How to Take in a Skirt at the Waist?

Altering a piece of clothing to fit your body perfectly can be a daunting task, but taking in a skirt at the waist is a common and relatively simple alteration that can be done by anyone with basic sewing skills.

There are several methods to take in a skirt at the waist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some methods, such as adjusting the waistband or taking in the side seams, are relatively inexpensive and easy to execute.

Others, such as adding a waistband or inserting a gusset, may be more costly and challenging but can be very effective. It’s important to consider the type of skirt, the desired end result, and the level of skill and resources available before choosing a method.

In this article, we will cover various methods of taking in a skirt at the waist, including the cost, ease of execution, and effectiveness of each method.

5 Methods to Take in a Skirt at the Waist

1. Adjusting the Waistband

Adjusting the waistband is a method of taking in a skirt at the waist by altering the waistband itself, rather than the rest of the skirt. This method is suitable for skirts that have separate waistbands and can be done by anyone who has basic sewing skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to adjust a waistband:

Materials:

• Skirt
• Fabric markers or pins
• Scissors
• Seam ripper
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Pins
• Iron

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Begin by trying on the skirt and marking the desired new waistline with a fabric marker or pins. Make sure to stand up straight and breathe normally, this is to make sure the waistband feels comfortable in the usual posture.
2. Remove the skirt and lay it flat on a table. Use the measuring tape to measure the difference between the current waistline and the desired waistline. This will be the amount you will need to take in at the waist.
3. Use the seam ripper to carefully unpick the seam that attaches the waistband to the skirt. Take care not to remove too much fabric when using the seam ripper.
4. Once the waistband is detached, use pins to gather the fabric of the waistband together, ensuring the gathers are distributed evenly, creating the new smaller waistline.
5. Use a sewing machine or hand-sew a straight stitch to hold the gathers in place, creating the new waistline. Make sure the seam is secure.
6. Reattach the waistband to the skirt by sewing the two together along the new waistline.
7. Once the waistband is attached again, press the waistband with an iron to make it look neat.
8. Try on the skirt again to check the fitting and make any adjustments necessary.
9. Lastly, top-stitching along the bottom edge of the outer waistband is an option to secure it to the inner waistband. Make sure the seam allowance between the lining and the inner waistband is on the waistband side of the seam so the top stitching will secure it.

By following these steps, you will be able to take in a skirt at the waist using the adjusting the waistband method. However, it’s always a good idea to practice on scraps first before attempting on an actual piece of clothing.

2. Taking in the Side Seams

Taking in the side seams is a method of altering a skirt to make it smaller at the waist. This method involves adjusting the side seams of the skirt, which can be done by anyone who has basic sewing skills. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to take in a skirt at the waist by adjusting the side seams:

Materials:

• Skirt
• Fabric markers or pins
• Scissors
• Seam ripper
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Pins
• Iron

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Begin by trying on the skirt and marking the desired new waistline with a fabric marker or pins. Make sure to stand up straight and breathe normally, this is to make sure the waistband feels comfortable in the usual posture.
2. Remove the skirt and lay it flat on a table. Use the measuring tape to measure the difference between the current waistline and the desired waistline. This will be the amount you will need to take in at the waist.
3. Use the seam ripper to carefully unpick the side seams of the skirt. Take care not to remove too much fabric when using the seam ripper.
4. Once the side seams are open, use pins to gather the fabric of the skirt together on both sides, ensuring the gathers are distributed evenly, creating the new smaller waistline.
5. Use a sewing machine or hand-sew a straight stitch to hold the gathers in place, creating the new waistline. Make sure the seam is secure.
6. Press the side seams with an iron to make it look neat.
7. Try on the skirt again to check the fitting and make any adjustments necessary.

By following these steps, you will be able to take in a skirt at the waist using the taking-in-the-side seams method. However, it’s always a good idea to practice on scraps first before attempting on an actual piece of clothing.

Additionally, when taking in the side seams, you need to consider the overall silhouette of the skirt and the proportion of the skirt and waist. If you take in too much, it might affect the overall look of the skirt.

3. Adding a Waistband

Adding a waistband is a method of taking in a skirt at the waist by attaching a separate waistband to the skirt.

