How can i shorten my school uniform skirt without a sewing machine?

Question

hi, i would like to know how to shorten my skirt by hand sewing as i don't own a sewing machine and as i also don't want to go to the shops to spend money on altering them. They are thick skirts that are pleated. What is the basic 'stitch' that i can use to shorten them? thank you

Its quite long and goes past my knees
and as summer it coming i thought to cut off just an inch or too becuase its really thick

Answer 1

The basic stitch is called "hemstitch" and is more intermediate than basic.

The first URL is from USA's University of Kentucky and has full directions for doing hems by hand and by machine.

If you're totally certain you won't need or want to have the skirt longer again, the two choices are to either shorten the hem or lower the waistband. Even with moving the zipper down, if there is one, removing and replacing the waistband is a *lot* less stitching (just running stitch to baste into position and back-stitch to secure fully) and not as eye-critical and re-doing the hem itself. If the skirt is wool, the pleats may be permanently fulled by repeated cleaning and it may be difficult to have a new hem that looks crisp rather than crude.

The so-called iron-on hem tape is sometimes a steam-on tape. Get the directions and read them. If the skirt is wool, it shouldn't be "ironed", but should only be steam-pressed. Ironing can make wool look overly glossy.

Answer 2

If you need to shorten it more than a few inches, I would cut some off, because a large hem would be awkward especially with pleats. Why not get some of that Stitch Witchery that you iron on, and avoid the sewing process all together? Good luck!

Answer 3

iron on hem tape you can purchase at a craft store or dept store,sewing iasle in your supermarket.
At least if it doesn't turn out you can undo it.

Sewing a hem
Measure the hem using a tactile tape measure or your fingers as a guide. Pin and then press your hem. Sew using a double thread, as it is less likely than a single thread to come out of your needle. Use a normal hemming stitch. Hold the hem in one hand so the thumb is on the pinned hem edge and the index finger is on the other side of the fabric behind the thumb. With the other hand, push the needle through the fabric until it just touches the index finger and then push the needle back up through the fabric. To space stitches evenly, use your thumb as a guide. The needle should come up on one side of the thumb and then go down on the other side to complete the stitch. Move your thumb along the hem accordingly.

An alternative to sewing a hem is to use an iron on hemming tape. After pressing up the hem, remove the pins, place the hemming tape between the fabric and iron.

http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1520#hem

Hem tape iron on
http://www.lincraft.com.au/shop/product.asp?pID=11&cID=319

Answer 4

Great suggestions by other Yahoo-ers!

One bit of advice: First review the school handbook to see how short the skirt can be without you getting into trouble. You can't add the fabric back once you trim it!

Answer 5

you could pull it up higher, i know you might look like a "nerd" or whatever but high-waisted skirts show off a girl's figure. you could try cutting it, with khaki it might! work. my uniform last year was this thick disgusting cotton-y material that would NOT cut correctly. my mom hemmed mine but that's not an option for you so you can also try the special tape that people suggested. ↑↑

Answer 6

Just roll up the waistband and then there is no sewing a all. Then if someone goes around checking for regulation skirt length you just unroll the waistband and you are back in compliance with the regulations..

Answer 7

Hem-stitch... and someone gave you the link.

Yeppers, the old roll the TOP trick... caught my eldest daughter doing that...

Answer 8

Geez, do you seriously have to? I mean, it looks really skanky. But if you insist, just roll up the top part.