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From: Josephine
Date: 09-01-2004, 09:09 PM (1 of 10)
I'm new to sewing and I have decided to take on my first project by making a skirt. I bought Simplicity's pattern 5018. I think I figured out my size and have cut the pattern out. However, since the skirt is too long, I need to shorten it. My question about shortening is: now that I've folded the pattern to my desired length, what do I do with the extra edges that are sticking out of the pattern? Am I supposed to trim it off however I want to try to blend it together to look like the original shape of the skirt? Please help! 
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User: Josephine
Member since: 09-01-2004 Total posts: 5 |
From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 09-01-2004, 09:59 PM (2 of 10)
| Usually a pattern has horizontal lines marked on them for shortening and lengthing, does yours have this? |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-01-2004, 10:11 PM (3 of 10)
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I just fold the sides in till they blend....it's always worked for me.
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: paroper
Date: 09-02-2004, 12:00 AM (4 of 10)
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I agree with Josephine. Follow your lines from the hipline down and fold in the excess or cut it off. You will not be changing the lines of your skirt because you are not changing the angle.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Josephine
Date: 09-02-2004, 10:45 AM (5 of 10)
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woodywoodpecker, I'm not sure what would indicate the shorten and lengthen lines on the pattern. When I looked at it, I assumed that it was the line with the arrow up and down on it. I folded the pattern along there to shorten it, but since the excess sticks out, that's my main concern. I think I might just try what Chrysantha suggested and fold in the excess until it blends into the skirt. If anyone has any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them. I won't make any cuts to the fabric until earliest tonight after work! |
User: Josephine
Member since: 09-01-2004 Total posts: 5 |
From: paroper
Date: 09-02-2004, 11:05 AM (6 of 10)
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Somewhere on the pattern there is a spot that says lengthen or shorten here. It is either at the bottom, a line across somewhere in the lower portion, or two lines with an arrow between them. Unless you are petite, don't use the two lines with the arrow..it is usually above the hipline and will shorten the length to the hip. Sometimes there is a line with a line above and a little measuring tape looking thing. That is also used to shorten skirts or dresses if it is below the hipline. Where ever the line is, it is in the least likely place to destroy the lines of the garment. You shorten at that line. The result is that there will be excess pattern at the side (or sides, depending on the cut of the garment). To rid yourself of that, you just extend the skirtline over the pattern at the same angle it was before by following the angle of the skirt from the hipline. This does not change the angle of your pattern, it only straightens out the line. Do not try to incorporate the old pattern below your alteration line into your garment and do not try to just straighten the angle from the hip so that it goes to the bottom point or you will widen the bottom of your skirt and may put a strange hump in your side seam. That will change the angle of your skirt. The angle coming down from the hip is the correct line. Just draw your line down using the same lines above the alteration and cut or fold the pattern parts that are left over.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Josephine
Date: 09-02-2004, 11:39 AM (7 of 10)
 Wow, I will have to try to digest the last post. Just to let you know, I'm only 5'2" tall. And I just drew a quick sketch of how the shape of the dress is and where I found the line with the arrows on it, if it helps anyone get a better idea of it.http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Sep/2004924204761640804527.jpg |
User: Josephine
Member since: 09-01-2004 Total posts: 5 |
From: paroper
Date: 09-02-2004, 11:47 AM (8 of 10)
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That is a straight-of-grain line. Isn't there a horizontal line some place on the pattern or a verbage on the pattern that says lengthen or shorten here? If not, we'll find a place to shorten this skirt. From your drawing it looks like the top is pretty much square, is it not? In my mind, I pictured a skirt that was like a (topless) triangle at the top from the waist to the hips..like an a-line or straight skirt. If it is square at the top like it looks, we won't have a problem finding a place to shorten the skirt and you won't have to worry about changing the lines of your skirt (bottom).
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 09-02-2004, 11:49 AM (9 of 10)
| That vertical line with the arrow markings at each end is your grain line. You are suppose to align that line with the grain of your farbic. The shortening and lenghting line will horizontal on your pattern. Check out your instruction page that tells you about the symbols and what they mean they usually are pretty generic for all patterns. That's where I check to find out what any symbols mean that I'm not familiar with and what seam allowances I'm suppose to use as some patterns use different seam allowances. |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: Josephine
Date: 09-02-2004, 01:57 PM (10 of 10)
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Thanks ladies. I'm glad I didn't cut anything yet since I was looking at the wrong line! I will take a closer look when I get home tonight to find a horizontal line on the skirt. As for the shape of the skirt, it's definitely more boxy at the top of it. My picture, of course, is a little sloppy since I did it in Paint. But I'm glad that it gave a better visual of the shape of the skirt and showed why I was concerned about trimming the pattern around the are that I had folded to shorten. Cross my fingers and hope that I can spot it tonight! |
User: Josephine
Member since: 09-01-2004 Total posts: 5 |
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