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Member since 12/23/11
Posts: 184
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Posted on: 3/22/16 1:35 PM ET
When wanting to lengthen a top (or skirt; dress)
what is the advantage to lengthen it at the 'lengthen or shorten here' lines as opposed to just adding a couple inches to the hem?
  
Member since 10/1/03
Posts: 2871
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Posted on: 3/22/16 1:47 PM ET
It's about the fit and/or style lines. It depends on the pattern.

Using the lengthen/shorten here lines is meant to keep the key horizontal measurements (waist, bust, hip, but also sometimes a style feature) in the proper place relative to you body.

For example, a fitted top (or peplum) - If you lengthen (or shorten) at/near the waist, then it fits over the hips the way it should. If you don't, the the flare will be higher than it should be. Maybe you are OK with the waistline being an inch or so above where the designer intended, but then the peplum is also larger. You have changed multiple style lines.

For me, being short, it helps even semi-fitted tops and dresses. If I just cut off from the hem, the narrowest part of the garment can fall over my hip bones!

(edited because bust and but are not the same thing )
-- Edited on 3/22/16 at 1:48 PM --
  
Member since 10/6/11
Posts: 2383
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Posted on: 3/22/16 1:54 PM ET
In reply to cakemix
Quote:
what is the advantage to lengthen it at the 'lengthen or shorten here' lines as opposed to just adding a couple inches to the hem?


Great question!

You would ask yourself this:
Do I want to lengthen/shorten because I am tall/petite and need more/less length in my bodice or hip depth/rise..... OR, do I just want this shorty short dress to be a few inches longer to extend to my knees, but it otherwise fits me fine in the torso length because I'm of the average/intended height for this pattern brand.

Ok, well that was a loooong winded blurb... but that's my two cents!
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-Catina
PaTTernHack.com
  
Member since 12/23/11
Posts: 184
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Posted on: 3/22/16 2:00 PM ET
In reply to Catina
For a top-my reason is because I want to cover my bum & crotch when I am wearing form fitting leggings.
I have found many cute tops that would work for me wearing leggings- BUT I don't want my crotch & bum exposed.
  
Member since 1/3/10
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Posted on: 3/22/16 7:53 PM ET
In reply to cakemix
In that case, if the top fits you properly at the normal length, one can generally lengthen from the bottom, rather than the lengthen/shorten line.
Guidance may differ depending on the pattern's style lines. If you want feedback on a specific pattern or patterns, post them here. I'm sure people will help.
  
Member since 12/28/04
Posts: 13915
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Posted on: 3/22/16 9:46 PM ET
In reply to cakemix
I agree with all of the advice but it also depends on what you are lengthening and how the side is shaped. If it's tapered and you just add at the bottom the width at the hem will be too narrow or if you are adding to something flared the converse may be true.
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www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
  
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