Replies

1. 
   Teaf5 | Jul 19, 2007 02:15am | #1

   The only way you can keep a bias cut garment from growing is to store it folded, rather than hanging.  The longer the skirt, the more weight is pulling down on the bias as it sits for days and weeks in your closet. 

   If you store it loosely folded, the bias will stretch out slightly as you are wearing it (which is only for hours at a time) but will then relax back into shape once you lay it flat again.  If it is washable, rinse it in cold water, lay it flat to dry, and then gently fold it and place it on top of sweaters or other knits on a shelf.

2. 
   BernaWeaves | Jul 19, 2007 07:20pm | #2

   I believe Madame Vionnet used to hang her fabric on the bias, weighted with little fishing weights, so that the fabric was stretched to it's max BEFORE she made the garment, so that there was no more stretching afterwards.

   It's kinda the opposite of preshrinking.

   My recommendation would be to hang the skirt, preferrably on a dress form, and hang little weights all around the hem, and force it to stretch to its max length.  Then hem it (or take it up at the waistband, whichever method looks best) to your desired length.

   Berna

1. 
   Sew Biz | Jul 19, 2007 09:03pm | #3

   I will try both suggestions, weighting the hem, rehemming and then storing flat. Thanks!

2. 
   lakaribane | Jul 19, 2007 11:33pm | #4

   I have to 2nd Berna's idea. I use Burda patterns a lot and the very first bias cut skirt, that's what they said to do. Hang it overnight with weights at the hem and then hem it the correct lenght.

   I also never/seldom hang bias-cut clothing, they can't help but stretch at the shoulders, in the case of tops or dresses.