How To Add Elastic To A Skirt with A Zipper?

A sewing project is always an exciting one since there are always challenges to overcome. Working with elastic is always challenging, especially if it’s a skirt. Since this dress is waistline based, a good fit and hold are most important. Adding elastic makes the skirt more comfortable and flexible, but if it has a zipper, it’s a challenge.

How to add elastic to a skirt with a zipper? fortunately, there’s a simple solution that can help you customize the fit of your skirts. It can be frustrating to try and find the perfect skirt fit. For this reason, you want to personalized your skirt by yourself. By learning the steps and following the guideline from preparation to execution will help you to bring out perfect result.

Key Takeaways

• Before starting the process of adding elastic take proper preparation and notes.
• Gather the tools and follow the steps carefully.
• There’s some bonus tips to help you make it better.
• Take notes of the mistakes you should avoid during this project.

Preparation Before Adding Elastic to a Skirt

When adding elastic to a skirt with a zipper, take accurate measurements of your waist and hips. Taking measurements is important because it ensures that the elastic fits correctly and doesn’t cause any discomfort. Taking measurements is also helpful when determining how much elastic is needed.

If the elastic is too loose, it will be uncomfortable and unflattering to wear the skirt. If it is too tight, it will be uncomfortable and unflattering as well. By taking accurate measurements, you can make sure that the elastic will fit perfectly and that your skirt will be comfortable and stylish. Taking measurements can not only help you determine how much elastic you need, but also how much fabric you need to accommodate the elastic.

1. Waist Measurement

Wrap a measuring tape around your natural waistline, which is usually an inch above your belly button. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight, and take note of the measurement.

2. Hip Measurement

Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips, usually around 7-9 inches below your waistline. Ensure the tape is level with the ground and not twisted. Take note of the measurement.

3. Length Measurement

From the waistline to the hemline of the skirt, measure the length. This measurement is essential to ensure that the finished skirt hits at the right length.

4. Elastic Length

Determine the length of the elastic by subtracting 2-3 inches from your waist measurement. This will ensure that the elastic fits snugly but is not too tight.

5 Steps to Add Elastic to A Skirt with a Zipper

Here’s the steps to follow for adding elastic to your skirt that comes with a zipper. It is bit challenging but if you follow each steps without skipping you’ll get desired results out of it.

Tools and Materials

• Elastic
• Skirt with a zipper
• Seam ripper or small scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Fabric chalk or pencil

Step 1: Cut the Elastic

Cut the elastic to the waist measurement you have in the beginning of the process above. Make sure to cut the elastic evenly so that it will be distributed evenly around the waistband.

Step 2: Remove the Zipper

Use the fabric scissors to carefully remove the zipper from the waistband. You may need to use a seam ripper to remove any stitches holding the zipper in place.

Step 3: Pin the Elastic

Pin one end of the elastic to the inside of the waistband, at the center back of the skirt. Then, stretch the elastic to the side seams and pin it in place. Repeat this step, pinning the elastic at the center front and at the side seams.

Step 4: Sew the Elastic

Using a sewing machine, sew the elastic to the waistband. When sewing elastic, you should use ballpoint or stretch needles. Using a universal needle may result in skipped stitches. Make sure both your top and bottom threads are smooth. Start by sewing at the center back, using a zigzag stitch to secure the elastic in place. Continue sewing along the waistband, pulling the elastic taut as you sew.

Step 5: Reattach the Zipper and Trim

After sewing the elastic in place, reattach the zipper to the waistband. Use the sewing machine to sew the zipper back into place, being careful to match the stitching from the original seam. Finally, trim any excess elastic and thread from the skirt. Try on the skirt to make sure it fits comfortably and adjust the elastic as needed.

Bonus Tips for Adding Elastic to a Zippered Skirt

Well, now that you have the guideline for completing the project, it’d be better if you take notes of these bonus tips which will boost up your skirt project.

• Consider the weight and fabric of your garment when choosing elastic to ensure the best results.
• To make sure that the elastic fits snugly, you must accurately measure your waist or hips so that you can cut it to the correct length.
• It is important to sew the elastic securely to the fabric to prevent it from slipping or bunching up. When the elastic is sewn securely, it will stay in place, preventing the skirt from appearing unbalanced.
• If you are sewing elastic onto the skirt, make sure to evenly distribute it around the waistband. This ensures that the waistband remains even and doesn’t bunch up in one spot, making the skirt look neat and smooth.
• If you are adding elastic to a skirt with a zipper, make sure that the elastic placement takes the zipper into account. When the elastic is placed appropriately, the zipper will not interfere with the elastic.
• The waistband should be finished properly to conceal the elastic and make it look neat and tidy. During the process, make sure the skirt fits correctly and the elastic is evenly distributed.
• Do not pull the elastic too tightly when sewing it on the fabric, as this can cause the waistband to pucker and the fabric to bunch up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sure, here are some common mistakes people make when adding elastic to a skirt with a zipper. Beware of each issues addressing forward so that you get uninterrupted workflow throughout your project.

• It is important to choose the right elastic for the skirt’s fabric weight and type, as not all elastics are the same.
• Incorrectly measuring the waist or hips: Make sure to measure your waist or hips correctly to ensure the elastic is cut to the right length.
• A skirt that fails to properly secure the elastic to the fabric will fall or bunch up as you wear it.
• It is important to distribute the elastic evenly around the waistband of the skirt. This will avoid bunching or sagging at the waist.
• Finished waistbands look neat and tidy. Make sure the waistband is finished properly so that the elastic is hidden.
• Making sure your account for the zipper when adding elastic to a skirt with a zipper: When adding elastic to a skirt with a zipper, make sure you keep the zipper in mind and adjust the placement of the elastic accordingly.
• The skirt is not tried on during the elastic insertion process: To ensure the fit and distribution of the elastic are correct, it is important to try the skirt on during the process.
• The waistband can pucker if the elastic is pulled too tightly when sewing it onto the fabric.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Adding elastic to a skirt with a zipper is a simple and effective way to modify the fit of your skirt. This technique allows you to create a comfortable and customized fit that complements your body shape. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can add elastic to your skirt without having to remove the zipper. However, you can add it by removing the zipper as well. In both ways you must be aware and careful throughout the process.