How to sew a linen slit

Looking for the easiest way to sew a lined slit? Check out this sewing tip that even beginners can handle — no overlocker required!

1. Mark the height of the slit on the back and back lining pieces.
2. Reinforce the slit seam allowances and hem allowance with stitched fusible stay tape.
3. Place the back pieces right sides together and stitch down to the marked point of the slit. Be sure not to stitch past the mark.
4. Press the seam allowances open all along the seam line.
5. Fold the hem allowance up and press it to the wrong side of the fabric.
6. At the slit, place the hem allowance at an angle, folding it away from the slit. And voila! We’re done with the outer shell of the skirt!
7. Place the back lining pieces right sides together. Stitch them together down to the marked point of the slit.
8. Press the seam allowances open all along the seam line.
9. Unfold all the pressed seam allowances. Place the back and back lining pieces right sides together, align the bottom edges. Stitch with a 1 cm (3/8”) seam allowance.
10. Finish the slit with the lining. Fold the hem allowances towards the lining, using the pressed hemline as a guide. Align the slit edges. Create a 5 mm jump pleat on the lining at the hem. Match the upper points of the slit on the back and back lining pieces.
11. Stitch each side of the slit. Start / stop exactly at the upper point of the slit, where the back seam ends.
12. Trim the corners of the hem allowance.
13. Turn the garment right side out and push out the corners.
14. Press the finished project.

The jump pleat at the hem makes the skirt comfortable to wear and allows for greater freedom of movement.

Sew like a pro and enjoy the process! And for the every possible skirt design, check out the patterns on vikisews.com.

More Vikisews sewing hacks are here:

How to finish a Helen dress neckline

How to easily finish the slit on a sleeve

How to sew buttons on without making a knot first