Making a small skirt fit my waist!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

You not only made the waist bigger, you made it much more comfortable. You look very professional in your beautiful make overs. Wonderful.

[@lavonnemacfarland7380]

I agree, cutting off the skirt at the top is brilliant, and the skirt will look good with riding boots in the fall!

[@maryswartzel2773]

This turned out so nice. I would have passed on a skirt like this because it never would have occurred to me to just shorten it 🤯 Thank you so much ♥️

[@mikeandhollybolduc5258]

The skirt looks amazing! I as well would have passed on a skirt that was a little too tight and too long but now I won't!

[@elainelear4982]

Cutting the skirt off at the top is brilliant!

[@nitagail77]

I've been doing this for years. I'm only 5' tall, which was part of the reason I began sewing when I was 13 or so. Once I started thrifting, it was easier to redo the waist than it was to hem many of the skirts. And I can thrift skirts that would normally be too small. I'm really enjoying all of your videos!

[@Morganistas]

We make and tailor a lot of skirts around here (5 daughters), so it was very helpful to see you do that waistband. My elastic waistbands looked awful on the inside. Plus, it never dawned on me to *go down the a-line to get a bigger waist*! So, so, so helpful and inspiring you are!

[@robinlandtroop2774]

I started watching your channel several days ago and have been bin watching to catch up. Needless to say they are as enjoyable as they are educational. I'm 71 yrs old and "back in the day" when I first learned to sew my teacher would rip out mistakes we made while sewing so sewing would stay enjoyable for us as we learned. I always really like her for that because it struck me as something way beyond what she needed to do. I liked all my sewing teachers but she was the one I always remember. Then when I watched your video on your classroom and saw the inbox of projects you seam ripped for your students I was reminded of her and thought her kindness lives on. Your students are lucky to have you.

[@Mspuppylove212]

OMG!!! I have an elastic waist pleated skirt in my closet right now! It is way too long going all the way down to the floor and that's why I haven't worn it. Your timing is perfect as was your tutorial❤

[@CatherineSews]

That’s so great to hear! I hope it works out well!

[@kimberlyd9049]

Brilliant! Wish I hadn’t cleaned my wardrobe out of skirts that were too small…. Simply a genius fix!!!

[@Monga_Makes_Things]

You have so many clever ideas for refashioning!! I love sewing new things but you’ve inspired me a lot to remake clothing and now I have been refashioning clothes for myself from my own closet, my husband’s, and even my late mom’s. I feel her hugging me as I wear a summer top made from her muumuu 🥰 -Addie

[@CatherineSews]

Addie, I love this so much! It’s wonderful that refashioning your mum’s clothes help you to feel her presence. That gives me a “hug” as well!!

[@kimBetzina]

The pace of your videos is perfect and you explain everything beautifully. Oh- and your voice is so darn cute! Thank you for being so good at this.

[@sarahferrell5458]

Perfectly said!!

[@vivenna]

Genius! I definitely have donated skirts before that I hated parting with and could have easily made fit again with that method! And the outfit looks great on you :)

[@AuntieKatiesAttic2023]

This was really useful to see for working with waistbands! Speaking of waistbands, I have some skirts and pants I love but they have like a smocked elastic stitched waistband and the elastic thread has lost it's elasticity... if you ever do a video on how good ideas to rehab smocked waists that have lost their stretch (whether how to do re-smocking or something more creative) I'd love to see your ideas for that too! I just found your channel the other night, love it, makes me wish I had kept up with my sewing more from my one year foray into fashion school in my 20's, but I'm trying to get back into it!

[@Parakeetfriend4215]

I love how you didn't bother cutting off the bottom and used the skirts size to fit you. I would have done it the hard way and probably not got it finished. I Love this idea!

[@momzilla9491]

Wow... I thought about doing this to my favourite skirt 5 years ago, but chickened out. You make me brave Catherine!

[@gillianwhaites5974]

Great job. Loved the detail and simplicity.

[@sylviamaxwell504]

Of course it's awesome..!!! I found a black background dress with bright color abstract print, top way too big, cut it off, made elastic waist (used fold over soft elastic) and skirt fits better and I love it.😊😊😊😊😊😂❤

[@lynn858]

I've taken the opportunity to add inseam pockets to a skirt while doing this type of alteration - since pockets are a necessity for me. I wish I had chosen to use an elastic waistband like this. It would have been far simpler than removing the waist band, enlarging it with fabric from the top part I was cutting off, and re-attaching it, and the zipper, which also went into the lining. (So much basting!) But, it was educational. And I did get it done!

[@chocolatechip12]

Finally, being short comes in handy!

[@nadialetourneau4490]

Perfect timing, I have one small skirt to modified like this one. Thank you!

[@lilaholland5764]

Love all your alteration videos!

[@FJfash]

I have pleated skirts that won’t fit anymore!! And this is a great help! 😊 thank you

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Very nice. I really like this upcycle. I wouldn't have bought the skirt know that there was no way I would want to try that hem! Not to mention the waist!

