Introduction
This guide will teach you how to take in the waistband of a skirt that is too large. The instructions work best for skirts that are loose, like rectangle skirts or pleated skirts, and that have a separate waistband and a lining. You will need basic sewing skills, including the ability to sew using a sewing machine.
The guide uses these terms:
- seam: a line of stitching that joins two or more pieces of cloth
- seam ripper: a tool used to remove stitches
- seam allowance: the distance between the stitch line and the edge of the cloth
- right side: the “front” of the fabric; the printed side
- wrong side: the “back” of the fabric
What you need
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Try on the skirt to see how big it is.
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Gather the excess fabric at one of the side seams.
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Press the seam allowance on the new side seam flat and fold the top and bottom down.
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Align the top edges of the inner and outer waistbands with the wrong sides facing together. Use straight pins to hold the fabric in place.
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Stitch across the top of the waistband, right next to the edge. Make sure to begin where the original stitching ends to avoid leaving holes in the waistband.
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With right sides together, match the side seam of the lining to the side seam of the waistband and secure with straight pins.
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Stitch the lining to the inner waistband.
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Turn the skirt right side out.
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Top stitch along the bottom edge of the outer waistband to secure it to the inner waistband.
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Your skirt is now finished! Wear it with pride.
Your skirt is now finished! Wear it with pride.
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