Replies

1. 
   suesew | Feb 22, 2006 06:12am | #1

   If the skirt fits you properly at the hip level, you could cut off the top of the skirt to the level you like leaving a seam allowance. I would put the skirt on and mark a new top edge with a row of pins so I know it would look straight on my body. Cut off the top leaving a seam allowance. Now use the skirt as a pattern to create a facing to finish the top of the skirt. This probably involves a zipper which may or may not need to be removed and lowered. You will probably want to stabilize the facing with interfacing or a twill tape at the top seam to keep it from stretching.

2. 
   Teaf5 | Feb 23, 2006 01:01am | #2

   This type of adjustment is easy enough to do even on readymade clothes; just remember that if you use a lower waistline, it will be going around a wider part of your upper hip, so the separate waistband or facing will have to be longer, too.

   I agree with Suesew that you should try it on to mark the best waistline and run a line of staystitching just above that to keep everything from stretching out. Waxed paper works well for duplicating the top 3 inches or so of the skirt for a facing; if you want to use a waistband, you'll need to cut a new one that is long enough for the new lower waistline.

   On the lower waistlines, facings seem more comfortable and flattering than separate waistbands. I have salvaged numerous pairs of high-waisted slacks by simply cutting off the original waistbands and using that edge as the seam allowance for a new line about an inch lower. I don't remove or lower the zipper, just cut it off after stitching the new waistline. Low-waisted garments have shorter zippers than high-waisted garments do, so this works fine. Good luck!