How To Make Any Skirt Bigger At The Waist Without Adding Fabric!

[@maureenboswell2948]

I love that she shows multiple ways to alter garments. Not every method works for every garment, so it’s great to have different techniques in our toolbox.

[@SewAnastasia]

@@maureenboswell2948 I agree. Thank you for watching :)

[@nikiagravesdesignsurbancou2222]

I’m so confused why you guys would come on here to tell her how to do something…this is her technique and tip…sew no cares …I love this 🎉❤

[@SewAnastasia]

@@nikiagravesdesignsurbancou2222 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😘😘😘😘😘

[@SueAnnaJoe]

That's because for some people life is a pissing contest.

[@cbebop5]

Yeah, people need to get a grip. Its just another technique she shared which will work out great in some cases, she never said it was the end all be all. This tutorial was helpful. The end.

[@jordanwhite5470]

When I did this, I got two-for-one. Had a high-quality lined full skirt from long ago that became too tight in the waist AND was now too long, because apparently I'm shrinking (LOL). Using this hack, the waist can now fit, and the hem length problem took care of itself :)

[@SewAnastasia]

Woohoo! Happy sewing. ❤️

[@eddyvideostar]

Jordan White, I'm glad you took care of yourself and shrank.

[@Swakara1]

If the fabric you're working with is thin and soft, the waistline will stretch out and end up being too big. I sew a narrow twill tape (5 mm) inside the seam allowance close to the waist to control this even if I'm adding a facing or bias tape to finish the waistline.

[@SewAnastasia]

Yes that is a great tip for non sturdy fabrics. Thank you for sharing :)

[@claireszeto1798]

this is a great idea! However, as a sewist, I would instead to face the waist with a homemade facing of another fabric, just flip it under, so the seam is hidden and you get a clean finish at the waistband plus facing will give you some stability. I’ve also stitched knit fabric or a thin elastic and flipped it over for the waistband b4.

[@SewAnastasia]

Facing or bias facing would be a lovely way to finish it. I agree. I will have to try an elastic facing next time!

[@elayned6147]

Yes I agree, I’m a tailor and would do that also.

[@PracticalPip]

I love this tutorial and it's so easy to follow! I never thought to do this much easier alteration, so I appreciate this video so much. I have a few skirts to work on that I thrifted and some I can definitely do this on. For a more advanced sewer (if you can't afford to lose length), you could make a contrasting waist band to add back the one inch removed in length and add hook and eyes to close the top above the zipper. But this is so much better for beginners and anyone who doesn't have time to do any extras. For non-picky people, who don't care what you do to their clothing as long as it fits, this will go a long way for tailors who sometimes fix things for their friends or family members too.

[@SewAnastasia]

Totally! Thank you for watching.

[@katjoy81]

I like this idea, as many a waistband is hidden under a blouse anyway!

[@nancyb2003]

I love the reassurance you give throughout the process of re-fitting the waistline. The technique is wonderful and very useful knowledge. Still, your incredible kind reassurance, I think, truly helps people to become confident enough to try your great technique. Thanks!!!

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you for watching . I appreciate that.

[@terrylove1820]

Wow!!!! This method saved plenty of skirts for me, it was fast and east to. Thank you so much for this video.

[@SewAnastasia]

I'm thrilled to hear that the method worked well for you!

[@TammyLeeW]

You just made my alterations easier! What a great hack!❤

[@SewAnastasia]

Woohoo 🥳 I’m so excited for your next skirt!

[@SummaGirl1347]

Thank you SO much for this! I have a vintage J. Peterman skirt in my closet that is so gorgeous I couldn't bear to let it go. Now, I know how to make it fit again without going insane.

[@SewAnastasia]

That’s awesome 👏 send pics!!!!! Happy tailoring.

[@aussiemiss1442]

Remember you will have a much shorter skirt. My cousin did this and ended up with a mini skirt….. not a good look on a 60 yr old with knee replacements.

[@SewAnastasia]

@@aussiemiss1442 lol yeah you need to be careful. She should probably let out her seems. This is a hack so not great for every skirt. You should be trying your skirts on before you cut off anything though so you should know if it will work on not. Here is a video on how to let out your skirts seams & replace the zipper. How To Tailor A Skirt That's Too Small And Make It Bigger With No Added Fabric! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6qqZYadq5ajbtE

[@aussiemiss1442]

@@SewAnastasia yeah I got to fix it by letting out the seams (it was a 6 gore skirt ) to make it ride down on the hips allowing me to put on a false top. Thankfully the hip length jacket and tank top underneath hid the repair. I also let down the hem and put a false hem to give stability. The skirt was of a really good gaberdine. Wonderful fabric. If she had let out the seam allowance on the first place there would not have been a problem. Her hips had not changed much but her waist has increased. Over 2 inches due to lack of mobility from knee problems and surgery. When I use wool or some other expensive fabric I usually add more seam allowance. I double what the pattern says for the side seam. Years of helping friends enlarge garments prompted this move. Sadly the allowance of purchased garments has gotten less and less. Even tailored garments.

