basic alterations 101: taking in a skirt

So many of you may remember when I showed you how to alter a dress in the simplest possible way, by taking in the sides. That post got such a great response that it got me thinking; there seem to be a lot of people who really appreciate instructions for the basics of clothing alteration. And it's a fantastic skill to have! So today I'm going to give you another brief tutorial, this one on how to take in a skirt at the side seams.

I've wanted this skirt from Target for a while, and so when it finally went on super ultra clearance I snatched it up. The problem? It was two sizes too big! But for someone with sewing skillz that isn't a problem.

First, you'll try on your skirt inside out. Pull the excess fabric to one side, and mark where you need to have your new side seam go. Take your skirt off and pin all the way down one side to the hem:

Sew your new seam into the side of your skirt. This fabric was jersey and doesn't fray, so I didn't bother finishing the seams at all (also, I'm a super lazy sewist). But if your material is going to fray, you should also add a row of zig zag stitches to the outside, or cut it with pinking shears.

Cut off the excess fabric as close to your seam as possible! Especially with a pencil skirt you want to make sure the seam isn't bulky or it will be really unflattering!

You're done! It's really that easy. And mastering skills like this can help you get miles out of your wardrobe that you never thought possible. Also, when the zombie apocalypse comes raining down on our heads, you'll be one of the only people who doesn't look like they're wearing Walking Dead cast offs! Your clothes will fit you.