Seamwork’s August pattern release, the Darcy Wrap Skirt, is a sleek and thoughtfully detailed addition to any wardrobe. Though minimal in silhouette, Darcy includes refined design elements that elevate it far beyond a basic wrap skirt.

What makes Darcy special is its construction around the waistline. It features a trio of soft pleats radiating from a lined side tie closure, adding a gentle drape across the front. The skirt itself has a semi-fitted shape with a curved hem and subtle darts at the back for shaping. A hidden internal tie made from twill tape secures the wrap discreetly, while the external lined tie is enclosed neatly in the facing—ensuring the skirt stays put all day without unexpected shifts.

This was actually my first time sewing a wrap skirt, despite loving how they wear. Since I have a shorter waist and prefer my skirts to sit on my high hip, wraps are an ideal fit—and Darcy offered the perfect opportunity to explore that while testing out the #TopDownCenterOut fitting method, which I’ve previously used for shorts and trousers.

Grading for a Custom Fit

To determine my sizing, I relied on both my hip and high-hip (“waist”) measurements. For the waistband pieces, I followed my high-hip measurement and chose a size 18. For the body of the skirt, I used my true hip measurement, which placed me at a size 8. From there, I needed to grade between the two sizes—across a total of five size increments.

I began with the side seam at the bottom in size 8 and followed the line straight upward since I don’t have much curve at the hip. I then gradually transitioned toward the size 18 waist at the top corner. For the curved front pieces, I cut both the left and right panels in size 18, which made matching them with the size 18 hem facings easier and preserved the flow of the curve. The back hem facing was cut in size 8 to align with the back panel.

Adjusting for Height

The original design is based on a 5’9” model, so at 6 feet tall, I added 4″ to the length to get the midi silhouette I wanted. This required lengthening all three body pieces—the left, right, and center back panels—as well as the matching hem facings. Seamwork thoughtfully includes “lengthen/shorten” lines on each pattern piece, which makes this process much more straightforward. I recommend marking each piece with the amount added for easy reference, especially if you plan to sew the pattern again.

Although grading and adjusting multiple pieces can feel overwhelming at first, thinking about the overall proportions helps make the process manageable. And if you’re experimenting with grading between sizes or applying the Top Down, Center Out method, it’s a great learning experience. (You can read more about that fitting technique here).

A Smooth Sew and Stylish Finish

Darcy came together beautifully. The instructions were clear and beginner-friendly. For this version, I used a lightweight chambray to create a wearable muslin—and I love how it turned out. The fabric has just the right amount of drape for the pleats to shine, and the result is a denim-look midi that feels totally on-trend.

This wrap skirt is casual enough for sandals and sneakers in summer but will pair equally well with tall boots as the weather cools down. The overlap offers just the right amount of coverage, and the wrap holds beautifully in place.

Darcy is also incredibly versatile when it comes to fabric. It would work well in mid-weight wovens like denim, corduroy, twill, or even cotton-linen blends. Choose your material based on how much structure or drape you want—heavier fabrics will create a more sculpted look, while lighter ones will offer more flow.

Whether you’re making it as a seasonal staple or a go-to layering piece, Darcy is a fantastic pattern for adding a timeless wrap silhouette to your wardrobe.

Because as always… There is Sew Much To Design.