What To Know
- Whether you’ve lost weight, purchased a skirt second-hand, or simply want a more tailored look, knowing how to take in a pencil skirt is a valuable skill.
- Cut along the marked adjustment lines on the skirt panels, ensuring the cuts are straight and parallel to the original seams.
- While the above steps provide a foundation for taking in a pencil skirt, you can elevate your tailoring skills by incorporating additional techniques.
A pencil skirt is a timeless wardrobe staple, but finding one that fits perfectly can be a challenge. Whether you’ve lost weight, purchased a skirt second-hand, or simply want a more tailored look, knowing how to take in a pencil skirt is a valuable skill. This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, so you can create a skirt that hugs your curves like a dream.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start altering your skirt, ensure you have the following:
- Your pencil skirt: Choose a skirt that you love but needs adjusting.
- Measuring tape: For accurate measurements.
- Sewing pins: To hold the fabric in place while you adjust.
- Scissors: Sharp scissors are essential for clean cuts.
- Sewing machine: For a professional finish.
- Thread: Choose a color that matches your skirt.
- Iron: To press seams and remove wrinkles.
- Seam ripper: For removing any stitches accidentally sewn in the wrong place.
- Optional: Tailoring chalk or fabric marker: For marking the fabric before cutting.
Take Accurate Measurements
Measuring accurately is crucial for a successful alteration. Here’s how:
1. Measure your waist: Wrap the measuring tape around your natural waistline, keeping it snug but not too tight.
2. Measure your hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
3. Measure the skirt’s waist: Measure the skirt’s waistband at its narrowest point.
4. Measure the skirt’s hips: Measure the skirt’s fullest point, usually around the hip area.
5. Determine the adjustment needed: Compare the measurements of your body with those of the skirt. The difference between your measurements and the skirt’s measurements will tell you how much fabric needs to be removed.
Prepare the Skirt for Alterations
1. Lay the skirt flat: Spread the skirt out on a flat surface, ensuring it’s smooth and free of wrinkles.
2. Mark the adjustment lines: Using tailoring chalk or a fabric marker, mark the adjustment lines on the skirt. The lines should be parallel to the original seams and indicate the amount of fabric to be removed.
3. Pin the adjustment lines: Secure the marked lines with sewing pins. This will help the fabric stay in place while you cut.
Taking in the Waistband
1. Cut the waistband: Carefully cut along the marked adjustment line on the waistband.
2. Overlap the fabric: Overlap the cut edges of the waistband, matching the raw edges.
3. Pin and sew: Pin the overlapped edges securely, then sew along the pinned line using a straight stitch.
4. Press the seam: Press the seam flat to create a smooth finish.
Taking in the Skirt Panels
1. Cut the skirt panels: Cut along the marked adjustment lines on the skirt panels, ensuring the cuts are straight and parallel to the original seams.
2. Overlap and pin: Overlap the cut edges of the fabric, matching the raw edges. Pin the overlapped edges in place.
3. Sew the seams: Sew along the pinned line using a straight stitch.
4. Press the seam: Press the seam flat to create a smooth finish.
Finishing Touches
1. Remove pins: Carefully remove all pins from the skirt.
2. Try on the skirt: Put on the skirt to ensure the alterations are satisfactory.
3. Adjust further if needed: If any adjustments are needed, repeat the marking, pinning, and sewing steps.
4. Hem the skirt: If the hem needs adjusting, carefully measure and mark the new hemline, then sew it with a straight stitch.
The Final Fitting: A Triumphant Transformation
Once all adjustments are complete, try on the skirt one more time. It should now fit perfectly, hugging your curves without feeling constricting. Take a moment to admire your handiwork. You’ve taken a skirt that didn’t quite fit and turned it into a wardrobe masterpiece.
Beyond the Basic: Adding Flair to Your Pencil Skirt
While the above steps provide a foundation for taking in a pencil skirt, you can elevate your tailoring skills by incorporating additional techniques:
- Adding a zipper: If your skirt doesn’t have a zipper, you can add one to the back for a more polished look.
- Creating a waistband with darts: Darts can create a more flattering fit, especially if your waist is smaller than your hips.
- Adding a belt loop: A belt loop can add a touch of style and help hold your skirt in place.
- Experimenting with different hems: Try a scalloped hem, a curved hem, or a layered hem for a unique touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take in a pencil skirt made from stretchy fabric?
A: Yes, you can take in a pencil skirt made from stretchy fabric. However, you’ll need to use a stretch stitch on your sewing machine to prevent the seams from breaking.
Q: What if I don’t have a sewing machine?
A: If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can hand-sew the alterations. However, this will take longer and may not be as durable.
Q: Can I take in a pencil skirt with a lining?
A: Yes, you can take in a pencil skirt with a lining. Just be sure to adjust both the lining and the outer fabric.
Q: How do I know if my pencil skirt is too big?
A: If your skirt is too big, it will feel loose and baggy. You may also notice that it wrinkles or bunches up around your waist or hips.
Q: What if my skirt is too small?
A: If your skirt is too small, it will feel tight and uncomfortable. It may also restrict your movement.
