Description
The original Mānuka Skirt was first released 2 years ago and quickly became a classic Below the Kōwhai pattern. It is loved by many of our sewists and we are often asked when we will be creating a women’s version of the skirt. We are so happy to be bringing this much anticipated pattern to you!
The Women’s Mānuka Skirt takes its inspiration from the flowering Mānuka Tree around coastal New Zealand. It’s sweet, dainty white or pink flowers attract bees and produce our pure healing mānuka honey. New Zealanders love Mānuka, it’s a staple of our way of life down here.
We know this Below the Kōwhai pattern will be a wardrobe favourite for you (and your little one).
The faux button band, gathers and pockets all make this skirt a versatile and adaptable classic in your wardrobe.
You’ll love the well-fitting and relaxed style of this skirt, and with an elastic back waistband it’s also comfortable.
Featuring deep inseam or waistband pockets, and an optional faux button band (that’s right, no button holes (just the cred for them! –genius!)) our full photograph and video tutorials will walk you step by step through the process to start sewing your own garments.
Create your own Mānuka Skirt with a light-medium weight cotton for summer, or a heavier fabric like corduroy for winter (imagine it with boots and tights – yes please!)
The Mānuka Skirt pattern and its finishing touches will have you creating a garment that boasts handmade of such a high quality! Regardless of your sewing skills (beginner or advanced), you will up-skill and learn some new techniques along the way.
Features:
- Instant PDF download of sewing pattern and full tutorial
- Women’s sizes 6-22 (now available in a bundle with the Children’s Mānuka Skirt)
- Gathered skirt
- Inseam pockets
- Waistband pockets
- Faux button band
- Flat front and elastic back
- Fully lined waist band
- Enclosed waist band seams
- Exclusive video tutorial
- PDF includes: A4/Letter (to print at home) and A0 copy shop version. All PDF files are layered for individual size printing.
- Full tutorial, photos and support to help you create this skirt
Sewing Level:
Beginners will love the comprehensive instructions and easy to follow pattern. The more advanced will delight in the clean professional lines of the design and the well-fitting pattern.
You’ll love the look of buttons without the work. The instructions for the pockets are detailed in each step along with photos to guide you through the process. If pockets make you nervous, give them a go and enjoy your finished results!
Whatever your stage of sewing, I know you will love the versatility of The Mānuka Skirt in your arsenal of patterns.
Fabric Suggestions:
Choose light to medium weight fabrics that can be easily pressed, this will ensure a nice enclosed waist band.
For summer think: Cottons, voile, rayon, linen and linen blends, chambray and light denims etc
For winter think: Upholstery weight cottons, corduroy, velvet, etc
Fit and Ease of Garment:
The Women’s Mānuka Skirt has been created to wear at the waist, with the hem landing just below the knee. The flat front sits nicely over the waist, and the elastic back keeps it taught and comfortable.
When you are choosing what size to create, measure around the waist (the narrowest part of the torso). Use the waist measurement to determine what size to create.
This pattern has been made using Standard NZ and UK measurements and might seem different to what you usually buy in stores. Therefore, use the size the chart says you are to fit the waist, and if required, lengthen or shorten the skirt as needed.
Fabric and Fit Chart:
Additional Notions Required:
- Interfacing for front waistband
- Thread
- Scissors
- Non-roll elastic 32mm OR 2 x 12mm width (length supplied in chart)
- Safety Pin or bodkin (for threading elastic)
- 5 x buttons if required (approximately 25mm wide)
What You Get When You Purchase:
This is a PDF digital download for the Women’s Mānuka Skirt.
When you purchase through PayPal you will be emailed the digital pattern and tutorial. Save these to your computer.
Furthermore, when you are logged into the website you can also find the files in “My Downloads”. This is where the most updated version of your purchases will be and you can access it any time. In the future I may revise this pattern and slightly alter it. If you’re sewing in the future, check back for the latest version.
You can choose to print the Women’s Mānuka Skirt pattern at home or at your local copy shop:
At home: The digital pattern is 24 pages long in black and white, and can be printed on A4 or US Letter paper on your home computer and then assembled for use.
At copy shop: You can email the Women’s Mānuka Skirt pattern to your local copy shop printer, or save it on a flash drive and take it to them to print. This has been formatted in an A0 size and has all of the pattern pieces you need.