[@SewAnastasia]

@@aussiemiss1442 That’s great you helped her 🎀 There is so much to know about sewing & tailoring 🧵

[@SkyeGuy23456]

I outgrew a skirt i was saving and did not have sewing materials but i used heat bond and it worked amazingly! thank you for helping me save my Aziraphale cosplay!

[@SewAnastasia]

Who knew a skirt could have a second life as a cosplay savior? Aziraphale would approve of your resourcefulness!

[@annpeet4334]

Thank you sooo much. My skirts have “shrunk” while stored away for the summer. Now I can fix that!

[@SewAnastasia]

Woohoo 🥳

[@designlady1732]

Great option! I would def use matching bias tape at the waistband folder-over to make up for its narrower width, (compared to the skirt). Same would be true for lowering the hem; bias tape goes a long way in maximizing most of the fabric down there once you release the original hem.

[@SewAnastasia]

Totally! I love bias tape too!

[@KIRSTINacious]

Loved your video. You teach well. Your visuals are clear. Best video I've seen so far. Simple method that looks clean and polished. ❤

[@crissyphillips3291]

This was cute. Option. If it gets too short, you can also let the hem out as far as it can go, add bias tape or hem tape on the end with a shallow seam allowance ( 1/8) -1/4,) and then turn it under and hem it again.. The end result is the hem is let out and now only turned under a 1/8 - 1/4 and the hem tape or bias is the extra fabric to either hand sew a hem or stitch.

[@SewAnastasia]

Totally! Great suggestion 🎀 Thank you for watching.

[@mariejoseebercier6426]

I am SOooo happy to meet you! Can't wait to fix that skirt...😊

[@mkb7997]

Great idea. Great instruction. The only thing I would do differently is measure from the base of the waistband to where I worked want to cut as I don’t think I could draw a straight line around especially if I was wearing it. I would just mark the initial cut line while it was on me. Not sure if I’m describing this well 🤷🏼‍♀

[@SewAnastasia]

Great idea!

[@marianak742]

Can you pls how you would reattach the old waist portion that you cut off? Bcs for me these type of skirts loose a lot of their character and style touch if the top portion is left out.

[@SewAnastasia]

We’ll you can’t reattach it if you have made it much bigger. You won’t have enough fabric to let out in the waist but you could cut a new waist and out of a different fabric!

[@charlottehogberg9855]

You could open up the waist band and use the inside of the band to lengthen the waist band if it’s lined with the same fabric. Then use another fabric to line the (long) waistband.

[@SewAnastasia]

@@charlottehogberg9855 for sure !

[@almaslakhani6693]

Agree without waist band skirt doesn’t look good

[@sherrisyria4575]

Thank you soooo much for this video! I have high hip bones and have much trouble with fitting into this type of skirt. I am going to try this soon!

[@SewAnastasia]

I'm so glad the video was helpful for you! I hope the tips work out and you're able to rock that skirt with confidence.

[@sherrisyria4575]

@@SewAnastasia 😊

[@mattseba-dl2ep]

Thank you for taking the time to advise the viewing public about using a bias binding as a facing before sewing in the waistline ,as there may be more stretching especially if the fabric is a stretchy one . ❤❤❤❤❤. Peace always.

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you for watching :)

[@Dorisdani]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the way you teach and explain everything. It is very helpful. Thank you

[@SewAnastasia]

You are very welcome 🤗

[@Scrabbledat]

This was helpful! Found a lovely vintage skirt at the thrift store and I’m dying to fit into it!

[@SewAnastasia]

Happy sewing :) Thank you for watching.

[@Arzulli]

What a great hack. I especially like the idea of not having to rip anything out.

[@SewAnastasia]

Totally!

[@lj7167]

When you are chalking in the new waistline, mark it at the zipper and then measure evenly from the bottom seam of the existing waistband so that when you add the 1/2" seam allowance, the waistline will be even when sewn. The way you've "guesstimated" the new waistline would create an uneven waistline seam.

