How to Sew a Slit, In Any Skirt or Dress

Learn how to sew a slit. Sewing slits into a garment can be fashionable and practical at the same time. The stylish slit can practically add design and movement to a simple skirt. Sewing slits allows better movement in what could be a rather tight fit. Slits can be added at the start of a pattern, or they can help reinvent a garment you already have in your wardrobe.

How to Sew a Slit from Scratch

The practical sewing slit may be seen on a pencil skirt at the side, back, or even the front. Play around with an old skirt and use one of the seams to unpick and create a slit. Slits may make a difference to the feel of a shirt with a slit feature at the back or the sides. 

These instructions will show you how to sew a slit in a new garment that you are sewing from the beginning. The slit may already be part of the instructions, or you may want to add one to the pattern.

Step 1 – Cut and Mark the Slit Position

Cut the pattern out and mark the slit opening according to the pattern markings.

Step 2 – Sew Seam

Sew the pattern to the beginning of the slit.  Try on the garment to check the slit is the length you require. Adjust if necessary.

Step 3 – Neaten the Slit Edges

Neaten the edges of the seam, and this will include the edges of the slit. Press the seam open, and at the same time, press the neatened edges of the slit.

Step 4 – Sewing Slit Edges

Sew around the slit up, across, and down.

Step 5 – Sew the Hem

Measure how deep you require the hem to be. Then neaten the hem edge, press and sew the hem.

How to Add a Slit to a Dress or Skirt

These instructions are for sewing a slit in a skirt or dress that you already have in your wardrobe.

1. Press the seam open and flat to see where the seam’s stitching lies.
2. Try on the skirt and decide where the slit is going to end. Mark with a pin or tailor’s chalk.
3. Unpick the hem in the area where the slit will be made. Use your seam ripper to open the seam to the point you have marked. This will expose the slit opening.
4. Neaten the edge of the opened seam and press. 
5. Then try on your skirt with the planned slit opening. If you are happy with that opening, decide on the length of the hem and sew the hem in the place where it was unpicked.
6. Press the hem and slit, and your skirt is good to go.

In Conclusion

Sewing slits is really as easy as that. It is a fashion statement or a practical way to alter a lovely skirt. Turn an old favorite skirt in your wardrobe into a gorgeous skirt fit for the catwalk, or just make a super comfortable and wearable skirt ready to wear for another season.