Master the Art of Hemming a Circle Skirt: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of purchasing a beautiful circle skirt only to find out that it’s too long or too loose at the hemline? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Hemming a circle skirt can be a daunting task, especially for those new to sewing. But fear not, because in this article we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to hem a circle skirt like a pro. Whether you’re a seasoned seamstress looking to perfect your skills or a beginner wanting to tackle this garment for the first time, this guide will provide you with all the necessary tips and tricks. So, dust off your sewing machine and get ready to turn that too-long circle skirt into the perfect fit with our comprehensive guide on how to hem a circle skirt.

Hemming a circle skirt can seem like a daunting task, especially for those who are new to sewing. However, with the right tools and techniques, it can be easily accomplished at home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to hem a circle skirt, from prepping the fabric to finishing the hem. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the necessary knowledge and skills to confidently hem your own circle skirts.

Understanding Circle Skirts

Before we dive into the process of hemming a circle skirt, it’s important to understand what exactly it is. A circle skirt is a type of full skirt that features a circular shape, hence the name. It’s often considered a more difficult garment to sew because of its shape and many beginners shy away from attempting it.

What makes hemming a circle skirt challenging is its curved edge, which can be tricky to sew without creating puckers or unevenness in the stitching. However, by following proper techniques and taking your time with each step, you can achieve a beautifully straight and even hem.

Choosing The Right Fabric

The first step in successfully hemming a circle skirt is choosing the right fabric. The type of fabric you use will determine how easy or difficult it will be to sew your hem. Cotton fabrics are generally easier to work with as they have less stretch and are more stable compared to other fabrics such as silk or satin.

Another important factor to consider when choosing fabric is its weight. Heavier fabrics will create more weight at the hemline, resulting in a fuller and more dramatic look. Lighter fabrics will create less bulk at the hemline, resulting in a softer drape.

It’s best to choose fabrics that are lightweight but not too flimsy so that they hold their shape well when hemmed. Fabrics with a slight stretch, such as knit or spandex blends, can also be used but may require additional techniques to prevent the hem from stretching out.

Preparing The Fabric

Once you have chosen the right fabric for your circle skirt, it’s important to prepare it before attempting to sew the hem. Start by washing and drying the fabric according to its care instructions. This will help remove any sizing or shrinkage that may occur and ensure that your skirt maintains its shape after being hemmed.

Next, iron the fabric to remove any wrinkles or creases. This step is crucial as sewing on wrinkled or creased fabric can lead to an uneven hemline. Using a pressing cloth can also help prevent any damage to delicate fabrics.

Measuring And Marking

The key to achieving a perfectly hemmed circle skirt is accurate measuring and marking. First, measure yourself or your intended wearer at the waistline and desired skirt length, adding an extra 1-2 inches for the hem.

If your fabric has a directional print, make sure that you lay out and cut your pattern pieces in the same direction. To create an even hem for all sides of your circle skirt, fold it in half once then in half again so that it’s quartered.

Using tailor’s chalk or washable market, mark along each edge of the folded fabric at the desired length. This will create 4 markings that will act as guides when sewing your hem.

Sewing The Hem

Now comes the actual sewing part! It’s important to approach this step with patience and take your time to ensure a smooth and even hemline. Start by pinning along one edge of your folded fabric at one of the markings made earlier. Make sure to keep the ends of the fabric aligned to avoid puckering.

Using a straight stitch, sew along the folded edge of the fabric, removing pins as you go. It is recommended to use a ballpoint needle for knit or stretch fabrics, as it will prevent any snags or skipped stitches.

As you approach the next marking, gently stretch out the fabric to create a smooth curve and continue sewing until you reach the starting point. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure your stitching.

Once all four seams have been sewn, try on your skirt and trim any excess fabric if necessary. Now, unfold your skirt and give it a final press with an iron.

Finishing Touches

To give your hem a professional and polished look, consider adding a topstitch around the edge. This will also help prevent any future fraying.

Alternatively, you can also use bias tape or hem tape for finishing off your hemline. This method involves sewing one edge of the tape along your raw edge and folding it over to encase it within the hem.

In Conclusion

Hemming a circle

Understanding Circle Skirts and Their Usefulness

A circle skirt is a type of skirt that is cut in a circular shape, hence the name. This style of skirt is popular for its fullness, movement, and versatility. It can be dressed up for formal events or dressed down for more casual occasions. The fullness of a circle skirt comes from its wide hemline, making it perfect for twirling and dancing. Its flattering feminine silhouette also makes it a popular choice for many women.

Circle skirts originated in the 1950s as part of the “New Look” fashion trend introduced by designer Christian Dior. Since then, they have remained a staple in women’s fashion and have undergone various iterations and adaptations through the years. Today, they are available in a range of lengths, styles, and fabrics to suit any body type and personal style.

One of the key features of circle skirts is their versatility. They can be paired with different types of tops such as blouses, t-shirts, sweaters, or crop tops to create various looks. They can also be worn with different types of shoes such as heels, flats, boots, or sneakers to suit different occasions. This makes them a great addition to any wardrobe as they offer endless styling options.