[@lindaerrington6719]

I just love your videos, tips and tricks and you have inspired me to not be afraid of my machine! Thank you!!!

[@SewAnastasia]

Awww woohoo 🥳 This is awesome 🤩 Sewing is very rewarding :) Happy sewing.

[@colleendouglas4405]

This hack is brilliant- I love it! Thank you for showing how to do this.

[@SewAnastasia]

Very welcome 🤗

[@littlelady7843]

Such a smart idea! I am going to try this out in my favorite black pencil skirt which is a little too tight on the waist and have been avoided the whole year. I might revive it!

[@SewAnastasia]

I'm so glad you found the idea helpful! I hope it works out for you and you can rock that pencil skirt again.

[@beckyjohnson1409]

Love this idea. I've had a skirt hanging in the closet for years because the waist is too small. I have plenty of length so I'm excited to try this. Thanks!!

[@raeleohana8797]

faaaabulous. been sewing for years, never heard this simple idea! thanks so much. subscribed!

[@SewAnastasia]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@saundraweed9738]

You can only do this if you can afford to have a shorter skirt.

[@SewAnastasia]

Correct!

[@tahong59]

This is what I figured out ..

[@SewAnastasia]

@@tahong59 nice. The video explains everything in detail if you watch it. It gives options for finishing details too.

[@tahong59]

@@SewAnastasia Thank you...an ingenious and creative option!

[@meakia9]

Add to the bottom of you like

[@annekellman6249]

I found this very interesting. I have a skirt that I love and I am in the same situation. Now I can go ahead and get my skirt fix so that I'll be able to wear it with joy. Thank you so much for this important information now that I have enrolled in a sewing class which will enable me to help others with the sa w problem. ❤❤❤❤

[@SewAnastasia]

Happy to help 😊

[@pearlbratt2929]

Good idea and well explained.

[@SewAnastasia]

Glad you liked it!

[@treblepilgrim967]

You are an excellent instructor...every word and action counts! 👏👏👏🌺

[@SewAnastasia]

Wow, thank you! 🎀🎀🎀🎀🎀❤️🥳

[@chp21600]

Great fix! I love your rings too!!

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you 😊

[@kimberlyhashagen5621]

Game changer for quick fixes and quite frankly I wonderful technique in any event i Just tried on my fancy palazzo pants to wear to a party tonight and have gained quite a bit of weight in the waist. Just finished altering them. Thank you thank you thank you. Oh how I wish I lived in Chicago.

[@SewAnastasia]

Woohoo 🥳 I’m happy we where able to save your pants!!! :)

[@deborahharris2962]

In the middle of doing this to some skirts. Thank you the video helped ny solve some questions I had.

[@Natasha-i1j]

Love this! I have some pants that are too long in the rise, so this will work to fix that easily.

[@SewAnastasia]

Perfect! That will totally work.

[@lynn858]

If I'm doing this, I'm also putting in side seam pockets while I'm at it - especially since they're easier to install with the side seam open at the top, and I can anchor the top of the fabric into to waistband for better weight distribution/less gaping.

[@diadarling7]

Great idea!

[@SewAnastasia]

That's a great idea! Side seam pockets are always a useful addition to any garment.

[@maumaki6339]

So easy to follow. Thank you

[@ElaineLamb-c7m]

What a great idea!!!!

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you! 😊

[@warwickshirewolfpack]

Great video, some Petersham waistband tape would be the best way to finish the top edge and give support at the waist to stop the fabric stretching

[@SewAnastasia]

That's a great idea!

[@malihagarden7062]

The skirt is now at least 3 inches short! Because, along with the waistband you cut off about 3 inches, and then folded another half inch to finish the waist line.

[@SewAnastasia]

The waistband was above the waistline. So anything above the waist will not shorten the length just what is below the waist will shorten the length. Hope that helps. Happy sewing 🧵

[@snk1008]

Creative solution. Especially wearing a blouse over the top....Perfect hack

[@SewAnastasia]

Totally! I’m wearing this skirt in my next video. Check it out tomorrow

[@milenavilca7142]

Excelente!! The video that I was looking for. Thanks Anastasia!!

[@SewAnastasia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elzinawhite2032]

Great tutorial…your guidance and insight is superb ❤️❤️❤️

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you 😊

[@aimeparraga]

This is genius!!!! 😊😊

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you 😊

[@MsCaroleia]

This is perfect for me, thank you!

[@SewAnastasia]

@@MsCaroleia welcome!

[@Marlyn616]

I love this idea thank you

[@SewAnastasia]

You are so welcome!