You will receive a comprehensive tutorial with instructions, photos and tips to guide you in your sewing of this garment, along with access to an exclusive video tutorial. Please view this tutorial on your device or computer to save the trees!
What’s a PDF?
A digital document viewable in Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can save, view and print these documents on your computer or device an unlimited amount of times.
Returns and Support
Because this is a digital product and can be saved to your computer, returns are not available unless at some fault of my own. So, please choose carefully and make sure you are purchasing the correct pattern!
In lieu of returns I offer comprehensive online support to those who are sewing! You can contact me on Facebook, Instagram and email, and you can expect a prompt reply! I will endeavour to help you in any way I can.
lizleitch23 –
Iam in love with this skirt! Such a quick sew – I got most sewn during my girl’s nap time!
It is super flattering and practical. The deep pockets are a lifesaver for all of those important bits and pieces our tiny humans want us to hold! The number of compliments I’ve received wearing this – oh! Too many to count!
I think it’s time to sew up my next Manuka skirt!!
meghandmade –
This skirt is easy to wear, comfortable and practical. I LOVE the big pockets – they are deceptively big without being overwhelming on my body. They are so big I can even fit my baby’s bottle in it! A definite plus for a mum who’s always on the go. The gathers at the front are flattering and the adjustable waistband means I can wear it on my waist or hips if I choose. Instructions are easy to follow and a number of options are provided for pockets and waistband details – fantastic! I have only worn my skirt out once and already received so many compliments – I feel the classic lines really do flatter a range of body types. A quick, practical and versatile skirt – I know this pattern will be on high rotation for me.
hannahevans5 –
Another Below the Kowhai beauty!!! I love love this skirt!! So classy and so comfy!! What a perfect combination. THE POCKETS ARE HUGE!!! Which in my eyes is always a win!! All of the options of this skirt make it a great choice, the varying lengths, the choice of pocket style, buttons or not… not to mention the matchy matchy potentional with the children’s Manuka Skirt!! And maybe my most favourite feature of this skirt is the fact that the faux placket makes bending down, playing with my littles etc so good because there is no gaping at the button holes, or worrying that a button might open as I sit on the floor with them! A little thing, but a very helpful thing especially when it means I can wear a skirt for playtimes without worrying about that!! A really really lovely skirt that I’m so loving wearing ❤️
liz.spencer –
Another fantastic pattern from Below The Kōwhai that is traditional in style but with all the modern essentials such as huge pockets & that Oh so Comfy elastic back waistband. I have made two of these skirts already & I’m sure there will be more. The skirt is great for all ages, I’m in my 50’s, & love the maxi length version, but my 18 year old daughter has also requested one – apparently this style is very fashionable for that age group too! 🙂
I found it an easy sewThe tutorial is comprehensive with logical, well explained steps & photographs for those of us who like a visual prompt too.
It’s summer here in the Uk & I used a lightweight cotton & a viscose for my skirts but I’m already planning a corduroy version to wear with tights & boots for the winter.
thuy –
I love this skirt. I purchased the children’s manuka skirt for her sew-along previously and was looking for a matching one for myself and it works perfectly together. It’s a super easy pattern to follow, just as the children’s skirt and many options to choose from. From different types of pockets, length of skirt and the way to attach the elastic. This pattern is super versatile and can be finished within 2 hours! I didn’t think I would be one of those mom’s that matches her daughter, but to see her face light up when we’re wearing the same thing, it’s just priceless!
Vicki Reid –
Skirts aren’t something I normally wear, but this pattern has definitely changed things for me! I love it!! So far I’ve made two (and there is definitely going to be more on the horizon)
It is a comfy, classy, versatile design, suitable for such a variety of fabrics and it can be worn across all 4 seasons. I love the elastic waist for comfort, the pockets are HUGE, and the faux button placket makes a really nice detail without the time it takes to sew a normal button placket.
Also a big plus for me is that I’m currently 20 weeks pregnant with my second baby and I’ve been able to make this skirt using my pre-pregnancy measurements, it has enough ease for growing room over the next few months and will have a nice comfy roomier look post pregnancy. I’ve been looking for patterns that aren’t specifically matenity but will accommodate a bump so I can get plenty of wear during and after pregnancy so this has been a perfect pattern for me, can’t wait to make more!
taliavanderwel –
After I cut it out I was immediately dubious about the fit because I like a fuller skirt, but after I started sewing the waistband on I could see that it was going to work REALLY well! I LOVE the fit! It’s very, I don’t know how to describe it, the fit is really accessible. Not too formal or prissy or tea time cute. Just, nice. A nice fit perfect for casual everyday wear without looking flamboyant. This skirt has quickly been added to my everyday wear with more skirts to come. Five stars.
kristinsullivan –
Another stunning pattern from Below the Kōwhai! Such a quick, easy and satisfying sew, with a beautiful and flattering result. This one is definitely destined to become a wardrobe staple!
