Alterations

[foxtiger]

I have a question about altering something and then I thought maybe people could use this thread for general discussion of alterations if they like.

I have a skirt I would like to take in slightly at the waist but it's lined, A-line and has a side zip. I'm not very experienced at sewing but have taken in one or two items before, but usually by taking two tucks at the sides. Because of the side zip, if I do that this time I assume I'll have to reposition the entire zip and that sounds scary. Is there another easy way round it?

Without seeing the skirt I can't be certain but we often add darts to the front or sides of a skirt if it needs to come in a bit and we don't have time to take the zip out. That might be a quick and easy fix for you?

I would add or modify darts too, actually that’s the best way to re-fit a skirt anyway.

So just not position them right at the sides, where the zip is, you mean? I'll have to get some pins and try out a few things, I think.

Yes, do a bit of pinning and work out the best place for them. I'm sure you'll get away without touching the zip at all.

Thanks!

Does it have a waistband? If so you might want to take that off where you're putting the tucks in and reattach afterwards. Or that might be more faff than is necessary.

I usually find that I need tucks in the back as my bum is pretty big, relative to waist, but I have a reasonably flat stomach. So you might not need to take it in front and back, or you might just need little tucks at the front. If you have a friend who can help you pin, it's much easier than contorting yourself!