How to Alter a Skirt to Make It Smaller
Are you looking to give a new life to a skirt that’s a bit too big for you? Altering a skirt to make it smaller is a great way to update your wardrobe without spending a fortune. Whether it’s a favorite dress or a thrift store find, learning how to alter a skirt to make it smaller can be a rewarding DIY project. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to successfully resize your skirt and have it fitting you perfectly in no time.
1. Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials for the alteration. You’ll need:
– Your skirt
– Measuring tape
– Fabric scissors
– Sewing pins
– Sewing machine (or a needle and thread if you prefer hand-sewing)
– Seam ripper (if needed)
– Thread that matches your skirt fabric
2. Measure the Skirt
Take precise measurements of the skirt you wish to alter. Measure the waist, hips, and the length of the skirt from the waist to the hem. Make sure to measure over the fullest part of the skirt to determine the new size accurately.
3. Determine the Amount of Alteration Needed
Based on your measurements, decide how much you need to take in. For example, if your waist is 2 inches larger than the skirt’s waist, you’ll need to take in the skirt by 2 inches. Repeat this process for the hips and length if necessary.
4. Mark the Skirt for Alteration
Using your measurements, mark the areas where you’ll be taking in the skirt. For the waist and hips, mark the desired reduction on both sides of the skirt. For the length, mark the new hemline if you’re shortening the skirt.
5. Remove the Lining (If Necessary)
If your skirt has a lining, remove it to make the alteration process easier. Be sure to keep the lining and the skirt fabric together, as you’ll need to reattach them later.
6. Cut the Skirt Fabric
Using fabric scissors, carefully cut the skirt fabric along the marked lines. Make sure to leave a seam allowance, which is typically 1/2 inch to 1 inch, depending on the type of fabric and your sewing skills.
7. Take in the Waist and Hips
Pin the skirt fabric together at the marked waist and hip reduction lines. Sew the skirt together, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. If you’re using a sewing machine, make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it. If hand-sewing, use a zigzag stitch to prevent the fabric from fraying.
8. Reattach the Lining
If you removed the lining, now is the time to reattach it. Pin the lining to the skirt fabric, ensuring that the right sides are together. Sew the lining to the skirt, leaving a gap for turning the skirt right side out. Trim any excess fabric and threads.
9. Turn the Skirt Right Side Out
Turn the skirt right side out through the gap you left in the lining. Press the seams flat with an iron.
10. Hem the Skirt
Finally, hem the skirt to the desired length. You can do this by folding the hem up 1/2 inch, pressing it, and then folding it up again to the final hemline. Pin and sew the hem in place, either by machine or by hand.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully altered your skirt to make it smaller. Enjoy your new, perfectly fitting skirt and the satisfaction of a job well done.
