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Member since 2/15/07
Posts: 5
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Posted on: 9/7/07 4:17 PM ET
I bought a cute, knit (sure it's poly) skirt that was on sale but way to long. I thought it would be easier as a beginner to cut off the old elastic waistband, make a new casing and do new elastic. How do I measure if the fabric is kinda slinky and the hem itself is wavy? Thanks. (ha - I thought this would be simple)
  
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 10072
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Posted on: 9/7/07 4:59 PM ET
In reply to bollard020202
Quote: bollard020202
I bought a cute, knit (sure it's poly) skirt that was on sale but way to long. I thought it would be easier as a beginner to cut off the old elastic waistband, make a new casing and do new elastic. How do I measure if the fabric is kinda slinky and the hem itself is wavy? Thanks. (ha - I thought this would be simple)


Cut twice.

Lay the skirt out flat, evenly cut away the waistband and leave the skirt relax overnight.

Decide how much you want to shorten the shirt and add for the casing. Measure the excess to be cut off from the top instead of the wavy bottom.

To mark the amount to be cut away for the alteration, use a marking pen that will wash out or a Chaco liner (if not in sewing notions, check quilting notions). Both mark without dragging the fabric.

If you have a serger, you can cut and finish the cut edge at the same time. If not, run a basting stitch just below the marked cutting line before the second cutting

If there is a great amount of tapering from the waist to the hip, taper the sides before making the casing.

Fold over the top of the skirt the amount you need for the casing, baste in place. Press. Stitch, leaving opening for insertion of elastic.

Prior to the last time I did this, I had a good length if I wore the original waistband just under the bust!


-- Edited on 9/7/07 5:10 PM --
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 2728
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Posted on: 9/7/07 8:25 PM ET
In reply to bollard020202
Ya know, if the hem is wavy, I think it would be easier to measure UP and re-hem.

Nina

ETA: Unless the hem is supposed to be wavy!!
-- Edited on 9/7/07 8:26 PM --
  
Member since 4/3/06
Posts: 186
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Posted on: 9/7/07 8:53 PM ET
Cutting off the top is a good way to alter curtains too
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ginaT

Have three beautiful grandaughters and a baby grandson
  
Member since 2/15/07
Posts: 5
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Posted on: 9/15/07 11:57 PM ET
THANKS to all who answered. And yes the hem is wavy on purpose!!

Gail
"Fear Not"
  
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