Making a long skirt waist smaller is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours. The first step is to determine how much smaller you want the waist to be. Once you know this, you can choose the best method for altering the skirt. There are two main methods for making a long skirt waist smaller: taking in the side seams or adding a waistband.
Taking in the side seams is the most common method for altering a skirt waist. This method involves sewing the side seams of the skirt together, taking in the excess fabric as you go. The amount of fabric you need to take in will depend on how much smaller you want the waist to be. If you are only taking in the waist by a small amount, you may only need to sew the side seams together for a few inches. However, if you are taking in the waist by a significant amount, you may need to sew the side seams together for the entire length of the skirt.
Adding a waistband is another option for making a long skirt waist smaller. This method involves sewing a waistband to the top of the skirt. The waistband can be made from a variety of materials, such as fabric, leather, or elastic. The width of the waistband will depend on how much smaller you want the waist to be. If you are only taking in the waist by a small amount, you may only need to add a narrow waistband. However, if you are taking in the waist by a significant amount, you may need to add a wider waistband.
Measuring the Skirt Waist
Before you begin altering a skirt’s waist, it’s crucial to measure the current waist size accurately. Follow these steps to ensure a precise measurement:
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Locate the smallest part of your waist, typically just above your navel.
- Wrap a flexible measuring tape around your waist, making sure it sits snugly but not too tight.
- Read the measurement in inches or centimeters. This is your waist circumference.
- Lay the skirt flat on a table or work surface.
- Find the waistband seam and unzip or unbutton the waistband.
- Measure the distance across the waistband from one side seam to the other, aligning the measuring tape with the seam line.
- Multiply this measurement by two to determine the full waist circumference of the skirt.
- Compare your waist circumference to the full waist circumference of the skirt.
- The difference between these two measurements indicates how much the skirt waist needs to be adjusted.
- For example, if your waist circumference is 28 inches and the skirt waist circumference is 32 inches, you need to remove 4 inches from the skirt waist.
- Lay the skirt flat and smooth out any wrinkles.
- Measure the waist of the skirt at the top edge. Record this measurement as W1.
- Measure your desired waist size and record it as W2.
- Calculate the difference between your waist measurement and the desired waist measurement: W1 – W2 = D.
- Starting from the center of the waistband, mark a line down the center of the front and back panels of the skirt using the fabric marker or chalk.
- Measure D/2 from the marked line on each side of the waist and mark the excess fabric perpendicular to the marked line.
- Fold the excess fabric along the marked lines and pin it in place to create the new waist size.
- Use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric from the heat of the iron.
- If the fabric is delicate, use a low heat setting.
- Press the skirt while it is still slightly damp. This will help to prevent wrinkles.
- Long skirt
- Measuring tape
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Iron and ironing board
- Fold the waistband over by about 1 inch, pressing the crease with an iron.
- Topstitch the folded edge close to the edge.
- Measure and mark the center of the waistband.
- Place a pin at the center of the elastic band.
- Align the center of the elastic band with the center of the waistband and pin it in place.
- Stretch the elastic band slightly while sewing it to the waistband, about 1/2 inch from the top edge.
- Continue sewing around the entire waistband, securing the elastic at even intervals.
- Try on the skirt and adjust the tightness of the elastic by pulling it tighter or looser as needed.
- Secure the elastic ends together with a few stitches by hand.
- Fold down the top edge of the waistband and topstitch it to enclose the elastic.
- Put on the skirt and mark where you want the waist to be with a safety pin.
- Take the skirt off and lay it flat on a table.
- Pinch the fabric at the safety pin and fold it over by about 1 inch.
- Pin the fold in place.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 all the way around the waist.
- Sew the folds in place with a sewing machine or by hand.
- Try on the skirt to make sure it fits properly.
1. Determine Your Waist Circumference:
2. Measure the Skirt Waistband:
3. Compare the Measurements:
Tip: For a more accurate measurement, wear a thin undershirt or the type of clothing you typically wear with the skirt while taking the measurements.
