Transforming Old Pants Into A Stylish Pencil Skirt: A Diy Guide

Have you ever looked at a pair of pants in your closet and thought to yourself, I wish these were a skirt instead? Well, with a little creativity and some basic sewing skills, you can easily transform those pants into a stylish and fashionable pencil skirt. Not only is this a great way to upcycle old or ill-fitting pants, but it also allows you to add a unique piece to your wardrobe that you won't find anywhere else. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of turning your pants into a chic pencil skirt, so grab your sewing kit and let's get started!

Gathering the materials and tools needed

To transform a pair of pants into a pencil skirt, you will need a few essential materials and tools. These items will help you achieve a clean and professional-looking outcome. Here's a list of everything you'll need to get started:

• Pair of pants: Choose a pair of pants that fit you well in the waist and hips. Make sure the pants are made of a fabric that will work well as a skirt, such as denim or cotton. Avoid pants with excessive pleats or bulky pockets.
• Scissors: A pair of sharp scissors is essential for cutting the fabric. Make sure they are sharp enough to cut through the thickness of the pants.
• Seam ripper: If your pants have any topstitching, zippers, or other details that are not transferred easily into a skirt, you'll need a seam ripper to remove them. This tool allows for precise and careful removal of unwanted stitches.
• Sewing machine: While it may be possible to hand-sew the skirt, using a sewing machine will ensure a much cleaner and sturdier result. If you're not familiar with using a sewing machine, it's worth taking the time to practice before starting this project.
• Thread: Choose a thread color that matches the fabric of your pants. This will help ensure that any stitching you do will blend seamlessly with the existing fabric.
• Pins: You'll need sewing pins to hold the fabric in place while you work. Make sure they are sharp and in good condition.
• Measuring tape: This tool will help you take accurate measurements of your waist and desired skirt length. It will ensure that your skirt fits well and looks flattering.
• Marking tool: You'll need a fabric pencil or chalk to mark your cutting lines and any adjustments you need to make. Choose a tool that is easily visible on your fabric but can be easily removed later.
• Iron and ironing board: Pressing the fabric throughout the process is crucial to achieving a professional-looking result. Make sure your iron is in good working condition.
• Fusible interfacing (optional): If the fabric of your pants is too lightweight or stretchy to hold its shape as a skirt, you may want to use fusible interfacing. This will add stability and structure to the skirt.

Gathering these materials and tools before starting your project will ensure that you have everything you need at hand. This will allow you to work efficiently and achieve the best possible results. Once you have everything ready, you can move on to the next steps of transforming your pants into a stylish pencil skirt.

Measuring and cutting the pants into a pencil skirt shape

To transform a pair of pants into a stylish pencil skirt, you will first need to measure and cut the pants into the appropriate shape. This step is crucial for achieving the desired fit and silhouette. Follow these instructions to accurately measure and cut the pants into a pencil skirt shape:

Prepare the pants:

• Choose a pair of pants that has a straight or slightly tapered leg. Avoid pants with flared or wide-leg styles, as they will not provide the desired fitted look of a pencil skirt.
• Make sure the pants are clean and free from wrinkles. Iron them if necessary to ensure accurate measurements and a smooth cutting process.

Gather your tools:

• A measuring tape
• A chalk or fabric marker
• Sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter
• Straight pins
• A ruler or straight edge (optional but helpful)

Take your measurements:

• Start by measuring your natural waistline. This is the narrowest part of your torso, typically located above the belly button. Write down this measurement.
• Measure the length you desire for your pencil skirt. This will depend on your preference and the style you want to achieve. Measure from your natural waistline down to the desired length on your leg. Keep in mind that pencil skirts typically end around the knee or slightly below it. Write down this measurement as well.

Mark the cutting lines:

• Lay the pants flat on a cutting surface with the front facing up.
• Using the measuring tape and chalk or fabric marker, mark your natural waistline measurement on the waistband of the pants. Make sure these marks are evenly placed on both sides.
• Starting from the waistline marks, draw two parallel lines down the length measurement you took earlier. These lines should run parallel to the side seams of the pants and taper in slightly towards the bottom. This will create the tapered shape of the pencil skirt.
• If you prefer, you can use a ruler or straight edge to help you draw straight lines.

Pin and cut along the marked lines:

• Once you are satisfied with the lines you have drawn, use the straight pins to secure the front and back layers of the pants together along the marked lines. This will prevent the fabric from shifting during the cutting process.
• Carefully cut along the marked lines with sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter, following a smooth and even motion. Take your time to ensure accuracy and precision while cutting. Remove any pins as you go along.
• If the pants have inner seams or additional layers, be sure to cut only through the top layer, leaving the remaining layers intact.

