How to Hem a Skirt

Introduction

Fixing the hem of a skirt is a beginner friendly repair, eliminating the cost of a seamstress or saving a garment that would otherwise be trashed. You can shorten or even out the skirt in the process as well. This task will take approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on the type of skirt.

Be sure to inspect the hem of your skirt before beginning. Is it straight across or curved? This can help ensure that you do not change the skirt design while fixing the hem.

Step 2 may require the use of a seam ripper. Make sure not to rip the actual garment. This may require making the skirt shorter than desired to eliminate the rip.

Some required skills include how to do a backstitch and how to use a seam ripper.

Gather all your materials before beginning. Be sure to select a thread color that matches your skirt for a more seamless finish.

What you need

Step 1 How to Hem a Skirt

How to Hem a Skirt, How to Hem a Skirt: step 1, image 1 of 1

Turn the garment inside out.
Inspect the hem: Are there any bulky regions along the hem or is it even all across? Is the hem straight or does it have curves?

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Step 2

If your skirt has an existing hem, use seam ripper to remove current hem.
Place the pointed end in each stitch and cut it using the blade edge on the seam ripper.
Be sure not to rip the actual garment.
The example skirt did not have an existing hem.

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Step 3

How to Hem a Skirt: step 3, image 3 of 3

If the skirt is being shortened, wear the skirt inside out and measure the desired length.
Use sewing chalk to mark the length.
Pin up the fabric along the desired chalk line.
If you are only adding a hem, measure and fold 1/2 an inch up from the bottom of the skirt and pin along the edge.
You want to wear the skirt inside out so the hem is not on the outside of the skirt.
It may help to have a partner mark the desired length of the skirt while you are wearing it.