If you have a knit top that is too long, rather than take the hem up, why not ruche the sides rather than take up the hem.
You can also use this method to shorten sleeves too. It’s really simple and you don’t need to know how to sew to do it. Watch this short video that explains how.
What a great idea, so simple and effective.
Thanks Fiona! I do it to so many of my knit tops so they sit at just the right point (hip bone) plus the gathers help hide my tummy.
oooh, i love this – an easy fix to several of my wardrobe problems. but i need a zoom lens to see what your fingers are doing! no sewing skills at all and am not even sure what a knot stitch/tacking stitch is.
Jenni – a tacking stitch is basically the in and out stitch – and a knot is just in and out and back in over the same spot, then thread the needle through the loop of cotton before you pull it tight.
Here is a youtube video showing how to do it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6657ZhHWgI and here is how to tie a knot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmgTjFdOu6s
oh great – thank you for these links!
What a handy tip! Thanks!
Imogen, you really are a genius! Thank you for all the information you give us. If I didn’t live a whole world away (in Canada) I’d sign up for one of your workshops (or all of them) in a flash. Many, many thanks!
Carol – I really appreciate your lovely comment! One day I hope to get to Canada and meet you!
It would be my pleasure to have you! You know that where I live (Vancouver) we were voted (who decides these things, anyway?) one of the worst dressed cities in the world, because of the local penchant for wearing yoga-wear everywhere!
So would love to get to Vancouver – it’s supposed to be beautiful!
Hi Imogen, if you have a sewing machine, you can sew thin elastic along the inside seam line. Secure each end first and then stretch out and sew, trying to sew along the middle. Stretch out the elastic quite firmly and it should gather up well. Best on fine fabrics and knits.
Thanks for this tip Leonie!
Genius!
Hi Imogen,
I use this idea by using elastic thread on sewing machine, for converting long tops into maternity tops which have a lot of shirring on the side.
Fantastic idea to shorten the tops and sleeves, I agree!
Genius.