the flesh so to speak makes a world of difference. You’ve done a lovely job and look fabulous in all of them. Thanks for the reminder about pressing over a ham!
Dear Andie, I like the red check or plaid skirt. The pattern drawing does look like it’s for a mini. The skirts turned out really well for you! It really is a winner! I’m 5’4″ too. Kathy from Arizona
Thank so much, Kathy! It’s strange that before I never saw the line drawing as a mini and now I can’t unsee it. 🙂
Such a cute skirt! I love that pink version, in particular. For some reason when I looked at the line drawings of this skirt, I thought it was a mini, so I didn’t buy it (no minis for me!). Glad to know it’s a winner and it’s knee-length!!
I thought the same thing Meg, I’ve only seen the line drawings of this skirt before and I thought they seemed very short, I was especially afraid view B may show some of my lady bits, lol! Much different actually sewn up, so glad to see the real version is so cute!
Definitely no lady bits showing. LOL. 😀
Thanks so much, Meg. I am glad I reviewed it then! It’s a great skirt and definitely not mini-length. I am 5’4″ for reference.
Thank you for this review. I’ve just started looking for a pencil skirt pattern with a decent hip size and this looks perfect. Much appreciated.
By the way you make those skirts look great.
Thanks so much! 🙂 It’s a great pattern and I was very impressed with the hip size on it. 🙂 I do love when patterns are made for ladies with curves. 😀
You look so cute in all these outfits! You know, I tried this pattern once and abandoned it before I really gave it a chance. I always have a hard time with fitted skirts since my “hip” measurement is really more belly and booty than it is true hips, and i haven’t sorted through how to alter a pattern for that yet. Mine definitely ended up with too much length over the hips, which is something I’m only now realizing as a result of having made pants! I think you have inspired me to revisit the pattern, though its going at the end of a long sewing list 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Megan! I hope you do revisit it and figure out the hip issues. It’s definitely made for a smaller waist to hip ratio, but it can still be worked out for fit on you, I bet. You’re great at that! 😀
I love how you’ve made a winter and summer version! (And hot pink, which is eternal.) I wish she’d release more patterns!
ALL the versions! LOL. 🙂 I wish she would release more, too.
Cute! Love it! I had no idea this pattern was out there in cyberspace. I might need to ‘snap” this one up! 😉
Thanks so much! 😀
So pretty! I really want one now. I agree about the sizing though. I’m trying to get into sewing clothes (I’m a quilter) but my waist measurement is 40 and my hips are between 57-58. It’s making things difficult.
Your skirts look fabulous and all so very different from one another. I hadn’t heard of tenterhook patterns before – thank you for letting us know about their patterns. I think I’ll be giving this skirt a go myself very soon
Debbie
http://www.sewnfromtheheart.com
Thanks so much. I can’t wait to see your version. 🙂
Very nice! Thanks for the review.
Thanks so much! 🙂
Beautiful job! The skirt(s)! look great on you 🙂
Thanks a bunch! 😀