Pattern and Instructions: The Katharine Skirt
This dramatic variation on the simple A-line skirt is a real show-stopper! Inspired by Katharine Hepburn’s fabulous checked gown in 1940's
This dramatic variation on the simple A-line skirt is a real show-stopper!
Inspired by Katharine Hepburn’s fabulous checked gown in 1940's The Philadelphia Story, this asymmetrical design has multiple layers of circular ruffles that cascade down the skirt and a decorative half belt at the waist.
It comes in two lengths and is compatible with every bodice in the Stanwyck series, so you can make the skirt as a dress, too!
IMPORTANT: because of the design of this pattern, there are separate Instructions for the 18-34 size range. Be sure to grab the correct Instructions file for your size.
You'll find the tiled file (for printing at home on A4 or letter size sheets and taping together) and the A0 file (for printing at a copy shop like ThePlottedPattern.com). Please note that we have two size blocks, so make sure to download the correct files for the size you're making. If you have any questions about which size to sew, don't forget to read our blog post with all the details!
Don't forget to share your makes with the hashtags #katharineskirt and #charmpatterns!
xoxo,
Gertie
P.S. On September 4, 2025, we corrected the Finished Measurements Chart and ease calculations in the Instructions just slightly. Please download new Instructions files if you got yours earlier.
Comments (54)
Just looking through patterns for my next make and OMG Miss Suzie, that polka dot fabric, those colours, that silhouette, absolute perfection!
Has anyone added horsehair braid the to ruffles?
What’s the blouse paired with the blue striped skirt?
That's the Patsy Blouse! It's available on the Charm Patterns website.
Which blouse pattern is the white sheer one that Gertie is wearing, Patsy maybe?
I’m thinking an honor roll top with flutter sleeves in multiple shades of green coordinating with the skirt tiers in satin…too much?
Who else wants to do this as a mini skirt in leather like fabric! It's not 40's vintage glam but I think I could be a fun punk vibe; think Iona in Pretty in Pink.
Got my Hopper set to record The Philadelphia Story on TCM!!!
Suzie's version reminds me of a dress my mum wore in the early 80s. I think my sister has it now
This pattern seems to work even better with a drapey fabric !!! Loving the pola dotted and the pink dresses !!
So many options! I always loved the tiered gingham dress from The Philadelphia Story! What a wonderful gift you’ve given us to be able to recreate or design our own! Thank you!!!
The angle of the asymmetric lines in this design isn't working for me. I feel like this design line and the thick waistband are adding width where I don't want it. The diagonal design line above the first tier could have been steeper elongate the lower body visually.
Interesting! I played around with different angles and this was my favorite and the one I found the most visually becoming on different bodies. And I love a wide waistband personally! But you could certainly use a different or just make this one thinner.
OH MY LORT
Love this❤️
The stripey one reminds me of the skirt on Myrna Loy’s dress at the Christmas party in the Thin Man. With a thin strapped top and bias cut this would look just like it 👀
OMG looooove it! Thanks for this one Gertie! ❤️🔥
This one is gonna be Soo much Fun!! I think I might find a way to do three tiers, but in the shorter version.
Oh wow, I just realised that the pink floral Gertie wears at the end photos - I think that’s separates, not a dress! 🤩Love it even more now… 💖 And Susie’s polka dot version really makes me want to buy some polka dots! I do have some colourful gingham - enough to make the shorter skirt and with some clever pattern Tetris I might be able to squeeze a bodice from it too…
Yes! It's a Gina Bustier on top!
Can see this skirt in a floaty chiffon overlay with chiffon ruffles and paired with a Rita blouse with a chiffon overlay and the chiffon ruffle sleeves option … either a prom dress or a bridesmaid dress … possibly even a wedding dress for a spring or summer garden wedding
The fact that my brain started making so many variations has me soo excited for this skirt!!! 😍😍😍😍
Omg I need to make one in tartan!
OH MY GOSH YES!
Two ruffles for me, please!. In lightweight denim. With crazy topstitching. And a Marlene. It shall be. This is my month.
The version on Susie is absolutely amazing.
I love this!!
I love it but I’m really concerned with pattern adjustments. I am 4’11” and usually need to take a minimum of 6 inches off of charm patterns. I am thinking of the midi dress but not sure where I would take the length from
I was wondering the same thing. I'm 5'4" and usually take about 6" off the length of all Gertie's dresses and skirts. Just started a Boardwalk dress and have actually shortened the individual tiers by 2" each. Wondering if you could do the same with this one.
I would like to know pattern piece adjustments for the back of the Gina with shirting please. I tried it once and it was a fail.
Me too! I was thinking I would like to try shirring it but didn’t even know where to start trying to figure out how.
STOP IT. that’s sooo cute. love it as a dress! ps why did i never think of doing gina with shirring? 🤯
My reaction at seeing the blue and white was a big ‘not for me’. But when I saw the other two options I softened a little. Would love to see it sewn up a few more times! Or, it might be one of those that I just get to enjoy other people’s makes
The original one that Hepburn wore was colorized as both blue in some posters and red in others. I do prefer the red, myself, as a separates option - but yeah, the dress options? *swoon*
Just WOW! 🤩
Wow! ❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️oh my gosh SUZ.ZAN! Gertie love the pink as well!
So weird, I was able to call this one only because I just finally watched The Philadelphia Story, and have been meaning to for years. It's beautiful! I like that it seems a little toned down from the movie version, much more wearable.
Yes, came here to say I love Suzy’s dress as well!
I ❤️ this so much!!!! It's the exact amount of "extra" I live for 🥰.
Suzy’s dress looks so cute!!!!!
Whoa! Love the 2 dress options! Like every month, this has jumped to the top of my list (of things I want to make but still haven't)
I have the same problem! Every month I'm set to make the new pattern, but never get around to it. Maybe THIS time...
This is fabulous, thank you!
GERTIE, I LOVE IT!!!!
I love this sooo much
I audibly gasped at the eighth pic - botanical on pink 😍😍😍 Gorgeous! 👏🏼
I called it!!!!
I think I love this most as part of a dress instead of a standalone skirt. Regardless, it’s gorgeous and I’ve already got plans for this one 😁
Love this!!!
OOOHHHH!!! That pink dress is stunning!!!!
I feel like I need to find a whole lot of meters of fabric and make the version with the Stanwyck bodice!
This and Ani are going to make such a cute Chulapa style dress. Bring on San Isidro.
Beautiful 😍