This method can be useful for skirts that do not have a built-in waistband or for skirts that need a significant amount of fabric taken in at the waist. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to add a waistband to a skirt:

Materials:

• Skirt
• Fabric for waistband (same or coordinating color)
• Fabric markers or pins
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Pins
• Iron

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Begin by measuring the waist of the skirt and determining the desired width of the waistband. Cut a piece of fabric for the waistband that is the width you want plus 1 inch, and the length of the waist measurement plus 1 inch.
2. Fold the waistband in half lengthwise, right sides together, and press it with an iron.
3. Then, place the folded waistband along the top edge of the skirt, right sides together, aligning the folded edge of the waistband with the top edge of the skirt.
4. Pin the waistband in place and sew the waistband to the skirt using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
5. After sewing, press the seam allowance towards the waistband.
6. Fold the waistband up to the right side of the skirt and press it again, making sure the folded edge of the waistband aligns with the top of the skirt.
7. Topstitching the waistband and skirt together is an option that will give a nice finished look and secure the waistband to the skirt.
8. Try on the skirt and make any adjustments necessary to the waistband for a better fit.

By following these steps, you will be able to take in a skirt at the waist by adding a waistband. Keep in mind that when adding a waistband, you should choose the fabric of the waistband carefully so that it coordinates with the skirt. Additionally, the width of the waistband can vary depending on the look you want to achieve.

4. Adding a Belt Loops and Belt

Adding belt loops and a belt to a skirt is another method to take in a skirt at the waist. This method can be useful for skirts that have a lot of volumes at the waist or for skirts that you want to wear cinched in with a belt. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add belt loops and a belt to a skirt:

Materials:

• Skirt
• Fabric or ribbon for belt loops
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Pins
• Belt

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Begin by measuring the width of your belt, this will help you to determine the size of the belt loops. Typically, a belt loop should be about 1-1.5 inches wide and about 2 inches long.
2. Cut 4-6 strips of fabric or ribbon for the belt loops. The number will depend on the size of the waistband.
3. Fold the strips of fabric or ribbon in half lengthwise, right sides together, and press it with an iron.
4. Pin and sew the open edges of the strip closed, creating a loop.
5. Position the belt loops evenly around the waistband of the skirt and pin them in place.
6. Sew the belt loops onto the waistband, making sure they are securely attached.
7. Try on the skirt and thread the belt through the loops, cinching it to the desired fit.

By following these steps, you will be able to take in a skirt at the waist by adding a belt loop and belt. You can experiment with different types and colors of belts, as well as different fabrics or ribbons for the belt loops to find a combination that works best for your skirt and your style.

Keep in mind that depending on the size and style of the belt, you might want to adjust the size or number of the belt loops to make it look neat.

5. Inserting a Gusset

Inserting a gusset is a method of taking in a skirt at the waist by adding a triangular or diamond-shaped piece of fabric to redistribute the fabric in the waist area.

This method can be useful for skirts that need a significant amount of fabric taken in at the waist, or for skirts that have a lot of volume in the waist area that you want to reduce. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to insert a gusset in a skirt:

Materials:

• Skirt
• Fabric for gusset (same or coordinating color)
• Fabric markers or pins
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Pins
• Iron

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Begin by trying on the skirt and marking the desired new waistline with a fabric marker or pins. Make sure to stand up straight and breathe normally, this is to make sure the waistband feels comfortable in the usual posture.
2. Remove the skirt and lay it flat on a table. Use the measuring tape to measure the difference between the current waistline and the desired waistline. This will be the amount you will need to take in at the waist.
3. Cut a triangular or diamond-shaped piece of fabric (the gusset) that is the same width as the waistline you need to take in and has a hypotenuse that is 2-3 inches longer than the waist measurement.
4. Pin the gusset between the side seams of the skirt, with the long edge of the gusset along the desired new waistline.
5. Sew the gusset to the skirt along the new waistline, making sure to sew through all the layers of fabric, and backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam to reinforce it.
6. Once the gusset is attached, press the seam allowance towards the gusset.
7. Try on the skirt again to check the fitting and make any adjustments necessary.

