How to Alter Skirt Waist: A Step-by-Step Guide
Embarking on a DIY project to alter the waist of a skirt can be both rewarding and cost-effective. Whether you’ve purchased a skirt that’s a bit too tight or too loose, or you simply want to customize your wardrobe, learning how to alter skirt waist can save you money and give you a perfect fit. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to alter skirt waist, ensuring that your skirt fits you like a glove.
Materials Needed:
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
– Scissors
– Measuring tape
– Pins
– Sewing machine or needle and thread
– Seam ripper (if necessary)
– Tailor’s chalk or fabric pencil
– Fabric marker
Step 1: Measure the Skirt Waist
To determine how much you need to take in or let out, start by measuring the current waist size of the skirt. Wrap the measuring tape around your waist at the desired point, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight. Write down the measurement.
Step 2: Decide on the Alteration
Based on your measurements, decide whether you need to take in the waist (if it’s too loose) or let it out (if it’s too tight). Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the skirt hem as well, depending on the desired length.
Step 3: Mark the New Waistline
Using tailor’s chalk or a fabric pencil, mark the new waistline on the skirt. If you’re taking in the waist, mark it slightly smaller than your desired size. If you’re letting it out, mark it slightly larger. Make sure the new waistline is even and straight across the skirt.
Step 4: Remove the Hem (if necessary)
If you’re letting out the skirt waist, you’ll need to remove the hem. Use a seam ripper to carefully remove the hem stitching. Save the hem fabric for reattaching later.
Step 5: Take in or Let Out the Waist
If you’re taking in the waist, cut a straight line across the marked waistline, starting from the side seam to the center back seam. If you’re letting it out, cut a straight line across the marked waistline, starting from the side seam to the center back seam, and then cut a diagonal line from the center back seam to the side seam. This will create a V-shaped opening for the new waistband.
Step 6: Sew the New Waistline
Pin the new waistline in place, ensuring it’s even and straight. Use a sewing machine or a needle and thread to sew the new waistline. If you’re taking in the waist, sew a zigzag stitch to create a stretchy seam. If you’re letting it out, sew a straight stitch.
Step 7: Reattach the Hem
If you removed the hem, reattach it using the saved fabric. Pin the hem in place, and sew it back onto the skirt using the same stitching method as before.
Step 8: Hem the Skirt (if necessary)
If you let out the skirt waist, you may need to rehem the skirt. Measure the new hem length and mark it on the skirt. Cut off the excess fabric, and then sew the new hem in place.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully altered the waist of your skirt. Now you can enjoy a perfectly fitting skirt that complements your style and body.
