How to lengthen or shorten a bottom garment

What should you do if you need to lengthen or shorten a pair of pants or a skirt? Follow our instructions and you’ll manage it without a hitch.

1. If your pants are shorter than needed, measure the amount by which you’d like to lengthen them.
2. Cut the pattern piece along the hemline and insert a strip of paper underneath. Spread both sections by the desired amount and glue or tape them to the strip of paper.
3. Redraft the sides and inseams by tracing a straight line from the knee level to the new hemline.

If your skirt is too short for your liking and you want to lengthen it:

Practice your new skills with Vikisews patterns — “Pants and shorts”, “Skirts”.

More on pattern alterations:

Cup size in vikisews patterns and pattern adjustment for large bust and narrow back

How to adjust a pattern for someone with a small waist

How to adjust a pattern for someone with a bigger waist