Love Notions Ends The Year With An Encore!!

………….A Pattern Review (updated 10/2025)

So how many encores are too many? In the case of Love Notions’s Encore Skirt pattern, the answer to that question would be~ there could never be too many! 

Back in 2023, I didn’t test this pattern, but I did get my hands on a copy of it and was able to sew up 2 different versions of this new skirt. As a person who doesn’t wear skirts very often (I usually prefer dresses), I have to admit I really like this one!! 

The Encore Skirt is the Feature Friday pattern and is available today, 10/31/2025 for just $6. You can get an additional 10% off by using my code 10MACSEWS.

The Details

The Encore Skirt is a great updated classic skirt pattern with a really clever pocket construction. The pocket construction is fun to sew and adds interesting visual details. The possibilities are endless with the different body style and length combinations you can create. Using different fabrics can completely change the look of this skirt. 

• 4 Body Styles: Pencil, A-line, Full and Pleated
• 2 Lengths: Above knee and midi
• Awesome pocket!
• Side zipper
• Designed for wovens
• Topstitching detail

Sizing and Fit

The Encore skirt is available in sizes XS-5X.  Size should be selected according to your full hip measurement. If you are in-between sizes you should choose the smaller size. If your waist doesn’t fall in the same size as your hip, you should grade the waist accordingly.  The waistline is designed to sit at the natural waist. As with all Love Notions patterns, the Encore is designed for the average 5’5″ woman. The shorter skirt is designed to hit above the knee, while the midi skirt is designed to hit mid calf.

I highly recommend making a wearable muslin for the Encore skirt. If that isn’t something you like to do, then I suggest not topstitching the vertical seams until after you can try on the skirt. There is nothing worse that picking out a perfectly sewn row of topstitching!!

My Fit and Alterations

Since my 49″ hips fall outside of the 2X, but are smaller than the 3X, I went smaller and chose to make the 2X as indicated on the sizing chart. I did NOT make any other fit adjustments other than length. 

To be honest, I very rarely sew or wear skirt that don’t have elastic. I’m at that wonderful age where my waist size fluctuates daily. I was pleasantly surprised when the Encore fit me so comfortably. 

My first version I made from an old piece of midweight denim I had I my stash.  This A-line skirt fit so nicely! I am only 5 feet tall, but I did not shorten the above knee length skirt. This is just a personal preference. 

My second version, the navy and pink window pane plaid is also the A-line version.  I did shorten this version 3 inches to accommodate for my lack of height. The only issue I had with this version is that the fabric does have some stretch to it.  Because of this stretch, I feel the waistband is a tad too big( in some of my photos if I didn’t pull it up you could see it sag down a tad). If sewing with a stretch woven(or stable knit) I would recommend trying on the skirt before sewing in the zipper and checking for fit. You may want to take in the waistline a bit. 

Fabric and Notions

The Encore Skirt is designed for medium weight woven fabrics. Fabrics such as, wool blends, denim, twill, corduroy and suiting would all work well. For the warmer months fabrics such a pincord, pique and linens would make wonderful Encore skirts. I also think that they heavier weight seersucker would work perfectly for a fuller Encore skirt. And if you know me, you know I just might make a color blocked seersucker version.

I do however think a linen full midi length version would be so perfect for summer. Can’t you just picture walking on the beach in a white or natural linen version filling up your pockets with sea glass?

Medium to heavy weight stable knits would also work. Knit fabrics such as Ponte, scuba and double knits would all make great Encore skirts. Remember , if using a knit you may need to size down at the waist. 

My short version is a mid weight denim with no stretch. This fabric has been in my stash for years!  It is the perfect weight for this skirt. I think a denim Encore skirt is a bit dressier than a typical denim skirt. I know I will wear this plenty when the weather is warm.

My Midi length Navy and pink windowpane plaid version is sewn up in a wool blend that has some stretch. I picked up this fabric last week in the Garment District in NYC. It is a designer headstock fabric from Chic Fabrics. Amazingly, that was the first time I walked in that store and was only there for 15 minutes! I went in specifically looking for a simple plaid to use for the Encore skirt. I’m so happy with what I found!!

Notions

Interfacing, thread and a 7″-9″ invisible zipper

Sew Mary Mac’s Tips for the Encore Skirt

• I highly recommend making a wearable muslin for the Encore Skirt pattern!
• Choose your fabric from the suggested types. A fabric that is too lightweight will give you saggy pockets. A fabric that is too heavy may give you too much bulkiness in the pocket area.
• Note that the seam allowances for the Encore Skirt are1/2′, not the typical 3/8″ seam that you find with Love Notions patterns.
• After cutting all your pattern pieces, label them. This will make construction go much easier. I simply use scotch tape.
• Make sure ALL markings are transferred to your fabric. This is one of those times where you really do need them!
• Note that the directions for Steps 1-6 show the pleated skirt version. Do not let this confuse you.
• The topstitching on the Encore is really beautiful and helps to create a very classic garment. I love using a “Stitch In the Ditch” presser foot. 
• Add a few Encore skirts to your closet. I can’t wait to see all your versions! 
• The Encore pairs so perfectly with so many of Love Notions tops patterns. My favorite combos would be the Encore and Arlington, Encore and Juliet, and the Encore and Sloan.

Thanks for stopping by! I truly appreciate all of you that visit!  If you enjoyed this blog post, consider subscribing to my blog to stay up to date with all my posts!  

Mary Anne 🙂

Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes!  @sewmarymac

You can also follow my Facebook Page~ Sew Mary Mac. On this page you will find information on my makes from all pattern companies. If I know of any good sales(pattern or fabric) I will also feature this information. I have had many of my loyal followers send me friend requests on Facebook. I do post in the Love Notions group under Mary Anne MacLean, however this Facebook account is private. There is no sewing content on that Facebook Account.

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You can grab the Encore skirt pattern HERE.

This is an affiliate link. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.

To receive an additional 10% off the pattern price, use this coupon code 10MACSEWS. This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $6 Feature Friday pattern. My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working..

I am currently a Love Notions Ambassador. I did not test this pattern, but I was given an advance copy of the Encore Skirt before it released. As always, thoughts and opinions are my own.

Outfit Details

Edited 10/30~ The updated photos feature a RTW pink cardigan and a scallop neck tank top. Both from Macy’s.

The Pink Sweater worn with the Navy plaid Encore skirt is a modified Sloane Sweater. For directions on how to create this neck, visit THIS Blog Post. The cable knit sweater knit is from Stylemaker Fabrics. The Navy and Pink windowpane plaid fabric is a wool blend suiting purchased from the Garment District of NYC. This is a designer headstock and one of the many reasons I love Chic Fabrics.

The Juliet top worn with the short denim skirt is a rib knit bought from Surge Fabrics last year.