Today we're kicking off the Butterfly Skirt sew-along in the sew-alongs group over on the discussion forums. I’m really excited about this project, and I hope you’ll join us! It’s such a fun way to connect with fellow sewists while honing your skills.
While you’re getting started on your project, I wanted to share a quick tip for a small but impactful modification that works beautifully with this pattern—and several others from the Oliver + S collection. This tweak can add versatility to your garments, making them more adaptable over time.
One of the great things about patterns like the Butterfly Skirt, which feature a smooth front and elastic back, is how simple it is to convert them into something even better: an adjustable elastic waist. Why would you want to do this? Well, there are plenty of reasons:
- **Longevity**: Clothes that fit well today might not fit tomorrow, especially when sewing for growing kids. An adjustable waist ensures your creations stay comfortable as they grow.
- **Uncertainty in Measurements**: Sometimes, if you're sewing for someone who lives far away—or if you’re not entirely confident about their exact measurements—an adjustable waist offers peace of mind.
- **Sharing Clothes**: If a piece eventually gets passed down to another child, having an adjustable waist means it can easily be tailored to fit its new owner.
To make this happen, you'll need just two things: buttonhole elastic (either brand-new from the fabric store or salvaged from an old garment) and two buttons.
Here's how it works: When you reach the step where you typically insert regular elastic into the back waistband, swap it out for buttonhole elastic instead. Instead of sewing the elastic ends closed, leave them exposed. Then, sew one button near each end of the elastic so that it can fasten securely. Ta-da! You now have a fully functional adjustable waistband.
This technique isn't limited to the Butterfly Skirt—it also looks fantastic on other Oliver + S patterns like the Badminton Shorts and Skorts, as well as the Sailboat Pants and Skirt.
If you've tried adding an adjustable elastic waistband to any other Oliver + S designs, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Sharing tips and experiences always makes the sewing community stronger!
And before I sign off, here's a quick note about ads. While I understand their importance, I personally prefer content that feels authentic and uncluttered. So whether or not you enjoy the ads sprinkled throughout this post, I hope the ideas shared here resonate with you.
Happy sewing, everyone! Let me know how your projects turn out—I can’t wait to see what you create.
P.S. If you're looking for more inspiration or troubleshooting advice, feel free to pop over to the forums. We’re all here to help one another grow as sewists!
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