5 Easy Steps to Turn Old Trousers into a Stylish Skirt

Skirt made from trousers
How to make a Skirt From Trousers

Did you know that you can transform an old pair of trousers into a stylish skirt with just a few snips and stitches? It’s a great way to give new life to clothes you don’t wear anymore, and it’s also a fun and easy project that’s perfect for beginners. Plus, it’s a great way to save money on your wardrobe. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a skirt from trousers step-by-step. So gather your materials and get started!

First, you’ll need to gather your materials. You’ll need a pair of trousers that fit you well, a pair of scissors, a sewing machine, and thread. You may also want to use a ruler or measuring tape to help you get the perfect fit. Once you have your materials, you’re ready to start sewing! The first step is to cut off the legs of the trousers. Make sure to cut them off at the same length so that your skirt is even. Next, you’ll need to sew the side seams of the skirt. Fold the edges of the fabric over by about 1/2 inch and press them down. Then, sew the seams using a straight stitch.

Now, you’ll need to create the waistband of the skirt. To do this, fold the top edge of the skirt over by about 2 inches and press it down. Then, fold the edge over again by about 1 inch and press it down. Sew the waistband in place using a straight stitch. Finally, you’ll need to hem the bottom of the skirt. Fold the edge of the fabric over by about 1/2 inch and press it down. Then, fold the edge over again by about 1/2 inch and press it down. Sew the hem in place using a blind stitch.

Selecting the Right Trousers

The foundation of a successful skirt-from-trousers creation lies in selecting the appropriate pair of trousers. Consider the following factors to ensure you have the ideal starting point:

Fit:

Opt for trousers that fit comfortably around your waist and hips. Avoid trousers that are too loose or too tight, as they can create an unflattering silhouette or hinder the sewing process.

Fabric:

The fabric of your trousers will largely determine the style and durability of your skirt. Choose a fabric that is both soft and sturdy, such as cotton, denim, or lightweight twill. Avoid delicate or stretchy fabrics that may unravel or lose their shape during the alteration process.

Length:

The length of your trousers should accommodate the desired length of your skirt. Measure from the waistline to the hem to ensure there is sufficient fabric to create the skirt’s body and hem. It’s advisable to err on the side of caution and choose trousers that are slightly longer than necessary, as excess fabric can be trimmed during the adjustment process.

Style:

Consider the style of your trousers and how it will complement the skirt you envision. Straight-leg or bootcut trousers can create a more formal and elegant look, while tapered or skinny trousers lend a more casual and modern aesthetic. Choose trousers that suit your personal style and the intended occasion.

Color and Pattern:

The color and pattern of your trousers should align with your desired skirt design. Solid-colored trousers provide a versatile base, while patterned trousers can add a unique touch to your skirt. Consider the color scheme and overall aesthetic you wish to achieve when selecting the trousers.

Laying Out and Cutting the Fabric

Once you have decided on the length and style of your skirt, it’s time to lay out and cut the fabric. You will need:

– A pair of old trousers that fit you well
– Fabric scissors
– A ruler or measuring tape
– A pencil or fabric marker
– A cutting mat (optional, but recommended)

Start by laying your trousers flat on a table or the floor. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases. Fold the trousers in half lengthwise, with the legs aligned. Pin the legs together along the inseam.

Next, measure the length of the skirt you want from the waist to the hem. Mark this length on the inside of the folded trousers, using a ruler or measuring tape and a pencil or fabric marker. Make sure to leave enough fabric at the top for a waistband.

Now, you will need to cut the fabric. Start by cutting along the inseam, from the crotch to the mark you made for the skirt length. Then, cut along the waistline, from the mark for the waistband to the other side of the trousers. Be careful not to cut into the waistband itself.

Once you have cut the fabric, unfold the trousers. You should now have two pieces of fabric, each with a waistline and an inseam. These pieces will form the front and back of your skirt.

Item	Measurements	Tips
Waistband	2-3 inches wide	Fold the waistband over twice and press to create a finished edge.
Length	Desired length + 1 inch for hem	Measure the length from the waist to where you want the hem to hit.
Inseam	Measure from the crotch to the hem	Make sure the inseam is straight and even.
Side seams	1-2 inches wide	Pin the side seams together, aligning the raw edges.

Creating the Waistband

1. Cut the waistband of the trousers off. You can do this by cutting straight across the waistband, about 1 inch from the top.

2. Fold the waistband in half lengthwise, right sides together. Press the crease.

3. Sew the waistband together along the long edge, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Press the seam open.

Creating the Casings for the Elastic

3a. Fold the top edge of the waistband down by 1 inch and press. Fold it down again by 1 inch and press again. Topstitch the casing close to the top edge.

3b. Repeat Step 3a for the bottom edge of the waistband.

