The Modern Sewing Co Sienna midi skirt – an honest pattern review

The Sienna from The Modern Sewing Co has been on my radar for several months. As someone who sews almost exclusively with indie patterns, I am always curious to see how different designers approach classic wardrobe staples. The pattern promises a relaxed silhouette with a gentle A-line shape, an elasticated waistband, and optional button detailing down the front. Living in Australia means my handmade wardrobe needs to work hard through long summers and mild winters, so a versatile midi skirt feels like a sensible addition to my clothing rotation.

I ordered the PDF version directly from the designer, printed it at my local Officeworks, and assembled the pattern pieces on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The instructions arrived as a separate booklet with clear diagrams, which I always appreciate when learning a new pattern. Before diving into my fabric stash, I spent an evening reading through the construction steps and checking the finished garment measurements against my own body. Australian sewists often find themselves grading between UK and US sizing standards depending on the designer, so careful measurement checking is part of the sewing ritual.

One of the reasons I wanted to review this pattern is that it sits comfortably between beginner and intermediate skill levels. The elastic waist makes it forgiving for newer sewists, while the button front and optional patch pockets offer small challenges that help build confidence. Many Australian sewists work with limited fabric budgets, so I wanted to test whether this pattern works well with affordable fabrics from chain stores. After several weeks of sewing, wearing, and washing, I have plenty of thoughts to share.

You can read more about my sewing background and approach over on It Is Josie, but for now let me get into the details of the Sienna skirt itself. This review covers fabric choice, construction, fit, and how the finished garment performs in everyday Australian life.

Getting to know the pattern

The Sienna midi skirt is designed to sit at the natural waist with a gentle A-line shape that skims the hips and falls to mid-calf. The pattern includes sizes ranging from a UK 8 to a UK 24, which is a generous size range that I am always pleased to see in indie sewing. It also comes with two cup size options, which is relatively rare for skirt patterns but very welcome for those of us who do not fit standard block measurements.

I appreciated that the instructions included detailed guidance on fabric selection, suggesting lightweight wovens such as linen, cotton lawn, viscose, and Tencel. This aligns perfectly with what we look for in Australian wardrobes, given our warm climate and the need for breathable fabrics. The instructions also recommend fabrics with some drape, which suits the intended silhouette. I did find the finished length quite generous on my 165cm frame, worth noting for fellow Australian sewists who might be on the taller or shorter side of average.

The PDF tiled in a logical way with minimal waste paper, and the seam allowances are 1cm throughout. I find this allowance easier to work with than the 5/8 inch allowances common in commercial patterns, as it is less bulky when pressing seams open. The instructions are written in clear English with diagrams for nearly every step, making the pattern accessible even if your sewing experience is relatively new.

Sourcing fabric in Australia

For this make, I headed to my local Spotlight and browsed The Fabric Store online, as both are go-to sources for Australian sewists. Spotlight is convenient for last-minute purchases and affordable basics, while The Fabric Store offers a more curated range of natural fibres. I eventually chose a lightweight linen from the Spotlight website, which arrived within a few days despite standard Australia Post delivery times. At around $22 per metre, it was a budget-friendly choice that still felt substantial enough to give the skirt structure.

I considered several other fabrics during the planning phase, including a cotton double gauze from The Fabric Store and a viscose from Pitt Trading. Both would have worked beautifully, but the linen appealed to me for its casual elegance and how it softens with each wash. Linen is particularly practical in Australia because it breathes well in the heat and can be machine washed without fuss. I purchased 2 metres in a size 12, which left me with a small amount of leftover fabric for future projects.

Australian sewists should note that fabric prices have crept up over the past couple of years, with many online retailers now charging GST on purchases and postage costs being higher than they once were. Shopping during sales at Spotlight or signing up for The Fabric Store newsletter can help stretch the budget. Several Australian indie fabric shops are also offering more deadstock and remnant bundles, which are excellent for skirt projects like this one.

