Adjusting the length of a garment as easier than it sounds. Most patterns will have a mark on the pattern identifying the place to adjust, and it is simply a matter of taking your own desired measurement (lets say skirt length) and comparing that with the patterns finished garment measurement (skirt length) and adjusting for the difference.
This article will take you through an example of both lengthening and shortening a skirt (The Rookie Wrap Skirt) - but the principles apply for any garment.
1. EXAMPLE on how to LENGTHEN a skirt pattern along the Adjustment Line.
Refer to the FINISHED MEASUREMENT CHART for your pattern.
The following is the finished measurement chart for the Womens Rookie Wrap Skirt:
Lets say, I am a size M and I want to make the skirt 2cm LONGER (I want it to be 52cm from waist to hem, not 50cm).
a) Cut a straight line with scissors all the way down the center of the Length Adjustment Line marked on the Pattern.
b) Add a strip of paper in the gap the same width as the increase measurement (2cm). Firstly, draw a line on an extra bit of paper and then mark another line 2cm apart:
Trim the surplus paper away
c) Align the additional 2cm strip in between the Adjustment Line you cut on the pattern piece:
Ensure the pattern edges also align.
d) Draw a line on the additional strip that follows the natural straight line or curve of the pattern piece. Trim the excess along this line.
e) Your skirt pattern is now 2cm longer and you can now layout and cut your fabric ready to sew.
2. EXAMPLE on how to SHORTEN a skirt pattern along the Adjustment Line.
Refer to the FINISHED MEASUREMENT CHART for your pattern.
The following is the finished measurement chart for the Womens Rookie Wrap Skirt:
Lets say, I am a size M and I want to make the skirt 1cm SHORTER (I want it to be 49cm from waist to hem, not 50cm).
a) Cut a straight line with scissors all the way down the center of the Length Adjustment Line marked on the Pattern.
b) Measure the distance to shorten (1cm) down from the edge of the bottom section of the pattern piece under the Adjustment Line.
Rule a line (1cm) underneath the adjustment line:
c) Place the top half of the pattern on top of the bottom half to align to the new measurement line and tape in place.
Your skirt pattern is now 1cm shorter and you can now layout and cut your fabric ready to sew.
