How To: Hem a skirt

Most of us aren't lucky enough to get clothes tailored for our bodies so to get your skirts just the right length you may need to change the hemline yourself. In one evening you can change a mediocre skirt into your favorite piece of clothing.

Hemlines change with the seasons, so keep your clothes current by raising or lowering your skirt length.

You Will Need

* A skirt
* Scissors or a seam ripper
* A friend
* Pins
* An ironing board
* Measuring tape
* An iron
* Needle
* Thread
* Fabric tape (optional) (optional) (optional)

Step 1: Let hem out

Let the existing hem out of your skirt with scissors or a seam ripper.

Step 2: Determine new hemline

Try on your skirt and have a friend pin it at the new hemline.

Step 3: Fold skirt to new hemline

Take the skirt off, turn it inside out, and, on your ironing board, fold it up to the pin or new hemline.

Step 4: Iron in new hemline

Measure from the pin to the edge of the skirt. Use that same measurement to adjust the fold all the way around. Iron to create a crease.

Step 5: Pin new hemline

Fold the hem allowance so the raw edge is tucked in. For a more finished look, iron again, and pin in place.

Use fabric tape instead of pins to tack up the hem. This tape holds the material in place while you sew but dissolves in the first wash.

Step 6: Sew new hemline

Pick a matching thread color and start sewing at the seam. Use a loop stitch that doesn't go all the way through to the skirt face for a blind hem.

Don't pull the thread too tightly or your hem will pucker.

Step 7: Try skirt on

Try your skirt on to make sure the new hem is hitting your leg right where you want it.

Your hemline may be determined by the economy. Historical trends show hemlines head south in bad times and come up in good ones.