How to Hem a Tiered Skirt
Hemming a tiered skirt is no different than hemming a regular skirt. A tiered skirt has more layers, so the only real difference is the amount of work you have cut out for you. There is a little more preparation involved, but the technique is the same. You must take care and be sure all of the layers are the same length. A shorter length will make your skirt feel youthful and look party-ready.
Things You'll Need
- Mirror
- Measuring tape
- Pins
- Thread (same color as skirt)
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Seam ripper (optional)
Instructions
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1
Determine the length of your lowest tier by looking in the mirror and tucking it under until the desired length is achieved. Put two pins in the front to "mark" where your hem will be.
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2
Take the skirt off and get ready to work. Measure how much extra fabric was folded under. Turn the skirt inside out to determine the new length of the first tier. Measure the second tier, and see if you can tuck it under and have the same measurement. If you can, you are in luck; if not, then you may need to add a little more to the bottom length, so the second and third tier can all have the same-length hems.
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3
Do 2 inches for a standard hem if you are struggling, then go smaller from there if you need to. Pin the hem at every inch to be sure the measurement is consistent. Pin all three tiers at the same distance and at the same length.
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4
Hold the skirt up with both hands. Grasp the waistband, and turn it 360 degrees slowly. Observe any places that may look uneven. Add pins or adjust the fabric now before bringing it to the sewing machine.
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5
Thread your machine with the matching thread color if you haven't done so yet. Start sewing the bottom tier, and work your way around until you end up where you started. Do the second tier and so on working your way up the skirt.
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6
Try your skirt on and do a 360-degree turn in the mirror to be sure you skirt looks great all around. Trim any loose threads.
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Tips & Warnings
If you had an unusually large hem, you can trim the excess fabric, now on the underside of the tiers.
If you find that your skit was hemmed too short you can use a seam ripper to remove seams. Be careful not to tear the fabric.
