Get in on the season's hot trend. Use basic sewing to alter a thrift-store pencil skirt Credit: Samantha Baldwin
- Get in on the season's hot trend. Use basic sewing to alter a thrift-store pencil skirt
- Here's the size of the skirt before.
- The original skirt was four sizes too big. But what a great color.
- Pinch the side at the waist. Measure the total number of inches the waist needs to be taken in. (In my case, it was four inches.)
- Divide the total by two. Measure in on each side of your waist at the side seams and pin. (In my case, it was two inches per side.) This will center the waistline.
- Using a seam ripper, release the lining from the bottom of the skirt.
- Pull the lining up.
- My waisband was taken in two inches.
- So, I lift the lining and start my seam again at two inches.
- When the skirt is finished, it will look like I used one continuous seam down the side. In reality, I will have one short seam at the waistband and one long seam down the side.
- Pin down both sides of the skirt, keeping both sides even. You may want to use another skirt as a pattern.
- Sew a short seam at the waistband.
- You can later trim down the seam. But for now your waist will look like this.
- Sew down the two side seams.
- Try the skirt on and adjust as needed.
- Enjoy your altered skirt.
- Go retro, feminine or sporty color blocking with a cobalt blue pencil skirt.
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