There are no rules about the length of your hemline, unless you mix in Royal circles. It is really just a matter of what feels comfortable for the wearer and appropriate for the situation.

This soft blue cotton skirt was in Lily’s exit pile – most likely because it is too short, even for slim teenagers. The upcycling solution is adding a piece of fabric to extend the hem to a more agreeable length.

At our weekend workshop, Jade and I decided what length we wanted the finished skirt to be (to suit her younger sister) and then tore two extender strips of lightweight white linen fabric (from my stash). After fringing away the excess threads, Jade sewed the strips together into one long piece then zigzagged the edges to stop further fraying. This was then zigzagged onto the existing hemline, with the excess twirled into a loose floret (and secured by machine stitching). We then found a white doily and sewed it across the join to link new with old. See Jade’s work in progress photos below. 

The finished result (modelled by Ellie) has a natural-fibre crinkled look, achieved without ironing (saving effort or energy). The handling and body heat transferred during the upcycling process was enough to achieve a natural crushed look, that looked good with a white Indian cotton shirt. Thanks girls, for your four Sew it Again upcycles (Sew 298-301) and I hope you took away a few ideas of how you can adapt existing clothing as a sustainable alternative to always buying new. I’m looking forward to a Textile Beat workshop tomorrow with some of Brisbane’s home-schooling students that should generate a few more guest posts! Like the Textile Beat facebook page if you are interested in more upcycling tips.