How to Make a Slit in a Dress

Show off your legs and your style by adding a sassy slit to your favorite dress or long skirt.

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Let's face it—long dresses are beautiful and fashionable, but they can get hot and stuffy when it's warm outside. Add a tasteful slit to a maxi dress or floor-length skirt to create a little bit of sex appeal, show off your cute shoes, and stay cool in the hot summer months.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape

  • Washable marking pen

  • Sharp scissors

  • Iron and ironing board

  • Pins

  • Sewing machine with a universal 90/14 needle

The dress before making a slit.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

1. Measure the slit

Measure and mark the slit location on the dress.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Put the dress on and have a friend measure from the bottom of the dress to where you'd like the slit to start. Mark this location with a washable marking pen.

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Tip

You could also lay the dress flat or use a dress form.

2. Mark the slit

Look for the grain of the fabric.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Before you cut the slit, look for the grain of the fabric. The grain line runs parallel with the selvage edges of the fabric. You will actually see these lines in the fabric if you look closely. Place a straight edge along the grain line and use a washable marker to draw a cutting line from the hem of the dress to the place you'd like the slit to start.

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3. Cut the slit

Cut the new slit.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Start at the bottom of the dress and cut along your cutting line with a sharp pair of scissors.

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4. Press the edges

Press the raw edges over twice.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Fold the raw edges over 1/4 inch twice on each side of the slit. Press with a hot iron.

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5. Pin the edges

Pin the folds.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Pin the folds in place.

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6. Sew the edges

Sew the pressed folds to hem the raw edges.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Use a universal 90/14 needle in your sewing machine and sew the folded edges. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.

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Tip

Try this technique with one off-center slit or two even side slits for a completely different look.

And that's it! Stay cool!

How to make a slit in a dress.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington
After picture of the dress slit.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

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