Construction notes and small adjustments

Construction was straightforward and took me roughly four hours from cutting to finished garment, not including the time spent waiting for the iron to heat up. I made one small adjustment to the elastic casing, reducing the width by about 5mm to accommodate my slightly narrower elastic. This is a common modification for those with a smaller waist, and the clear instructions made it easy to adjust on the fly without unpicking anything.

The button front went together without drama, though I did take the time to mark the button placement carefully using a washable fabric marker. I used buttons from my grandmother's button tin, which added a sentimental touch and saved a trip to the haberdashery. For Australian sewists without a local button shop nearby, websites like Buttonmania or Etsy Australia offer a good range of vintage and unique buttons online with reasonable shipping times.

I omitted the patch pockets on this version, as I wanted a cleaner line for everyday wear. However, I plan to add them to my next version, as they would be practical for carrying a phone and keys when walking around my neighbourhood. The hem is a simple double-fold finish, which I machine-stitched using a slightly longer stitch length to keep the hem flexible. After the first wash, the linen softened beautifully and the skirt has quickly become a wardrobe staple.

Fit and sizing for Australian sewists

I cut a straight size 10 based on my waist measurement and found the fit to be true to size with enough ease for comfortable movement throughout the day. The elastic waist sits at my natural waist without pulling or gaping, which is always a relief in a handmade garment. For Australian sewists used to Australian standard sizes, which often align closely with UK sizing, the size chart is accurate and easy to follow.

If you are taller than 170cm, you may want to lengthen the skirt by 2-3cm to maintain the intended midi length. Alternatively, if you are under 160cm, the skirt may feel quite long, and shortening by 2-3cm would be appropriate for your proportions. The waistband depth is generous enough to accommodate a slightly higher or lower waist preference without altering the overall look.

One small issue I encountered was that the front button band sat slightly open at the top after wearing the skirt for a few hours. This was easily fixed by adding a small hook and bar at the waistband seam, which I would recommend for anyone with a fuller bust or who plans to wear the skirt for extended periods. Aside from this minor adjustment, the fit is comfortable, flattering, and suitable for a wide range of body shapes.

Styling ideas and final verdict

The Sienna midi skirt is a well-drafted, versatile pattern that deserves a place in any indie sewing enthusiast's pattern library. It is accessible for beginners while offering enough detail to keep experienced sewists engaged. The relaxed silhouette works beautifully in Australian climates, and the range of suitable fabrics allows for year-round wear depending on your material choice and local weather patterns. I purchased the pattern with my own money and received no compensation for this review, which is why I maintain a disclaimer page on the blog for full transparency.

Here are some fabric suggestions that work particularly well for this pattern:

• Lightweight linen for a casual, breathable summer skirt that washes beautifully
• Cotton double gauze for a textured option that adds visual interest without bulk
• Viscose or rayon for a fluid drape and elegant movement in warmer weather

Here are some styling ideas to get the most out of your handmade skirt:

• Pair with a simple white tee and sandals for weekend trips to the markets
• Layer with a fitted knit jumper and ankle boots for cooler months in the southern states
• Add a linen blazer and simple jewellery for smart-casual office settings

The table below compares the Sienna with two other popular midi skirt patterns I have made, to help you decide if it is the right pattern for your next project.

Pattern	Silhouette	Skill level	Size range	Suggested fabrics
Sienna by The Modern Sewing Co	A-line with elastic waist	Beginner to intermediate	UK 8 to 24	Linen, cotton lawn, viscose, Tencel
Pietra by Closet Core	A-line with buttons	Intermediate	UK 6 to 26	Cotton, linen, Tencel, lightweight denim
Sequoia by Sew Over It	Wrap skirt	Beginner	UK 6 to 22	Rayon, viscose, lightweight cotton

Overall, I would recommend the Sienna midi skirt to sewists looking for a comfortable, stylish, and adaptable addition to their handmade wardrobe. It is a satisfying sew that results in a wearable garment suitable for many occasions across the Australian calendar year.