[@diadarling7]

I've done this before. I usually like a shorter length anyway. Works great!

[@SewAnastasia]

Woohoo 🥳

[@doloresstatham3022]

Great idea. Thanks.

[@SewAnastasia]

Thanks for watching.

[@mattseba-dl2ep]

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your seeing tips with your public viewers . Wow I learnt something new. ❤❤❤❤❤❤. Peace always.

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you for watching.

[@ifeomaezeamaku865]

Thanks so much for sharing

[@SewAnastasia]

@@ifeomaezeamaku865 Thank you for watching :)

[@denisegilliard]

Thank you for an easy solution to an alteration

[@SewAnastasia]

You are very welcome 🤗

[@megangreen4994]

I love this! I’ve been looking for a way to fix a beautiful skirt I no longer fit! Thank you this looks so easy. I’d love to be able to sew better, but for now this is perfect.

[@SewAnastasia]

Welcome 🤗 happy to help.

[@phoenixreborn6224]

Good idea. If too short I can put ribbon or lace in the bottoms

[@annygautier8502]

"5 stars" teacher. Thanks so much for sharing. I was desperate looking for how to fix my 2 long skirts that too small on the waist and hips 👍👍👍

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you 😊 So happy to help :)

[@sml9115]

Thank you so much for this great tutorial! I have so many skirts I’m going to try this on! Genius! ❤

[@SewAnastasia]

You are so welcome!

[@carrieng2472]

Thank you for sharing, I love how creative your methods are! I know what I’m doing this weekend 😊

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you 😊

[@TomaGonzalez]

Can this be done on a circle skirt? Thanks for a new idea on how to make our skirts a tad bit bigger!

[@SewAnastasia]

Yes it can! You are welcome

[@mariemouradjallian1651]

Loved it !! I'm going to try it You r amazing

[@SewAnastasia]

Awww thanks. Happy sewing.

[@AngelaGreene-q9t]

I am inspired to get on the sewing machine now

[@vickisimmons5981]

Loved this video can’t wait to try this.

[@yvonnenaidoo7324]

This was really helpful. Now I have the exact same problem with the top, which has a back zipper which needs some leeway. Do you have a tutorial for that

[@MeganYoung-j5z]

Thank you for sharing!

[@SewAnastasia]

Welcome 🤗

[@bellemieux]

Neat! Do you need a special needle to go through the zipper?

[@SewAnastasia]

Just a regular zipper & just go through the folded back zipper tail.

[@glynislaidlaw4064]

Great idea, I make a new facing to sew into the waist, just for durability really.

[@SewAnastasia]

Great idea!

[@wendypercival4871]

I was considering how I might do this for a favourite (but now too tight) skirt of mine but it’s cut on the bias with 6 panels, and with an invisible zip in the seam between two of the bias panel pieces. Do you think this method would still work? 🤔

[@SewAnastasia]

Yeah totally.

[@christinacruden886]

Your skirt is gorgeous too. Well done. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️🇨🇦

[@maryoleary2037]

I love your beautiful rings.

[@TaDarling1]

Great technique but wouldn't it also shorten skirt by how ever many inches were cut off at the top?

[@SewAnastasia]

Yes it will. It’s a 2 in one alteration! If you don’t want it shorter you will need to let out the hem.

[@patticarnevale2360]

I'll have to give this a try, thanks!

[@SewAnastasia]

Do it and send me pics!

[@eshjane]

What a good idea. Thank you 😊

[@Nafsika-i7y]

I am glad l ve watched this nice trick ... can't wait to try it😊 to my new tight skirt!!!!! 😁

[@thesweetlifeeveryday8143]

🤩 I will be using this. Great video.

[@thecarjacful]

It's great solution too if you are short waisted and waistbands tend to roll.

[@SewAnastasia]

Totally!!!!!

[@IrmaHayashi]

Great instructions! The only issue I have is with the raw edge of the zipper which would scratch any blouse you tuck in. I would definitely add a facing for stability and to cover that raw edge. Otherwise good 👍.

[@SewAnastasia]

@@IrmaHayashi Yeah you can choose to add any technique you like to this alteration hack. Happy sewing & thanks for watching :) Anastasia

[@sallycacic3733]

Do you always need to remove the waistband? I have a lovely wool skirt that is a SMIDGE too tight around the waistband but it's a unique crossover curved waistband so I'd hate to lose it completely. It a case like that, would you recommend moving it down and letting out the band seams (if possible) or adding a small section of any leftover fabric from the cut at the top? Thank you!!