Marking the Excess Fabric
To mark the excess fabric, you’ll need a measuring tape, fabric marker, and straight pins. Follow these steps:
Example
If your waist measurement is 32 inches and your desired waist size is 28 inches, the difference is 4 inches.
| Measurement | Value |
|—|—|
| W1 (Current waist measurement) | 32 inches |
| W2 (Desired waist measurement) | 28 inches |
| D (Difference between measurements) | 4 inches |
| D/2 | 2 inches |
In this example, you would mark 2 inches on each side of the center line to create a new waist size of 28 inches.
Unpicking the Side Seam
Unpicking the side seam is a crucial step in altering the waist of a long skirt. Remember to mark the area where the seam needs to be unpicked before you start. This will serve as a guide when you sew the seam back together later.
Locate the side seam of the skirt. It is usually a straight seam that runs from the waistband to the hem. The side seam is often located on the side of the skirt that has a zipper or closure.
Starting from the top of the side seam, carefully unpick the stitches using a seam ripper or small, sharp scissors. Avoid cutting the fabric accidentally.
Use a table to organize the steps for unpicking the side seam:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the side seam. |
| 2 | Mark the area to be unpicked. |
| 3 | Use a seam ripper or small scissors to carefully unpick the stitches. |
Once the side seam is unpicked, pin the new seam in place. Make sure the fabric is aligned correctly and the new seam allowance is even. Use plenty of pins to hold the fabric securely.
Resizing the Waistband
This technique involves adjusting the waistband of the skirt to reduce its circumference and achieve a smaller waistline. Begin by carefully marking the area of the waistband that needs to be taken in, using either a sewing marker or a tailor’s chalk. This is usually a few inches on either side of the center back of the waistband.
Next, make small darts or pleats on the marked sections of the waistband. A dart is a triangular section of fabric that is folded and sewn together, while a pleat is a folded section of fabric that is secured with a stitch. The number and size of the darts or pleats will depend on the amount of fabric that needs to be removed.
Once the darts or pleats have been created, press them flat to ensure they are set in place. Carefully stitch the darts or pleats down, using a sewing machine or by hand. For extra reinforcement, you can also topstitch along the edges of the darts or pleats.
Tips for Resizing the Waistband
– Use a fine needle and a thread that matches the color of the waistband.
– Make small, precise stitches to prevent the fabric from puckering or stretching.
– If you are uncertain about the amount of fabric to remove, it is better to start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it as needed.
– Iron the waistband thoroughly after making the adjustments to set the stitches and give the waistband a polished finish.
Sewing the Side Seam Back Together
5. Sew the side seam back together:
a) **Pin the side seam back together.** Align the raw edges of the side seam and pin them together. Use plenty of pins to keep the fabric in place.
b) **Sew the side seam.** Using a sewing machine, sew the side seam together with a straight stitch. Use a seam allowance of 5/8 inch.
c) **Press the side seam.** Once the side seam is sewn, press it with an iron to set the seam and flatten it.
d) **Topstitch the side seam (optional).** For a more finished look, you can topstitch the side seam. To do this, sew a straight stitch along the side seam, about 1/8 inch from the edge of the fabric.
Tips for sewing the side seam back together:
• Use a sharp needle to prevent the fabric from tearing.
• Sew slowly and evenly to create a strong and durable seam.
• If you are using a sewing machine, test the stitch tension on a scrap piece of fabric before sewing the side seam.
• If you are hand-sewing the side seam, use a strong thread and a small needle.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a sharp needle | Prevents the fabric from tearing |
| Sew slowly and evenly | Creates a strong and durable seam |
| Test the stitch tension | Ensures the stitch is secure |
| Use a strong thread and a small needle | For hand-sewing |
Finishing Touches
6. Iron the Skirt
Once you have sewn the new waistband, it is important to iron the skirt to give it a finished look. Start by pressing the waistband flat. Then, fold the skirt in half lengthwise and press the seams. This will help to set the stitches and give the skirt a professional appearance.
Here are some additional tips for ironing:
7. Wear the Skirt
Once you have finished ironing the skirt, try it on to make sure it fits properly. If the waistband is too loose, you can adjust it by taking in the side seams. If the waistband is too tight, you can let it out by letting out the side seams.
Here is a table with some additional tips for wearing the skirt:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Wear the skirt with a belt to accentuate the waist. | This will help to create a more defined silhouette. |
| Pair the skirt with a top that is tucked in to create a more polished look. | This will help to create a more flattering silhouette. |
| Accessorize the skirt with jewelry and shoes to complete the look. | This will help to add a personal touch to the outfit. |
Creating a Pleated Waistband
This technique is perfect for creating a pleated waistband on a long skirt that is too loose.
