If the conventional straight waistband on your skirt is too tight, but the rest of the skirt still fits, replace the waistband with a waist facing. This method gains you an inch or two in circumference, depending on the skirt’s original size. If you need more space, you can lower the waistline to enlarge it further and make a facing to fit the larger size. You will lose a fraction of an inch in skirt length.

The new facing may be cut from any fabric, as long as it’s a compatible weight and has the same care requirements as the original skirt. This technique can also be used for slacks with back or side zippers, but it is not recommended for fly-front slacks.

I’ll show you how to draft a facing pattern and how to construct and attach the facing. This easy alteration brings beloved and useful garments back into circulation, saving you the time and money it would cost to replace them.