[@SewAnastasia]

Check out my other video on making a skirt bigger.

[@sallycacic3733]

I think I did watch that one but I'll take another look! Thank you so much!@@SewAnastasia

[@SewAnastasia]

@@sallycacic3733 welcome

[@hanni9671]

😂, gut dass ich meine alten kostüme aufgehoben habe.... nun weiß ich, wie ich sie , die Röcke, schnell ändern kann. Prima Idee!

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled that you found my video helpful in giving your old costumes a fresh look. I appreciate your support!

[@sallysnowball1866]

Ten thumbs up for this tip!

[@SewAnastasia]

You are very welcome.

[@Dahlily]

What do you use as a marker, does it wash out?

[@menchiealcid3915]

Wow. Ingenious. ❤

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you found the video to be ingenious.

[@user-dh6bx6pt5w]

Fantastic option! Thank you 🤩

[@SewAnastasia]

You’re welcome 😊

[@SueAnnaJoe]

I wish widening the waist on a dress was as easy. When you first started sewing the folded-over part, did you backstitch over the zipper teeth? I couldn't tell if you only backstitched just below the teeth. It looks like you reinforced the end a couple of times more than at the start. Should they be the same? Thanks!

[@crystalheart9]

That's brilliant.💚

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you found it brilliant.

[@ilovegod0106]

Absolutely mind blown as a novice sewer

[@phyllislyttle2280]

Great idea well done thank you..❤

[@evelyncowans3667]

Excellent

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you so much 😀

[@maatjehugosnr1356]

What about the length of the skirt??

[@SewAnastasia]

It gets shorter. 2 in one! or you can let out your hem.

[@almaslakhani6693]

Useless idea ecause skirt lost its lenght

[@nagahatah]

I'm wondering if there is a way to make the sleeves of sweatshirt shorter. It seems doable, but not completely sure how to do it neatly.

[@SewAnastasia]

Totally! Remove the rib knit. Cut sone of the sleeve off & put back on the rib knit.

[@olawumiireade3914]

Very good

[@SewAnastasia]

Thanks for the support, glad you enjoyed it!

[@FlorenceNgwenya-lr1wp]

Thank you very helpful

[@SewAnastasia]

You’re welcome, glad it helped! 😊

[@HurricanePixie7]

🎉🎉🎉Genius!! Thank you!

[@SewAnastasia]

You're welcome!! Thank you for watching.

[@DoReMeaCulpa]

I did something similar except that it was an a-line midi length skirt. I took enough off the top to completely eliminate the zipper, added a casing of wide bias tape, and now it is a cute pull-on, flared, knee lenght skirt with an elastic waist. Next step will be to use some of the discarded fabric to add pockets. I will add that I don't like how unprofessional your finished edge is. It would be better with a binding or facing, so it holds its shape and looks nicer.

[@SewAnastasia]

Thanks for watching and I am glad the technique worked out for you. My edge was finished with an overcasting stitch to make this technique accessible for beginners and quick. Of course there are nicer seam finishes. It would be lovely if all of the seams of the garments we buy in stores or makes where bias bound. Clothes in stores have come a long way. They never use to even finish the edges of clothes in store bought items!! Crazy to think about.

[@shirleychan3237]

Thank you so much 😊❤

[@SewAnastasia]

Welcome 🤗

[@MegInASheathDress]

Great technique. Is this skirt a pattern we can purchase from you? I love that style!

[@SewAnastasia]

I do not have this skirt pattern out but I should totally put it out.

[@colleendouglas4405]

Anastasia would you be able to show us how to take in the side seams on a pencil skirt with a lining, waistband and back zipper? Thank you 😊

[@SewAnastasia]

Totally! In the meantime I have some dress tailoring videos you might want to check out.

[@colleendouglas4405]

Thank you so much! I have been binge watching your videos. I love your teaching style , so easy to follow and understand.

[@SewAnastasia]

@@colleendouglas4405 awww thank you 😊

[@kelin1983]

Can I do this with a chiffon pleated skirt?

[@SewAnastasia]

Yes you can. Maybe add a bias facing to the waist.

[@irenehynes7536]

Thank you!

[@SewAnastasia]

Welcome 🤗

[@vickipatridge5094]

Great idea.

[@SewAnastasia]

Thanks. It works great!

[@MossyMozart]

Gasp! I would never have had the nerve to try something like this without watching this video. >_

[@SewAnastasia]

I'm so glad this video gave you the confidence to try something new! Keep pushing your boundaries and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve!