Replies

1. 
   starzoe | Aug 25, 2008 07:12pm | #1

   I gather that you are doing this to provide modesty for your pastor's wife. First of all, be sure that closing the vent will not stop her from taking normal steps in walking.

   Here's what I do. I don't sew the vents closed, I have more than once sewn buttons onto the vent. Buttons match the skirt, are unobtrusive but attractive. Sew each button to both sides of the vent, as many as you need. This results in small gaps between buttons which provide modesty and are not unsightly but a design element. This method will also let you leave enough of the vent open at the bottom to allow for walking. It takes very little time, looks "finished" and provides some unique aspect to an ordinary skirt.

   At times I have used buttons that were an embellishment in themselves and have had compliments on both methods.

1. 
   Momci | Aug 25, 2008 07:20pm | #2

   Thank you.  It is for modesty reasons.  I haven't heard/seen the button method.  Will give it a try. Thanks so much.

1. 
   starzoe | Aug 25, 2008 08:35pm | #4

   I think I invented the button method of closing a vent.....but there is nothing new under the sun!

2. 
   ThreadKoe | Aug 25, 2008 08:12pm | #3

   When a Slit Vent is needed for movement, sewing a small godet into the vent will provide modesty as well as movement and add a small attractive design element. Cathy

1. 
   Momci | Aug 25, 2008 08:57pm | #5

   Do you try to match material/color of skirt?

1. 
   ThreadKoe | Aug 26, 2008 04:23am | #6

   I try to find something pleasing in a similar colour but a different fabric. It is almost impossible to exactly match colour and fabric in a ready made garment. A print or multi tone will also work and add a little bit of flair to a very simple skirt as well. Lace works nicely as well. Cathy

3. 
   Tatsy | Sep 01, 2008 06:37pm | #7

   Momci,

   I realize this is an old post, but I didn't see anyone give you the info you asked for. To add a vent--what we used to call a kick pleat--to the back of a skirt, you need to extend the seam allowance in that area.

   The longer the kick pleat and the wider, the more walking space you get.

   The finished width of the kick pleat is usually about two inches, but can be up to five inches on an floor length straight skirt. It needs to start at the knee and go to the bottom of the skirt. Most traditional kick pleats are cut on the diagonal at the top from the skirt seam to the vent seam. Press in place and stitch down on the right side of the fabric. This holds it nicely in place.

   Hemming takes a little thought because you're hemming a line that switches direction twice. If it's pressed before hemming, it should be intuitive for you.

   Good luck,

   Tatsy