How to Alter Elastic Waist Skirt: A Step-by-Step Guide
Embarking on a DIY project to alter an elastic waist skirt can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to customize your wardrobe to fit your personal style and body shape. Whether you’ve purchased a skirt that’s a bit too tight or too loose, or you simply want to refresh your favorite piece, altering an elastic waist skirt is a straightforward process that can be completed with minimal sewing skills and tools. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to successfully alter an elastic waist skirt.
Materials Needed:
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
– Elastic waist skirt to be altered
– Measuring tape
– Scissors
– pins
– Sewing machine or needle and thread
– Elastic band (optional, if you need to replace the existing one)
Step 1: Measure the Current Waist Size
Start by measuring the current waist size of the skirt. Wrap the measuring tape around your waist at the desired tightness. This will give you the current circumference of the elastic band. Write down this measurement for reference.
Step 2: Determine the New Waist Size
Decide how much you want to alter the waist size. If you want the skirt to fit more loosely, add a few inches to the current measurement. If you want it to fit tighter, subtract a few inches. This will be the new waist size for your skirt.
Step 3: Remove the Existing Elastic Band
Using a pair of scissors, carefully cut the existing elastic band from the skirt. Be sure to leave a small tail of the band for reattachment later.
Step 4: Cut the New Elastic Band
Cut a new elastic band to the desired length based on your new waist size. The band should be slightly shorter than the new waist size to ensure a comfortable fit. Add a few extra inches for seam allowances.
Step 5: Pin the New Elastic Band
Pin the new elastic band to the skirt, matching the raw edges of the band with the skirt’s waistline. Ensure that the band is evenly distributed around the skirt.
Step 6: Sew the New Elastic Band
Using a sewing machine or a needle and thread, sew the new elastic band to the skirt. Start at one end of the band and sew all the way around, ensuring that the stitching is secure and even. Leave a small opening to thread the elastic through.
Step 7: Thread the Elastic
Thread the new elastic band through the opening you left in the stitching. Pull the band tight to the new waist size and secure it by sewing the opening closed.
Step 8: Test the Fit
Try on the skirt to ensure that the new waist size fits comfortably. If needed, make any further adjustments to the elastic band and re-sew if necessary.
Step 9: Hem the Skirt (Optional)
If the skirt is now too long, you may need to hem it. Fold the excess fabric up to the desired length and sew it in place. This step is optional, depending on your desired length of the skirt.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully altered your elastic waist skirt. Now you can enjoy a perfectly fitting piece that reflects your personal style and fits your body shape.
