I made a mistake or two when making this refashion. But I've included my mistakes so you won't make them and instead have a successful sewing project. If you're brave and just want to get on with the project already, just scroll past this section. :)
My Mistake:
This "seamed" (lol?) like such a simple project, but there were three major mistakes here.
1. First, I didn't measure the skirt all around correctly. The skirt has a slit and that threw off my measurements, so when I tried to add on the panel, it was just too short and I ended up needing to sew on pieces and pieces to widen the panel. It wasn't going to look pretty anymore.
2. Secondly, the lace panel I was going to add to the bottom of the skirt was too long. (In reality I only needed 4", but instead I cut out 6") I thought 4" was going to be too short, because I hadn't tried on the skirt to measure how much I needed to lengthen it. Also, I added in more inches for hem allowance, but later I realized there is no need for a hem on this panel. (You are more than welcome to hem it though.)
3. Last but not least, I ended up sewing three lace strips on the jersey and it was just so flat. I had the idea of cute ruffles or some volume, because the skirt is already flat. When I pinned this panel to the skirt, the skirt just looked weird and flat. (Not to mention it was crooked as well!)
ANYWAYS, now let's move on to the actual tutorial and what did go right :)
I found this skirt at a thrift store for $4, and decided it would be perfect for this idea I've had in mind for quite a while now.
Steps:
1. Measure all around your skirt around the hem. (This is called the sweep.) Also measure how much you want to lengthen the skirt.
2. Lay out your base fabric (the fabric you will sew your lace onto, I used Jersey because its soft, comfortable, and doesn't need to be hemmed.) Measure and cut out according to the photo.
3. Now take out the lace strips you are using. The picture shows you how much lace you need. (P.S. you can change up how much more you want to add for gathering. I chose to add 14 more inches, and it turned out fine for me.)
4. Use a gathering stitch (the longest stitch on your machine) and stitch along the top of the lace strips. Pull only ONE thread gently and gather the lace until it fits on the base fabric. If it's too gathered for your taste, simply cut off at the edge.
5. Pin your gathered lace piece to your base fabric and sew. Remember to change your stitch length back to normal! :) Do the same for all lace strips. You can choose for your lace to end just where the base fabric ends or go over that. See pictures below. I suggest if you go with Example A, to hem your base fabric. I chose Example B.
6. Now pin your finished strip to the edge of your skirt. I pinned and sewed the lace strip underneath the hem of the skirt. You can pin and sew on the outside hem if you like.
7. Congrats you're done!
This is a technique you could use when making your own slip extenders as well.
4. Use a gathering stitch (the longest stitch on your machine) and stitch along the top of the lace strips. Pull only ONE thread gently and gather the lace until it fits on the base fabric. If it's too gathered for your taste, simply cut off at the edge.
5. Pin your gathered lace piece to your base fabric and sew. Remember to change your stitch length back to normal! :) Do the same for all lace strips. You can choose for your lace to end just where the base fabric ends or go over that. See pictures below. I suggest if you go with Example A, to hem your base fabric. I chose Example B.
6. Now pin your finished strip to the edge of your skirt. I pinned and sewed the lace strip underneath the hem of the skirt. You can pin and sew on the outside hem if you like.
7. Congrats you're done!
This is a technique you could use when making your own slip extenders as well.
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