[@maryalgar8779]

Very clever and you made it look so easy. You can see the potential in thrifted items - a real gift.

[@QueenAmethyst55]

It's brilliant Catherine! Love it

[@lesleywatkins1172]

Love it! Your explanations are amazing and easy to follow!

[@auntnessy7340]

Nice results. I have done this same thing to several skirts and I love it. I usually do it to chiffon or pleated skirts for the same reason I use a different method of attaching the elastic but the end result is similar.

[@aminahawa7237]

Oh my God that is fabulous. I would never have thought of doing that to a pleated skirt. absolutely amazing!! You are my hero, a total genius.

[@lifeofjoy9404]

Wonderful!! This is such perfect timing fir me to see this because i have 4 pre-COVID weight-gain skirts that I want to wear but can't anymore because this weight wont budge! Like your gray skirt, they all have extra length and lots of flare at the bottom (like I have!), so they will be easy to ammend. I'll buy some elastic and get started TODAY.💪🤓🤩 Thanks for your great videos - I love your sense of humor & funny comments!

[@marathonfortruth4768]

So awesome! Love your videos. Never too complicated to do myself. Genius ideas! Keep them coming!

[@SnarkySoprano]

I love shortening a skirt from the waist. I’ve done that with a few skirts and have another one in my sewing basket right now.

[@bethperrine6431]

Another winner! Love the tip for using the heel of the hand to position & guide the fabric -thanks!

[@lgp423]

Oh, I have the exact same problem - a pleated skirt of elastic velvet - very pretty but way too narrow at waist. I've been trying to widen it by removing and lengthening the waist band but it's been an awful lot of work to get the pleats fitted back to the new lengthened waist so I think I'll abandon that idea and try the elastic method instead! Thank you for posting 🙏!

[@lizz7162]

Im so happy you talking about fall ... it means spring is coming to us 🎉 .... from South Africa 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@twelevensies]

Wow that waist band technique is awesome! I'd have thought you'd have to make the elastic band throughway first and then feed it through if that makes sense. I like the look of the extra seams on the elastic band as well.

[@marykilroy572]

Love that skirt - you look great!

[@jjmspp549]

Such a classy and timeless outfit! Reminds me of Rachel Weisz in The Mummy. The skirt turns out beautiful! Great job🙌

[@laureenstathes3522]

Thank you! I have a skirt to try this on and your tutorial has given me the confidence to fix it!

[@Becky_in_Tucson]

What a great video! Thanks for helping me see new solutions.

[@barbaracartwright2737]

So appreciate you sharing your knowledge! I have learnt so much from watching your videos! I would never have thought of shortening it from the top to fit. Great info. Thankyou.

[@Lucaswoods-dk6tc]

Hello beautiful, I was on my scrolling mode when I saw your comment and was moved to send a text to you hope you don't find it pestering..?

[@LaughSewCreate]

Great video Catherine! Such a useful idea and much more comfortable :)

[@dorisshawcross4222]

Only just seen this video, omg I have a skirt that is dying to have this alteration done, thank you so much, once again you've taught me something new, I am getting a lot of use out of some of my "has beens" thank you so much

[@sternenregen5489]

You explain so nicely!

[@ElaineHatfield-l7z]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I have a pleated skirt that does not fit, I now know how to fix it, awesome!

[@hithere235]

This video is insanely helpful! You filmed everything so clear and explained so well!

[@judih.8754]

What a great idea! It looks super!!

[@deidrejago7509]

Thank you so much for this video, I have a skirt that I love but is too tight on the waist and now I know what to do.

[@sami-am5253]

I have been looking for a video about this exact adjustment for so long!! Thank you for creating it!!

[@linkay6]

Youre a genius! I would have never thought of soung that! Rhanks for the video!

[@kathysteele3071]

Wow. I have the same skirt and this will solve my problems-too tight at waist and too long

[@sheilapagliaccio9086]

So clever. I learn so many great tips from you!

[@annemiebernaert1838]

This is such a helpful tutorial, thank you so much from Belgium :)

[@inforestsweheal]

I love your videos. You are so inspiring. I've tried many of your ideas and while it takes me way longer to do than it probably took you, I have been pretty successful. Thank you.

[@Dahlily]

Omg i have a similar skirt i really love i was going to give away, but after this tutorial I'm stoked that i might be able to save it!!

[@nancycoates4582]

That was an awesome fix. I subscribed so I can see other good ideas.

[@mary-louw2946]

That was a good one Catherine!

[@EmmBee20014]

You are an absolute delight to watch. Thank you. Great video.

[@charivari85]

GREAT JOB!👍🏾❤️ I needed a video to help me do a similar alteration. Thank you so much.😍

[@sozofam2164]

You are brilliant! What a great idea!

[@charlesburkhart800]

So cute! Love your sewing.

