Thread: Spin off: Lengthening a gypsy skirt?

My wife gave me a gypsy skirt. Its not quite as long as my other one - I'd like to lengthen it. Is this something a beginning level sewer can do?

Should I remove the flounce and add to the bottom, or remove the waistband and add to the top? I'd think adding to the top would be a lot easier...

I'm talking about 3-4 inches.

Add to the top. Just remove the waistband, add whatever length you need, and then replace the waistband. You will use much less fabric that way and won't have to rehem.

Souzan

Definately add to the top, unless you want to ruffle and sew on miles of fabric.

Ditto on adding at the top. You can even add functionality while doing that, by making a new waist band and spiff it up: no-roll elastic, and if desired, include ties and grommet holes.

oooooooh - ties and grommets! ..g.:

In the past year I've altered all of my tribal / gypsy skirts to have double draw strings with toggles to hold them on (one on each hip). They always fit and you can get out of them in a matter of seconds for quick costume changes.
No more elastic waistbands!

Hi, Zorba, I agree with the advice: add at the top or the waistband. One thing to keep in mind--you might want to add a yoke (i.e. non-gathered/flat pattern piece) that is the width of a hip scarf or belt. That way you won't have the added bulk of fabric at your hips (which may or may not be a good thing).

Originally Posted by Masouma

Hi, Zorba, I agree with the advice: add at the top or the waistband. One thing to keep in mind--you might want to add a yoke (i.e. non-gathered/flat pattern piece) that is the width of a hip scarf or belt. That way you won't have the added bulk of fabric at your hips (which may or may not be a good thing).

That's actually an excellent idea - and easier to do too!

I'll put my 2 cents in ...even if it is late...I would rather do it on top...