Finish the edges:

• After cutting, you may notice that the raw edges of the skirt need finishing to prevent fraying. You can use a serger, zigzag stitch on a sewing machine, or even hand sew a straight stitch along the edges to secure them.
• Alternatively, if the fabric does not fray easily, you may choose to leave the edges unfinished, especially if you prefer a more casual or distressed look.

Once you have successfully measured and cut the pants into a pencil skirt shape, you can move on to the next steps of adding a waistband, hemming, and any additional alterations or embellishments. With a little creativity and skill, you can transform your old pants into a fashionable pencil skirt that perfectly suits your style and body shape.

Sewing the seams and hemming the skirt

Now that you have successfully cut and resized your pants into a pencil skirt shape, it's time to sew the seams and hem the skirt. Sewing the seams will give your skirt its shape and structure, while hemming will help give it a clean and finished look.

• Start by sewing the side seams of the skirt. Match the raw edges of the front and back panels of the skirt, right sides together. Pin them in place to keep them aligned.
• Using a sewing machine or a needle and thread, stitch along the pinned edge, starting from the waistband and sewing all the way down to the hem. Use a straight stitch or a narrow zigzag stitch for the seam.
• After sewing the side seams, try on the skirt to check the fit. If the skirt feels too tight or too loose, you can make adjustments by taking in or letting out the seams as needed.
• Next, it's time to sew the back seam. Align the raw edges of the back panels, right sides together, and pin them in place. Sew along the pinned edge, starting from the bottom of the zipper or button closure and sewing all the way down to the hem.
• Once the seams are sewn, it's time to finish the raw edges. You can do this by using a serger, zigzag stitch, or overcasting stitch on your sewing machine. This will prevent the raw edges from fraying and give your skirt a clean finish on the inside.
• After finishing the raw edges, it's time to hem the skirt. Try on the skirt again to determine your desired length. Fold the raw edge of the hem up towards the inside of the skirt by 1/2 inch and press it with an iron.
• Fold the hem up again by another 1/2 inch and press it. Pin the folded hem in place to keep it secure.
• Using a sewing machine or a needle and thread, stitch along the folded edge of the hem, using a straight stitch or a blind hem stitch. Make sure to catch the folded edge of the hem in your stitches so that it stays in place.
• Once the hem is stitched, try on the skirt one final time to make sure the length is to your liking. If necessary, you can make adjustments by letting out or taking up the hem as needed.
• Finally, give your skirt a good press with an iron to remove any wrinkles and help the seams lay flat.

Congratulations, you have successfully sewn the seams and hemmed your pencil skirt! Now you can enjoy your new skirt and show off your sewing skills.

Adding finishing touches and styling the pencil skirt

Now that you have successfully transformed your pants into a stylish pencil skirt, it's time to add the finishing touches and style your new creation. Here are some tips to help you complete your look and make your pencil skirt stand out:

• Hemming: If you didn't already hem the bottom of your skirt during the transformation process, now is the time to do so. Measure the desired length and mark it with pins. Then, use a sewing machine or hand stitch the hem. Make sure to try on the skirt and adjust the length if necessary before stitching.
• Pressing: Ironing your pencil skirt will give it a polished and professional look. Set your iron to the appropriate heat setting for the fabric you used and press the skirt gently. Pay special attention to the seams and the hemline to ensure they lay flat.
• Waistband: If your pants had a waistband, you can choose to keep it or remove it depending on your preference and the design of your skirt. If you decide to keep the waistband, make sure it fits comfortably around your waist. If it's too loose, you may need to take it in by sewing in a small dart or adding elastic to the back.
• Belt loops: If your pants had belt loops, you can choose to remove them or keep them as a decorative feature. If you decide to keep them, make sure they're evenly spaced and securely stitched onto the waistband.
• Fastening: Decide on the type of fastening you'd like for your skirt. Options include a zipper, buttons, or hooks. If you choose a zipper, sew it along the back seam of the skirt, making sure it aligns perfectly. If you prefer buttons or hooks, sew them in place according to your desired placement.
• Finishing touches: Add any embellishments or decorative details you desire to personalize your skirt. This could include lace trim along the hemline, decorative buttons, or contrasting topstitching. Get creative and experiment with different options to make your skirt truly unique.
• Styling: Now that your pencil skirt is complete, it's time to think about how to style it for different occasions. Pair it with a classic button-down shirt and pumps for a sophisticated office look. For a more casual outfit, wear it with a tucked-in graphic tee and sneakers. You can also dress it up for a night out by wearing a fitted blouse and high heels.

Remember to always consider the occasion, your personal style, and the overall look you want to achieve when styling your pencil skirt. Play around with different combinations to find what works best for you. And most importantly, rock your new skirt with confidence!

Frequently asked questions