By following these steps, you will be able to take in a skirt at the waist by inserting a gusset. Keep in mind that when inserting a gusset, you should choose the fabric of the gusset carefully so that it coordinates with the skirt.

Also, you might want to be careful with the positioning and the proportion of the gusset, as it might affect the overall look of the skirt. This method can be used to take in the waist in another type of clothing as well, like trousers or shorts.

Comparison Between Each Method

Comparison of different methods for taking in a skirt at the waist:

Cost

• Adjusting the waistband: This method is relatively inexpensive and can be done with just a few basic tools, such as a seam ripper, sewing machine or needle and thread, and fabric marker or pins.
• Taking in the side seams: This method is also relatively inexpensive and can be done with similar tools as adjusting the waistband method.
• Adding a waistband: This method can be a bit more costly as it requires additional fabric for the waistband. The cost of the fabric will depend on the type and quality of fabric you choose.
• Adding belt loops and belt: This method is relatively inexpensive as it only requires ribbon or fabric for the belt loops and a belt.
• Inserting a gusset: This method is relatively inexpensive as it only requires a small piece of fabric for the gusset.

Ease of Execution

• Adjusting the waistband: This method is relatively easy to execute, as it only requires basic sewing skills and a few tools.
• Taking in the side seams: This method is also relatively easy to execute, similar to adjusting the waistband method.
• Adding a waistband: This method can be a bit more challenging as it requires more precise measurement and the addition of a new piece of fabric.
• Adding belt loops and belt: This method is relatively easy to execute, as it only requires basic sewing skills and ribbon or fabric for the belt loops.
• Inserting a gusset: This method is relatively easy to execute, as it only requires basic sewing skills and a small piece of fabric.

Effectiveness

• Adjusting the waistband: This method can be effective in taking in the waist of a skirt, but it will depend on the construction of the skirt and the desired end result.
• Taking in the side seams: This method can also be effective in taking in the waist of a skirt, but it will depend on the construction of the skirt and the desired end result.
• Adding a waistband: This method can be very effective in taking in the waist of a skirt, especially if the skirt does not have a built-in waistband.
• Adding belt loops and belt: This method can also be effective in taking in the waist of a skirt, but it will depend on the size and style of the belt and how it is worn.
• Inserting a gusset: This method can be very effective in taking in the waist of a skirt and redistributing the fabric in the waist area.

Overall, the most effective method will depend on the type of skirt, the desired end result, and the level of skill and resources available. For example, if you have a lot of volume at the waist and want to cinch it with a belt, adding belt loops and belt method could be a good choice.

On the other hand, if you want a more permanent solution and redistribute the fabric, inserting a gusset method could be a good choice. In general, all the methods described above will give a good outcome if done properly and with good measurement.

Comparison Table of Different Methods for Taking in a Skirt at the Waist

Method	Cost	Ease of execution	Effectiveness
Adjusting the waistband	Inexpensive	Easy	Effective (depends on the skirt)
Taking in the side seams	Inexpensive	Easy	Effective (depends on the belt)
Adding a waistband	Effective (depends on the skirt)	Moderate	Very effective
Adding belt loops and belt	Inexpensive	Easy	Effective (depends on belt)
Inserting a gusset	Inexpensive	Easy	Very effective

It’s worth noting that when considering cost, you need to consider the cost of the tools and equipment as well as the cost of the material. And when considering ease of execution and effectiveness, it’s always a good idea to consider the sewing skill level you have and your desired outcome.

All methods will work well when done with good measurement and skill, it’s up to you to choose the method that best fits your resources and the desired outcome.

FAQs

Conclusion

Taking in a skirt at the waist is a simple alteration that can be done by anyone with basic sewing skills. There are several methods available, including adjusting the waistband, taking in the side seams, adding a waistband, adding belt loops and belts, and inserting a gusset.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as cost, ease of execution, and effectiveness. To choose the right method for you, you should consider the type of skirt, the desired end result, and your available resources, including time and materials.

Remember, with any method, precise measurement, attention to detail, and patience will be the key to a successful outcome. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, with a little effort you can adjust your clothing to fit perfectly.