ReFashion - Turning Pants Into a Skirt (More Tips)
10:24 AM
Problem:
I want to make a full skirt but I keep ending up with pencil skirts. How can I get a full skirt?
Understanding the problem/Finding the Solution:
There's not enough fabric in the pants you're using. There are ways to make the skirt fuller or you could chose a different cut of pants. Here is a quick guide to getting the end product you want:
Slim Fit Pants = Pencil Skirt
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| Slim Fit Pants |
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| Pencil Skirt |
Full Leg Cut Pants = Straight Skirt
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| Full Leg Cut Pant |
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| Straight Skirt |
Very Full Leg = Very Full Skirt
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| Very Full Leg |
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| Full Flowy Skirt |
Problem:
I can't walk in my skirts, they're too tight.
Understanding the Problem/Finding a Solution:
Part of the problem may be the cut of pant you're starting with (see above). The other problem may be fabric choice.
If your shirt is too tight try choosing a fuller leg pant. If that's not the problem then we need to look at fabric choice. Some fabrics make great pants but terrible skirts.
I have a strong preference for stretchy fabrics (I'm addicted to comfort). If your skirt is too tight chose stretchier pants! Your mom's ancient polyester pants might make a perfect skirt! Pants made with a little Lycra make very comfortable skirts!
Stretch test your fabrics before you start this project!
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| Stretch test your fabrics! |
Problem:
How do I make a slit in my skirt?
Solution:
Believe it or not, there are a million different kinds of slits (not just front, back or side). There are lots of different ways to make a front, back or side slit. Here are a few options
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| Open Slit |
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| Contrasting Kick Pleat |
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| Kick Pleat |
I promised that I'd do a tutorial on slits and I will. (Just not now.) If you're a beginning sewer I suggest the open slit. When sewing the seam of the fabric don't sew all the way to the hem (bottom of the skirt). Turn the fabric and top stitch.
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| Making an open slit |
Kick pleats are REALLY easy, but more on that later - I promise!
PLUS SIZE TIP:
I usually save my pro tips for the end of a blog post. Today the tip is for my plus size sisters - So along wee ones and lean in close plus size girls!
If you're anything like me, you have a pair of pants (or 2) with what we delicately call "Saddle Holes". You know saddle holes - that's the holes in the thighs of parts caused by thigh friction. I know this is not something we usually discuss in polite company, but I've repaired enough pants (mine and others) to know that it happens to a lot of us!
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| Saddle Hole |
Posts
5 comments
Hi, KL. What a great post with fabulously frugal ideas for refashioning!
ReplyDeleteI'm dropping by from Refashion Co-Op to leave the same comment I left there in reply to your question.
At the beginning of my recent Refashion Co-Op blog post, I state that, because the dresses I bought were so inexpensive, I bought two: one to butcher and the other to embellish (with the butchered dress) and wear.
Hope this helps! Thank you, KL, for dropping by to leave a comment.
Hugs and happy weekend,
Kelley~
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