3c. Insert the elastic into the casings. You can use a safety pin to help you feed the elastic through. Adjust the elastic to the desired tightness and sew the ends together.

4. Topstitch the waistband to the skirt. Fold the waistband over the top edge of the skirt, right sides together. Pin in place and topstitch close to the edge.

Attaching the Waistband to the Body

1. Pin the Waistband to the Trousers

Align the raw edge of the waistband with the top raw edge of the trousers, ensuring that the right sides of the fabrics are facing each other. Pin the waistband in place all around the waist.

2. Sew the Waistband

Using a sewing machine or by hand, stitch the waistband to the trousers along the pinned line. Use a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch to secure the waistband.

3. Finish the Seam

To prevent fraying, finish the seam by folding the raw edge of the seam allowance under and stitching it down. This can be done by hand or using a sewing machine’s overlock or zigzag stitch.

4. Hem the Waistband

Fold the bottom edge of the waistband up by about 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) and press it. Fold it up again by another 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) and press it again. Stitch the hem in place using a slip stitch or a blind hem stitch.

Stitch Type	Description
Slip Stitch	A small, invisible stitch used to sew two pieces of fabric together without creating a visible seam.
Blind Hem Stitch	A type of stitch that creates a nearly invisible hem by sewing through only a small portion of the fabric fold.

Inserting the Zipper

Inserting the zipper is a crucial step in creating your skirt from trousers. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure a smooth and professional finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Zipper

Lay the zipper tape flat on a table and align the edges of the fabric with the edges of the zipper tape. Pin the zipper in place, ensuring that the teeth are facing the inside of the trousers.

Step 2: Baste the Zipper

Using a needle and thread, baste the zipper in place by hand, sewing along the edges of the zipper tape and the fabric. This will hold the zipper temporarily in place while you machine sew it.

Step 3: Machine Sew the Zipper

Use a sewing machine to topstitch the zipper in place, sewing as close to the teeth as possible. Sew both sides of the zipper, ensuring that the stitches are straight and secure.

Step 4: Overlock the Edges

To prevent fraying, use an overlocker (serger) to overcast the raw edges of the fabric around the zipper. This will give the skirt a clean and finished look.

Step 5: Reinforce the Zipper

To ensure the zipper’s durability, reinforce it by stitching a small rectangle of strong fabric on the inside of the skirt, over the base of the zipper. This will provide extra support and prevent the zipper from pulling away from the fabric.

Materials:	Instructions:
– Fabric scrap	– Cut a rectangle of fabric slightly larger than the base of the zipper.
– Thread	– Fold the fabric in half and sew the edges together, leaving a small opening to turn it right-side out.
– Needle	– Turn the fabric right-side out and place it over the base of the zipper.
	– Hand-stitch the fabric around the zipper, covering the bottom edge.

Sewing the Side Seams

Once the waistband is attached, it’s time to sew the side seams of your skirt. This is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to take your time and ensure that the seams are sewn evenly and securely.

To sew the side seams, follow these steps:

1. Pin the side seams together

Align the raw edges of the side seams, right sides together. Pin the seams in place, starting at the top of the waistband and working your way down to the hem.

2. Sew the side seams

Using a sewing machine, sew the side seams with a straight stitch. Be sure to use a stitch length that is appropriate for the fabric you are using. For most fabrics, a stitch length of 2.5mm-3mm is ideal.

3. Finish the seams

Once the side seams are sewn, finish them by serging or zigzag stitching the raw edges. This will help to prevent the seams from fraying and will give your skirt a more polished look.

4. Press the seams

Press the side seams open using an iron. This will help to flatten the seams and give your skirt a more professional finish.

5. Topstitch the seams

If desired, you can topstitch the side seams to give your skirt a more tailored look. To topstitch the seams, use a sewing machine to sew a straight stitch along the edge of the seam, about 1/8 inch from the edge.

6. Unpick the darts

If you unpicked the darts in the trousers, you will need to resew them now that the side seams are sewn. To resew the darts, follow these steps:


a.	Fold the fabric along the dart legs, right sides together.
b.	Pin the dart in place, starting at the point and working your way down to the hem.
c.	Sew the dart with a straight stitch, using a stitch length of 2.5mm-3mm.
d.	Press the dart open using an iron.

Hemming the Skirt

Hemming is the final step in transforming your trousers into a skirt. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a neat and professional finish.

1. Determine the Hem Length

Mark the desired hem length on the trousers using a measuring tape and chalk or a sewing gauge. Ensure the length is even all around.

2. Cut the Excess Fabric

Lay the trousers flat and align the cut line with a sharp pair of fabric scissors. Cut along the line to remove the excess fabric.

3. Fold Up the Hem

Fold the raw edge of the skirt up by about 1/4 inch (6 mm) and press it with an iron. Fold it up again by 1/2 inch (12 mm) and press it again.

