I am making a skirt and the waist sits very high – at my natural waist. I would like it to sit much lower – hipster level. Is there an easy way to do this? (I am guessing not, but it never hurts to ask.) I sew quite a lot, but not at a very advanced level. The pattern is Vogue 7880. I have come across this issue quite often with skirt patterns.
Thanks,
Carmel
Replies
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.
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!
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