Materials:
Instructions:
1. Measure the waist of the skirt and divide it by the number of pleats you want to create. For example, if the waist measures 30 inches and you want 5 pleats, each pleat will be 6 inches wide.
2. Mark the pleat lines on the inside of the waistband with a fabric marker or chalk.
3. Fold one pleat line towards the center of the waistband, pressing it flat with an iron.
4. Repeat with the remaining pleats, folding them towards the center and pressing them flat.
5. Topstitch the pleats down close to the top edge of the waistband.
6. Fold the waistband over and press to create a finished edge.
7. Topstitch the waistband in place along the top and bottom edges, enclosing the raw edges.
Tips:
* Use a fabric with a little bit of drape for best results.
* If you’re not sure how many pleats you want, start with a few and add more as needed.
* Iron each pleat carefully to create a crisp and polished look.
Inserting Elastic in the Waistband
This method involves creating a channel within the waistband to insert elastic for a tighter fit. It’s suitable for skirts with a waistband that has already been sewn in.
Materials You’ll Need:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elastic band (1/2-inch to 1-inch wide) | Length equal to your waist circumference minus 4-6 inches |
| Needle and thread (matching the skirt fabric) | |
| Pins | Optional, for easier sewing |
Instructions:
Customizing the Waistband
1. Pinning the Waistband Inward
Turn the skirt inside out and locate the waistband. Use straight pins to mark the areas where you need to take in the waist. Start at the center back and work your way around. Remember to leave a small amount of overlap (1/2 inch to 1 inch) for sewing.
2. Measuring and Cutting the Excess Fabric
Remove the waistband and measure the width of the excess fabric. Mark the measurement on the waistband and cut the fabric along the line. This will reduce the width of the waistband.
3. Repositioning the Waistband
Place the waistband back onto the skirt, aligning the edges and raw edges. Use straight pins to keep it in place.
4. Sewing the Waistband Back On
Use a sewing machine to stitch the waistband back onto the skirt, using a straight stitch close to the edge of the fabric. Finish by pressing the seam to set it.
5. Adding Elastic Waistband
Cut a piece of elastic waistband to the desired length (measure around your waist where you want the skirt to sit). Insert the elastic waistband through the casing left inside the skirt waistband.
6. Securing the Elastic Waistband
Sew the ends of the elastic waistband together using a zigzag stitch. Fold the raw edges of the casing inward and stitch it closed, enclosing the elastic waistband.
7. Adjusting the Elastic Waistband
If the elastic waistband is too loose, you can tighten it by sewing a few rows of stitching across the elastic.
8. Adding a New Belt
You can also add a belt to the skirt to cinch in the waist. Choose a belt that is the same width as the waistband or slightly thinner.
9. Creating a Smocked Waist
For a more gathered appearance, you can create a smocked waist by sewing elastic threads into the fabric of the waistband.
10. Alternating Waistband Construction
If you have a zipper or button closure in the waistband, you may need to adjust the construction slightly.
| Adjustment | For Zipper Closure | For Button Closure |
|---|---|---|
| Pinning | Pin from the seam allowance towards the zipper | Pin from the seam allowance towards the buttonholes |
| Cutting | Cut the excess fabric from the side opposite the zipper | Cut the excess fabric from the side opposite the buttonholes |
| Repositioning | Align the waistband edges and sew it back onto the skirt, leaving a small overlap at the zipper | Align the waistband edges and sew it back onto the skirt, leaving a small overlap at the buttonholes |
How to Make a Long Skirt Waist Smaller
If you have a long skirt that is too loose in the waist, there are a few simple ways to make it smaller. Here are the steps:
People Also Ask
How do you make a long skirt waist smaller without sewing?
There are a few ways to make a long skirt waist smaller without sewing. One way is to use a safety pin to pinch the fabric at the waist and fold it over. Another way is to use a rubber band to cinch the waist. You can also use a belt to tighten the waist.
Can you take in a skirt at the waist?
Yes, you can take in a skirt at the waist. The easiest way to do this is to sew the side seams together. You can also take in the back seam, but this is more difficult to do.
