How to Shorten a Jean Skirt
Denim skirts never go out of style; for many women, they're a wardrobe staple. But though the calf-length denim skirt you bought three years ago still fits well and is in good shape, it looks stale. You can freshen it up by shortening it for a new look. It's not hard to do and when you're done, you'll have what feels like a new denim skirt.
Things You'll Need
- Iron and ironing board
- Tape measure
- Straight pins
- Shears
- Needle and thread
- Sewing machine (optional)
Instructions
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1
Try the skirt on. Stand up straight, but relax your body so that the skirt hangs as it normally will--chances are you won't be holding in your tummy all day long when you're actually wearing the skirt.
Hold a tape measure at the top of the waistband so that it falls vertically. Looking in a mirror, decide where you want the hem bottom to land after you have finished it, and note how many inches run from the top of the waist to where the new hem will be.
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2
Take the skirt off and lay it on a flat surface. Measure the length from the top of the waist band to the the bottom of where you want the hem to land. Add 1 1/2 inches. This will be your cut line. Insert stick pins horizontally every three inches to mark the cut line all the way around the skirt. Measure as you go to ensure that the length is the same.
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3
Cut the skirt off with a pair of good shears. Don't try to cut through two layers. Cut around the entire width of the skirt in one layer. The pins will guide you. Remove them when you're done cutting.
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4
Turn the first half-inch of the raw edge under and press the crease. Turn that edge under one inch. Press the crease. Again, insert horizontal stick pins to keep the hem in place.
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5
Use a blind hem stitch to sew the hem in place. As you work, make sure that the skirt stays aligned with the hem.
At this point, if you have a sewing machine, you can run a straight line top stitch along the top of the hem, rather than do it by hand.
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Tips & Warnings
If you press the skirt after you try it on and measure it, you'll get a more accurate result.
If you've never washed the skirt, wash it before you cut and hem it.
