How to Alter a Maxi Skirt
Have you ever bought a skirt then tried it on and realized it was too big? I’m normally a small/medium size skirt and I recently purchased a size extra-large maxi skirt at Kohl’s . . . I had a giftcard AND a coupon for 20% off so it ended up around $9!!! Since it was a knit maxi, I knew I could alter it and be able to wear it. I was able to do it in literally less than an hour and now it fits like a dream! Here’s what I did –
First of all, I compared it to one of my maxis I already had . . . it needed taken in about 4″ on each side. I laid it out, pinned it to keep the seams lined up and in place, then used my chalk marker to mark 2″ in at the waist. Then I measured 8″ down, angled my tape measure, and drew a line. I did that on both sides.
Next, I sewed on my yellow line, making sure to back-stitch at my starting and stopping points – creating my new seam.
After I sewed my new seam, I zig-zagged right along the edge and trimmed it. I didn’t want bulkiness (is that even a word?) at my waist and hips 🙂
Last of all, I tried it on. Perfect fit! In under an hour, I took a skirt that was an extra-large and made it a small/medium. The nice thing about altering maxis is there aren’t zippers or buttons to deal with – I love easy afternoon projects 🙂
I love this skirt and wear it all the time! Here’s a link for it on Kohls.com . . . for some reason they only carry it in plus size and in black 🙁
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August 19, 2016Saved as a favorite, I love your site!
Emily Walker
August 19, 2016Thanks!!
Hayley Doyle
April 26, 2017hey emily
I made a maxi skirt and its too big in the waist which is elasticated and the fabric is WAY too full. I ma new to sewing . How do I scale this down?
Emily Walker
April 26, 2017Hi Hayley!
Hmm – did you make it with a casing and elastic in the top? If so, your best option would be to take out the casing and elastic . . . then take in the side seams however much you need to . . . and make a casing again, this time making your elastic smaller {the formula for elastic is “waist measurement X .85”}.
Let me know if you need any more help!
Em
Diana
October 16, 2018Hi! I just found your blog thru a google search. Would this work for a Lularoe Cassie skirt (the pencil type skirt)? I am a novice with a sewing machine.
Erik
April 7, 2019Admiring the time and effort you put into your site and in depth information you present.
It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material.
Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my
Google account.
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June 10, 2019Very good post. I absolutely appreciate this site. Continue the good work!
Denise
June 23, 2019How do I manage one with an elastic waistband?
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July 26, 2019Wow! Thank you! I always needed to write on my website something like that.
Can I include a portion of your post to my blog?