How to Make a Skirt Stand Out

Horsehair braid can help stiffen a skirt hemline for a flared look.

A flared skirt that droops may need some stiffening at the hemline. Horsehair braid is a synthetic mesh or loosely woven braid that flexes to hold a shape. Horsehair braid sewn to a hemline can give a graceful flare that makes a skirt look dressy. This braid is available in different widths, such as1/2 inch and increments of 1 inch. A narrow braid can suit lightweight fabrics; a wider braid can suit medium-weight fabrics.

Things You'll Need

• Iron and water for steam pressing
• Horsehair braid
• Flared skirt
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Hand sewing needle
• Press cloth

Instructions

Preparing

1. Steam-press the braid without stretching.

2. Place the skirt right side up on a level surface. Mark and trim the hemline to allow a 1/4-inch hem allowance. The horsehair braid will attach to the bottom edge of the skirt.

3. Place the skirt right side up on the sewing machine's needle plate. Position the skirt so that stitching can start at a back or side seam. Select a straight stitch for edge stitching.

4. Fold under one end of the braid about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Place this folded end to start at the skirt's back or side seam line. Set the top edge of the braid along the hemline. The width of the braid will cover and extend past the narrow 1/4-inch hem allowance.

Machine Stitching

1. Edgestitch the braid to the skirt all around the skirt hemline. As the final section of the skirt hem reaches the needle plate, you may need to pause the machine stitching as you try to fold under the last part of the braid. The final folded end should abut the starting end. If the braid is too long, trim the braid with scissors.

2. Continue edgestitching to overlap the initial stitches by approximately1/2 inch. These overlapping stitches can help reinforce this section. Trim the threads close to the stitches.

3. Remove the skirt from the machine to check the stitching. The braid should look smooth. Fold up the hem along the hemline. The braid will flip to the wrong side of the skirt.

4. Return the skirt underside up on the needle plate. Position the skirt with the braid under the needle.

5. Edgestitch the braid close to the first stitching and the hem's folded edge. This second line of stitching will penetrate all layers and show on the right side of the skirt. Trim the loose threads.

Hand Sewing and Finishing

1. Thread a hand sewing needle with about 12 inches of thread. Tack the top, free edge of the braid to the garment seam allowances, such as the side seams or back seams. The tacks should not show on the right side of the garment.

2. Whipstitch the folded ends of the braid together.

3. Press the hem with a low heat setting for this synthetic braid. Use a press cloth to protect the garment from scorching or shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes a wider braid includes an ease thread along one edge. You can pull on the ease thread to draw up the fullness to fit the skirt's hem area.

• A wider braid may need to be basted in place and then slip stitched at the top edge to attach to the skirt.

References

• Sew True: Horsehair Braid
• "Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing"; Virginia Colton, Editor; 1976