Preparations before Hemming a Circle Skirt

Before you hem your circle skirt, there are a few things you need to consider in order to achieve the desired result. First and foremost, make sure that your skirt fits you properly at the waistline. If you have made your own circle skirt or are planning to create one from scratch, take accurate measurements before cutting the fabric.

Next, decide on the length you want your skirt to be before hemming it. Keep in mind that once you start sewing your hemline, it will be difficult to make major adjustments without undoing your work. A good rule of thumb is to try on your skirt with the shoes you intend to wear it with and measure the length from your waistline to where you want the skirt to fall.

You should also decide on the type of hem you want for your circle skirt. There are various options such as a narrow rolled hem, a blind hem, or a horsehair braid hem. The type of fabric you are using and the look you want to achieve will determine which hemming technique is best for your skirt.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Hemming a Circle Skirt

Now that you have all the necessary preparations in place, it’s time to start hemming your circle skirt. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve professional-looking results:

1. Pre-wash and iron your fabric – This step is important to avoid any shrinkage or color bleed after hemming.

2. Cut off any excess fabric – If your skirt is too long, trim off the excess fabric before starting the hemming process.

3. Finish raw edges – Depending on the type of fabric and hemming technique, you may need to finish the raw edges of your skirt using either an overlock stitch or a serger.

4. Fold and press – Fold up the raw edge of your circle skirt by the desired amount and press it in place using an iron.

5. Prepare for sewing – You can use pins or clips to hold down the folded edge in place before sewing.

6. Sew – Use a straight stitch or a blind stitch (for an invisible hem) to sew along the folded edge, securing it in place. Make sure not to stretch or pull on the fabric as you sew since this can result in an uneven hemline.

7. Trim any excess threads – Once you have sewn all around the edge, trim off any extra threads for a clean finish.

8. Press again – Finally, give your skirt a final press with the iron to set the hem in place and remove any wrinkles.

Troubleshooting Common Hemming Mistakes

Hemming a circle skirt may seem like a simple task, but it can be challenging for beginners. Here are some common mistakes and how you can fix them:

1. Uneven hemline – This can happen if you stretched or pulled on the fabric while sewing. To fix this, unpick the stitches around the affected area and re-sew without pulling on the fabric.

2. Crooked hemline – If your hemline turns out slanted or crooked, it is likely that you did not fold and press evenly all around the edge. To fix this, unpick the stitches and take your time to evenly fold and press before sewing again.

3. Puckering – Puckering occurs when there is too much tension on the thread while sewing. Make sure to adjust your machine’s tension settings accordingly for different types of fabrics.

4. Bulky hem – If your hem turns out bulky, it means that you have folded too much fabric under when pressing. Try unfolding and pressing less for a smoother finish.

5. Uneven folds – If you have

Q: What is a circle skirt?
A: A circle skirt is a full skirt in a circular shape, typically made from one piece of fabric without any seams.

Q: Why do I need to hem a circle skirt?
A: Hemming a circle skirt is necessary to give it a neat and finished look, as well as to prevent the fabric from fraying or unraveling.

Q: How do I know how much fabric to cut for my circle skirt?
A: To determine the amount of fabric needed, measure the desired length of your skirt and add 1-2 inches for hemming. Then use the formula 2πr (radius) + desired length + seam allowance to calculate the fabric circumference.

Q: Can I hem a circle skirt by hand?
A: Yes, you can hem a circle skirt by hand using a blind stitch or slip stitch. It may take longer but can result in more precise and invisible stitches.

Q: What type of stitch should I use to hem my circle skirt with a sewing machine?
A: It is best to use either a zigzag or narrow rolled hem stitch on your sewing machine when hemming a circle skirt, as these stitches allow for flexibility and prevent puckering.

Q: How can I ensure an even and symmetrical hem on my circle skirt?
A: One helpful tip is to use fabric weights or pins to hold the fabric in place while you are measuring and cutting. Another method is to fold the fabric in half and mark the cutting line with chalk before cutting, ensuring both sides are identical.

In conclusion, hemming a circle skirt may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be achieved successfully. By following the step-by-step method of pinning, basting, and sewing in small sections, the circular shape of the skirt can be maintained while creating a clean and professional-looking hem. Additionally, using tools such as a seam gauge and tailor’s chalk can greatly assist in achieving accurate measurements and markings.

It is also important to choose the appropriate type of hem for your specific circle skirt fabric to avoid any puckering or fraying. Experimenting with different techniques such as rolled hems or double-fold hems can add unique details to your garment.

Furthermore, taking proper care of your circle skirt by steam pressing and storing it flat will help maintain its shape and appearance. Consistently checking and adjusting the hem as needed will ensure that your circle skirt remains a flattering piece in your wardrobe for years to come.

By mastering the art of hemming a circle skirt, not only will you have an essential skill for future sewing projects, but you will also gain a sense of satisfaction from creating a beautifully finished garment with your own hands. Remember to be patient and meticulous in each step of the process, as attention to detail is

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.