How to Make a Skirt Bigger in 4 Super Easy Steps
I thrifted a denim mini skirt that was a bit too small for me around the waist and hips. I put together this super quick and easy tutorial for you to show you how to make a skirt bigger by adding fabric.
This sewing hack works best if the fabric you're adding is a similar weight to the original garment and if you only need to add an extra inch or so to the skirt.
Tools and materials:
- Skirt to upsize
- Extra material in a similar weight
- Tape measure
- Fabric clips or pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Iron
1. Cut the skirt
Find the center back of the skirt, by measuring from each side seam. Cut a straight line from the hem to the waist.
2. Make a fabric strip
Make a fabric strip half an inch wider than the increase in size you need and the same length as the skirt.
You can join several pieces of fabric if necessary to make the strip long enough, as I had to do.
3. Attach the strip
Clip or pin the strip to one side of the back opening, with right sides together. Sew it in place with a straight stitch, taking a 0.25 inch seam allowance.
Turn the skirt to clip the fabric strip to the other side of the back, with right sides together.
Sew the second seam with a 0.25 inch seam allowance.
4. Press the seams
Press the seams open, with a steam iron if you have one.
How to make a skirt bigger
As you can see, the denim I inserted doesn't match the skirt exactly but I think it looks fine.
For a neater lower edge, you can make the strip longer than the skirt and turn up a hem.
If you need to upsize more than about an inch, it would be better to add extra fabric to the side seams instead, so the skirt doesn’t become unbalanced.
This skirt was also very easy to work on because it doesn't have a waistband.
If you enjoyed this little skirt hack and found it useful, please do let me know in the comments below!
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I’m sure I’m not the only human being that had this thought cross their mind, but I’m probably the only one who will openly share it… but if you buy something that is way too small for you to wear, an inch is pretty big “upsize,” and if you really love the article of clothing that you’ve gotta have it… why not set a goal to “downsize” and the clothing article is like a motivator and reward, all in one… instead of “Upsizing” the piece of clothing for the instant gratification??? I’m totally open to feedback on this matter. Is it because “upsizing” the clothing with extra fabric is easier and quicker to accomplish and achieve, compared to “downsizing” your body with exercise, diet, determination, and time??? I’m really curious.
Nice, but I like it better done on the side when possible. Done so in past That also gives a slimming look, especially if there is a difference in fabric color. If Have to really increase size- do some on both sides- But if that’s the case, a lot of work- unless you really really love that skirt!!!!