How to Line a Skirt: 12 Steps
A well-lined skirt not only provides additional comfort and coverage but also adds a professional finish to your garment. Lining a skirt can seem like a daunting task, but by following these 12 steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a beautifully lined skirt.
1. Choose the right fabric: Select a lining fabric that complements the main fabric of your skirt. Lightweight, non-static options like polyester or silk are ideal for lining.
2. Gather materials: You’ll need your main fabric, lining fabric, sewing machine, matching thread, pins, scissors, measuring tape, and an iron.
3. Cut out the pattern pieces: Using your skirt pattern, cut out the main fabric and lining pieces. Make sure to add seam allowances when cutting the lining.
4. Sew darts or pleats (if applicable): If your skirt pattern includes darts or pleats, sew them both into the main fabric and lining separately.
5. Pin the front and back pieces: With right sides together, pin the front and back pieces of the main fabric and the lining separately along the side seams.
6. Stitch side seams: Sew the side seams of both the main fabric and lining with a 5/8-inch seam allowance.
7. Press seams open: Use an iron to press open all seam allowances for a clean finish.
8. Attach the waistband: If your skirt has a waistband, sew it to the right side of the main fabric’s waist edge first and then attach it to the lining’s waist edge accordingly.
9. Invert and pin the raw edge: With right sides together, place the lining inside the main skirt such that their top edges align correctly. Pin together along both side seams and waistband if included.
10. Sewing around zipper (optional): If incorporating a zipper, follow its instructions for attaching it to both layers -main fabric and lining. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end to reinforce.
11. Hemming the lining: Trim lining, allowing it to be slightly shorter than the main skirt. Fold the bottom edge under twice, pin in place and stitch along the folded edge.
12. Press and finalize: Give your skirt a final press with the iron, allowing all seams and hems to sit flat. Now you’ve successfully lined your skirt!
Enjoy your newly-lined skirt’s improved comfort, durability, and professional look. Don’t be daunted by what may seem like a complicated process; with practice and patience, lining a skirt becomes an easy addition to any sewing project.