Juulsoofhandmade –
Another wonderfull Below the Kōwhai pattern. It’s a quick and easy sew but with a amazing result.
This is a skirt every woman just has to have one (or two, or five…) in her wardrobe. Depending on the fabric you use it’s suitable for all occasions and seasons.
gpmakes –
I love this pattern! I shortened it but above the knee for summer and I will definitely be making more! The skirt is smart and classy with a nice crisp front waistband but the elastic back is SO comfortable and perfect for me having just come out of my 2nd pregnancy having a fluctuating waistline I’m avoiding fitted garments!! A very quick sew that I have been able to complete during a few nap times. If you are on the fence – buy it!
rachelslimmon –
Below the Kōwhai has nailed their pattern construction again. Their very First Ladies pattern is a perfect fit with easy to understand and follow instructions. With large pockets that will be the envy of everyone and the option to use a variety of fabrics, this skirt has become my go to pattern for all season!
helenjamesnz (verified owner) –
I love this skirt SO much! Surprisingly quick and easy make but the finished products look professionally made, are super comfy and have the best, deepest pockets! So far I’ve been upcycling my old, no-longer-fitting sundresses into Manuka skirts and can’t wait to get some nice fabric and make some more! Super happy, can’t recommend highly enough.
stacieshandmades (verified owner) –
This is such a fantastic pattern, such an easy skirt to make and it looks amazing. The deep pockets are an absolute highlight but I love every detail, from the faux button band to the waistband. It is so flattering on any size, I will definitely be making more!
Jessica Young (verified owner) –
I love this pattern! I’ve made 2 for myself and it’s so quick and easy to do. I love the pockets option. And I’ve had so many compliments when I’ve worn them!
helenjamesnz (verified owner) –
I love this pattern! I’ve made heaps of them and wearing them literally everywhere. Love the super deep pockets, of course & they’re so comfy, fun & easy to make & look SO nice on. I’ve been upcycling my old unworn sundresses into mānukas as well. Cannot get enough!
Josie Durney (verified owner) –
I cannot recommend this skirt enough! I’m only a beginner sewer and found this a breeze. As other reviews state the pockets are HUGE ❤️ Perfect for putting all your snacks in. I have a beautiful light summery one, I can’t wait to create a heavier one for the cooler weather. So proud of incredible, creative New Zealand businesses like this!
Sam (verified owner) –
An amazing clear pattern with easy to follow instructions. Fits very well. I should have purchased the bundle to make some for my girls too. Pockets are a game changer!
Naomi Radunovic (verified owner) –
Who loves button front skirts but dislikes buttonholes? ME!! This skirt is perfect for people who love the button down look but want none of the hassle. Elastic back means you can just pull it on and go. Beautiful length and lovely, easy to follow instructions.
Emma-Lisa McGhee –
What a beautiful make this is, with its big pockets, gorgeous button placket and a very flattering silhouette to boost. The instructions are very clear with videos to help if needed. I love how it tells you how long it is when finished as I don’t wear skirts at my waist but rather on my hips. So helpful as I just took 2 inches off and it was perfect. Highly recommend this skirt it’s beautiful.
Michal Jefferson (verified owner) –
The best skirt pattern I’ve made! So simple and easy to understand, and a quick sew too! Love that there’s is POCKETS and fake buttons. I’ve made 3 now and will definitely be making more!
esther theobald (verified owner) –
Highly recommend. An easy sew and very quick. I can use a meter of fabric to get the most perfect above knee length which I prefer. Love it. ✨
renee.m.paku –
I went from not knowing how to turn my sewing machine on to having a wearable garment in 2 nights. This pattern and the indepth tutorial included with the pattern is perfect for ambitious beginners like myself.
I cannot praise this enough and it will be a pattern I will return to making!
Katelyn Doane (verified owner) –
I love everything about this skirt. The pockets are amazing, it’s comfortable, the length is just perfect, and I love the faux button placket option. It’s definitely my new favorite skirt!