Introduction
Fixing the hem of a skirt is a beginner friendly repair, eliminating the cost of a seamstress or saving a garment that would otherwise be trashed. You can shorten or even out the skirt in the process as well. This task will take approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on the type of skirt.
Be sure to inspect the hem of your skirt before beginning. Is it straight across or curved? This can help ensure that you do not change the skirt design while fixing the hem.
Step 2 may require the use of a seam ripper. Make sure not to rip the actual garment. This may require making the skirt shorter than desired to eliminate the rip.
Some required skills include how to do a backstitch and how to use a seam ripper.
Gather all your materials before beginning. Be sure to select a thread color that matches your skirt for a more seamless finish.
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Turn the garment inside out.
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Inspect the hem: Are there any bulky regions along the hem or is it even all across? Is the hem straight or does it have curves?
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If your skirt has an existing hem, use seam ripper to remove current hem.
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Place the pointed end in each stitch and cut it using the blade edge on the seam ripper.
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If the skirt is being shortened, wear the skirt inside out and measure the desired length.
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Use sewing chalk to mark the length.
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Pin up the fabric along the desired chalk line.
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If you are only adding a hem, measure and fold 1/2 an inch up from the bottom of the skirt and pin along the edge.
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Thread the needle with matching thread.
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Start with a Backstitch to secure the thread.
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Stitch along the hem, avoiding the pins.
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Create a backstitch once you meet the place where you began.
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Turn the skirt right side out.
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Inspect the hem to ensure there are no gaps.
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Try on skirt for fit.
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