https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/how-to-hem-a-maxi-skirt • Posted by paprikapatterns
Hemming a maxi skirt can be a bit tricky, because the hem is so far down that it is hard to see if it is level. When you look in a mirror, you will look at it at an angle, and you can't see the back without distorting the hemline. This tutorial will show you how to get a beautiful, level hem, not matter what hemming method you use!
Hemming a maxi skirt can be a bit tricky, because the hem is so far down that it is hard to see if it is level. When you look in a mirror, you will look at it at an angle, and you can't see the back without distorting the hemline. This tutorial will show you how to get a beautiful, level hem, not matter what hemming method you use!
Assemble your maxi skirt. Finish everything but the hem and let it hang for 24 hours. This will take care of the vertical stretching of the fabric.
Wear your unhemmed skirt for a day. This will take care of the horizontal stretching your fabric will do. At the end of the day, your waistband will probably sit a little bit lower, also affecting the hem.
Test your hemming options on a scrap piece. I tested the fold over twice method first, as per the instructions that came with this skirt. As you can see, this would not be easy for this fabric. It would not lay flat at all.
Then I tested a rolled hem. It looked wavy at first, but after a good press it lay nice and flat.
Put on the skirt and estimate how much you have to take off. Keep in mind that you lose fabric with hemming. So you should pick a 'safe' number to take off.
Hang the skirt on a cloth hanger, and pin all around at the 'safe' number. Cut off the fabric below the pins.
Put the skirt on and lay a camera on the floor, directed at your hem. Take a picture with the timer or remote to see if the hem is even. Depending on your curves, you probably need to take off some more length in some places.
Repeat step 7 until the pictures show that your hem is level. Again, keep in mind that you lose some fabric with hemming, depending on the method you have chosen at step 3.
Hem your skirt!