[@abaigealduda2756]

SUCH a great alteration!!! Thank you!

[@lynnmanning2795]

Great job. Now I will try your technique! Thank you

[@belieftransformation]

Great solution! I have a skirt that I want to do this to! Thanks for sharing! 🤗💗

[@helenwood3199]

You have scraps to make belt loops if you choose. You are such a clever woman!🎉

[@Lucaswoods-dk6tc]

Hello beautiful 👋🌹, how are you doing?

[@susanarodriguez9830]

i am very grateful for this video. Thank you very much 😊

[@heidij7374]

This is such a great tutorial - thank you!

[@rebeccapacebajona8172]

Thankyou for explaining and showing the details..xx

[@metalmiauws]

Yes that works wonders, easy to do. But you do loose a bit of length, depends on what shoes ed you will be wearing it. For me, I prefer my skirts as long as possible (goth eh) so this would be an awkward length and would be needing a long lace kind of thing under it... But if the skirt also needs a bit of shortening, it is win win.

[@ZeroGravity514]

And Vavooom! You are amazing!

[@cherylrice3049]

Love the outfit , very Ralph Loren!

[@dinnyhinds3296]

Wonderfully done tutorial.😍

[@dellmktr4152]

Never thought of shortening the skirt from the top. 😮

[@martyecirioni5361]

Another winner!

[@themamachar]

Very good Catherine. Thanks.

[@katieduffy593]

Another fab video as always! Catherine, why is it easier to loosen than tighten the elastic if you get it slightly wrong?

[@CatherineSews]

Good question, Katie! If it’s too loose, you have to seam rip the whole elastic out, but if it’s too tight, you can sew multiple lines of stitching over it as I did. The stitching holds the elastic in a slightly stretched out position.

[@CatherineSews]

Good question, Katie! If it’s too loose, you have to seam rip the whole elastic out, but if it’s too tight, you can sew multiple lines of stitching over it as I did. The stitching holds the elastic in a slightly stretched out position.

[@katieduffy593]

@@CatherineSews that makes so much sense! Thank you

[@juliescott4390]

Do you have a video about working with knit skirts? I have a thrifted a-line maxi skirt that I'd be happy to have shorter. It's a pull-on and currently too small in the waist and belly. If I "lower" the waistline about 10" it will give me the breathing space I need. Knits, which curl up, intimidate me! This skirt has a medium-weight knit, so maybe it won't be too bad. Do you have a video with suggestions on how to make a new waistband? (Because it's a-line, if I turn down the new "top edge," it will be a bit narrower than the skirt part. Hope that makes sense.) Love your videos!

[@CatherineSews]

Hi Julie, great question. Do you have a serger? If you cut your skirt an inch and a half above the new top edge (wherever you decide that should be) then, before you stretch it out at all, serge or zigzag the new edge. Once you stretch it, it will definitely roll as you fear it will. It'll still have enough stretch that you can then just turn down a new elastic casing even though it is an A-line. I think you'll be fine!

[@anitabrock6858]

Great tutorial!

[@dyanalayng5507]

Well, that's inspiring! I'll have to look at thrift skirts for possibilities. [Edited to correct Autocorrect]

[@Lucaswoods-dk6tc]

Hello beautiful 👋🌹, how are you doing?

[@johannabezuidenhout4252]

Well done I've learned something today thnx😊

[@margaretttowler9404]

Looks great

[@CaroleanneWright]

Fabulous thank you for this x

[@pamelahill7164]

I absolutely love your videos

[@Lucaswoods-dk6tc]

Hello beautiful 👋🌹, how are you doing?

[@makeitjoyful]

Awesome tip! Thank you!

[@donnarichards2021]

Love it! Love it!

[@buffer1954]

Thank you💐

[@debrakulas4852]

I have a skirt where I’m going to try this, but I have a question. I have a long denim skirt that I would also like to try this but it has pockets. What can be done in that case? Love your videos. They are so helpful. Thank you.

[@CatherineSews]

Oh darn it. Pockets definitely complicate things! You'll have to decide if you want to scrap the pockets and use this method, or remove them and resew them after you cut some off the top of the skirt.

[@claireroberts5051]

Great work

[@KM-ys4iz]

So helpful!🎉

[@mrs.trains1233]

Not school marmy at all! Very cute!

[@malykhang6554]

This is so helpful.

[@lesleypurmal6005]

Nice outfit! I would love to see it with a red belt!

[@lindasivilich528]

Great upcycle.

[@cynthiaryan2901]

Very clever! Your achine glides like butter. What brand is it?

[@elsietamburelli8780]

Thank you

[@bonniecrowe1531]

Clever as usual.

[@angelikakopek]

Great video!! Thanks!!

[@judithstuart9631]

Genius 🎉🎉

[@noemir8262]

Great save, but the professional notion hoarder in me would've saved that zipper 😂

[@AnneluvsKatz]

Brilliant!