How to Hem a Cheerleading Uniform

Creating an even hemline requires careful measurements.

The classic pleated skirt and shell tops of a cheerleading uniform are reminiscent of sporting events and athletic dance teams. Many schools have regulations about the length of the cheerleading uniform skirt, demanding that students retain enough length on the skirt to remain covered. Alternatively, a cheerleading uniform may be too large or long for a student. In this case, hemming the pleated skirt only requires a few sewing materials and a little patience.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Chalk or fabric marker
• Seam ripper
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Matching thread
• Sewing notions

Instructions

1. Put the uniform on. Place a mark on the cheerleading uniform skirt where you would like the fabric to hit on the leg using a piece of chalk or a fabric marker.

2. Measure the distance from the mark you made to the bottom of the already existing hem, for example 1 inch. Make a matching mark every 3 inches or so around the base of the skirt to create an even new hemline.

3. Remove the uniform. Turn the uniform inside out. Remove any existing hem seams at the bottom of the skirt with a seam ripper. Fold the fabric over twice to create a rolled hem. Be sure the second fold hits along the marked points from the previous step to create a new hem. Pin the new hem into place as you fold the fabric into place.

4. Sew along the new pin marks using your sewing machine and 3/8-inch seam allowance. Stitch into place using a straight stitch and matching thread.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not iron the new hem into place if you are altering a pleated skirt, as the pleats will be removed around the base of the skirt if you do.

References

• Threads Magazine: Hemming a Pleated Skirt: Susan Khalje