How to Hem a Skirt
Hemlines change with the seasons, so keep your clothes current by raising or lowering your skirt length.
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All you need is a needle, thread, some fabric, and these step by step instructions to start sewing.
You Will Need
- A skirt
- Scissors or a seam ripper
- A friend
- Pins
- An ironing board
- Measuring tape
- An iron
- Needle
- Thread
- Fabric tape (optional) (optional) (optional) (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Let hem out
Let the existing hem out of your skirt with scissors or a seam ripper.
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Step 2
Determine new hemline
Try on your skirt and have a friend pin it at the new hemline.
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Step 3
Fold skirt to new hemline
Take the skirt off, turn it inside out, and, on your ironing board, fold it up to the pin or new hemline.
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Step 4
Iron in new hemline
Measure from the pin to the edge of the skirt. Use that same measurement to adjust the fold all the way around. Iron to create a crease.
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Step 5
Pin new hemline
Fold the hem allowance so the raw edge is tucked in. For a more finished look, iron again, and pin in place.
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Use fabric tape instead of pins to tack up the hem. This tape holds the material in place while you sew but dissolves in the first wash.
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Step 6
Sew new hemline
Pick a matching thread color and start sewing at the seam. Use a loop stitch that doesn’t go all the way through to the skirt face for a blind hem.
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Don’t pull the thread too tightly or your hem will pucker.
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Step 7
Try skirt on
Try your skirt on to make sure the new hem is hitting your leg right where you want it.
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Your hemline may be determined by the economy. Historical trends show hemlines head south in bad times and come up in good ones.
