How to Alter a Cheerleading Skirt
Cheerleading is not just about cheering for your team; it’s also about looking stylish and confident on the field. One of the key elements of a cheerleader’s attire is the cheerleading skirt. However, if you find that your skirt doesn’t fit quite right, don’t worry; altering a cheerleading skirt is a straightforward process that can be done with a few simple steps and basic sewing skills. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to alter a cheerleading skirt to ensure it fits perfectly and looks fantastic.
Step 1: Measure Your Skirt
Before you begin altering your cheerleading skirt, it’s essential to take accurate measurements. Use a soft measuring tape to measure the following areas:
– Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your waist.
– Hip: Measure around the fullest part of your hips.
– Length: Measure from the waist to the desired length of the skirt.
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
To alter your cheerleading skirt, you will need the following materials:
– Cheerleading skirt
– Measuring tape
– Scissors
– pins
– sewing machine or needle and thread
– Fabric marker or chalk
– Elastic (if you need to add a waistband)
– Seam ripper (if you need to remove any existing seams)
Step 3: Adjust the Waist
If your cheerleading skirt is too big around the waist, you can take it in by removing some fabric. To do this, mark the desired width of the waistband on the inside of the skirt with a fabric marker or chalk. Then, cut a straight line from the waist to the hem, following the marked line. Repeat on the other side. Trim the excess fabric, pin the sides together, and sew them back together.
If your skirt is too small, you can add a waistband to create a bit more room. Cut a strip of fabric that is wide enough to fit around your waist and long enough to overlap and sew together. Sew the ends of the strip together, then sew the waistband to the skirt, making sure it fits comfortably.
Step 4: Adjust the Length
If your cheerleading skirt is too long, you can shorten it by cutting off the excess fabric. Measure the desired length from the waist to the hem, mark the cut line with a fabric marker or chalk, and then cut the skirt along the marked line. Pin the sides together, and sew them back together.
If your skirt is too short, you can add a ruffle or pleats to the bottom to create more length. Measure the desired amount of fabric you want to add, cut it into strips, and sew them to the bottom of the skirt. Make sure to leave enough room to sew the strips to the skirt without bunching the fabric.
Step 5: Hem the Skirt
Once you have made all the necessary adjustments to the waist and length, it’s time to hem the skirt. Fold the hem up to the desired length, pin it in place, and sew it down. Make sure to leave a small opening to pull the thread through, so you can remove the pins and tie off the ends.
Step 6: Final Touches
After hemming the skirt, give it a final check to ensure that all adjustments have been made correctly. Make any necessary touch-ups and try on the skirt to ensure it fits perfectly and looks great.
By following these simple steps, you can easily alter a cheerleading skirt to fit your body perfectly and make you feel confident and stylish on the field. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different alterations to find the perfect fit for you.