4. Pin the Hem

Place pins along the hem, spacing them evenly. Ensure the pins are perpendicular to the hemline to prevent puckering.

5. Machine Stitch the Hem

Set your sewing machine to a straight stitch and use a needle suitable for the fabric. Stitch close to the folded edge of the hem, catching both layers of fabric.

6. Clean Up the Loose Threads

Trim any loose threads and use a seam ripper to remove any excess fabric that may have escaped the hem.

7. Finishing Touches

For a more refined finish, consider topstitching the hem. Use a different color thread to create a decorative contrast and enhance the skirt’s appeal. You can also add embellishments such as lace, ribbon, or beads to further personalize your creation.

Adding Trim or Embellishments

Enhance your skirt with decorative accents.

To add a touch of personality and style to your DIY skirt, consider incorporating trim or embellishments. Here are a few ideas:

Lace

Lace trim adds a feminine and elegant touch. You can sew it along the hem, waistband, or even create a tiered effect.

Rickrack

Rickrack is a narrow zigzag trim that can add a playful or whimsical touch. It can be used to accentuate seams or create a decorative border.

Embroidery

Embroidery adds a unique and personal touch. You can hand-embroider or machine-embroider designs onto the skirt fabric.

Beads

Beads can create a sparkling or elegant look. They can be sewn onto the skirt in various patterns or designs.

Sequins

Sequins add a touch of glamour or sparkle. They can be sewn onto the skirt in a random or deliberate pattern.

Fringe

Fringe adds movement and texture. It can be sewn along the hem or used to create a layered effect.

Tassles

Tassles can create a bohemian or ethnic look. They can be added to the waistband, hem, or side seams.

When choosing trim or embellishments, consider the style of your skirt and the desired effect. You can mix and match different elements to create a unique and personalized look.

Finalizing the Fit

Once you’ve sewn the side seams and waistband, it’s time to finalize the fit of your skirt. Here are some tips:

Try on the skirt and check the length. It should hit you at your desired length, whether that’s above or below the knee. If it’s too long, you can hem it by folding up the bottom edge and sewing it in place. If it’s too short, you can add a length of fabric to the bottom edge.
Check the fit of the waistband. It should fit snugly around your waist without being too tight or too loose. If it’s too tight, you can let out the seams by unpicking them and then resewing them at a wider width. If it’s too loose, you can take in the seams by unpicking them and then resewing them at a narrower width.
Check the fit of the hips and thighs. The skirt should fit comfortably around your hips and thighs without being too tight or too loose. If it’s too tight, you can let out the seams by unpicking them and then resewing them at a wider width. If it’s too loose, you can take in the seams by unpicking them and then resewing them at a narrower width.

Here’s a table summarizing the steps for finalizing the fit of your skirt:

Step	Description
1	Try on the skirt and check the length.
2	Check the fit of the waistband.
3	Check the fit of the hips and thighs.

Care and Maintenance

With proper care, your DIY skirt will maintain its shape and vibrancy for years to come. Here are some tips for maintaining your garment:

Cleaning

Hand-washing or machine-washing in cold water on a gentle cycle is recommended. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach or harsh chemicals.

Drying

Line dry your skirt to avoid damaging the fabric. Do not tumble dry.

Ironing

If ironing is necessary, use a low heat setting and place a pressing cloth over the fabric to protect it.

Storage

Store your skirt hanging in a cool, dry place. Avoid folding it excessively to prevent wrinkles.

Home Care Tips

Here is a table of quick tips for home care:

Task	Instructions
Cleaning	Hand-wash or machine-wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent.
Drying	Line dry. Avoid tumble drying.
Ironing	Use a low heat setting and place a pressing cloth over the fabric.
Storage	Hang in a cool, dry place and avoid excessive folding.

How To Make A Skirt From Trousers

Making a skirt from a pair of trousers is a great way to upcycle an old pair of pants or to create a new skirt in a unique style. The process is relatively simple and can be done with basic sewing skills. Here are the steps on how to make a skirt from trousers:

Gather your materials. You will need a pair of trousers, a sewing machine, thread, a measuring tape, scissors, and a seam ripper.
Remove the legs from the trousers. Use the seam ripper to carefully remove the inseam of the trousers, from the crotch to the hem. Repeat for the other leg.
Sew the side seams. With the right sides together, sew the side seams of the skirt, from the waistband to the hem. Finish the seams with a zigzag stitch or serger.
Hem the skirt. Fold the hem up by 1 inch and press. Fold the hem up again by 1 inch and press again. Sew the hem in place with a blind stitch or by hand.
Add a waistband. If desired, you can add a waistband to the skirt. To do this, cut a strip of fabric that is 2 inches wide and the length of the waistband. Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press. Sew the waistband to the top of the skirt, with the raw edges of the waistband facing the inside of the skirt. Fold the waistband over and topstitch in place.