How to Alter a Gathered Skirt
Sometimes when a skirt catches your eye, regardless if it is the right size or not, you must have it for your wardrobe. Go ahead and purchase the skirt because you can alter it to fit your size with a few simple steps. If you have never altered anything before, do not fret; the process is simple and uncomplicated even for the amateur sewer. Thankfully, gathered skirts are normally made with an elastic waistband which makes adjustments simple and easy. Take your time and work slowly to ensure a perfect fit without any traces of alterations. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Put the skirt on your body so you know how much to take in along the waistline of the skirt. Unless you are taking in a considerable amount, you will not need to alter the body of the skirt, just the waistband. Major skirt waistband alterations may need a few minor adjustments to the body of the skirt.
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2
Pin the waistband to the tightness you prefer at the seam line. The seam line is the area on the waistband where the elastic was sewn together. Remember when tightening the waist that you will need a little extra slack to pull the skirt over your thighs and buttocks.
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3
Flip the skirt inside out, and draw a line with fabric chalk at the seam line where the pins are located. This will be your guide for the new seam line.
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4
Leave the pins in the fabric, and remove the seam line along the interior of the waistband with a seam ripper. Pull the excess fabric inward, and repin along the new seam line. Use the fabric chalk as a guide when repinning.
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5
Pull the excess fabric inward and repin the seam line according to the fabric chalk line. This will be your new seam line.
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6
Sew along the new seam-line, removing the pins as you sew, with a sewing machine and coordinating thread. Set the sewing machine to a straight stitch to complete the seam.
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7
Flip the skirt to the right side and try it on your body. Look at the way the skirt fits on your body. Minor waistband adjustments will flow nicely with the body of the skirt; however, major waistband changes will need to readjust the body of the skirt. To do this, place pins along the seam line where the excess fabric is protruding outwards from your body.
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8
Flip the skirt inside out and measure the distance from the interior seam-line of the skirt to the pins. Measure in several areas and draw a vertical line to connect each mark.
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9
Remove the original seam using the same method as STEP 4.
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10
Sew the new seam with a straight stitch and trim the excess fabric. Flip the skirt right-side-out and put on for a night out.
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Tips & Warnings
Use nail clippers or a needle to remove the seam line if you do not have a seam ripper.
Always try the skirt on in between adjusting the waistband and the body seam. Minor adjustments to the waistband will not affect the body of the skirt.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
