How to lengthen a short top (3 Easy ideas)

Do you have that one top which you would gladly wear if it was just a little bit longer? Let this no longer be a problem. This post is about adding extra length to tops which are shorter than you want them to be.

Idea 1

To lengthen a top, add lace trims

An easy way to add length to short tops is to add a wide trim or a frill to the hem.

An easy way to add lace trims with a false piping goes like this –

Keep the fabric edge and the raw edge of the lace together, rightsides to the inside.

( As you stitch, the raw edge will be to the outside but this will be turned into a beautiful piping like edge with bias tape.)

Trim the seam allowance to 1/4 inches. Use a bias binding tape to bind the raw edge. 

In the above picture, the lace and fabric edge are kept right sides together; bind the edge with bias tape.

This is how it will look when you open the fabric and straighten the edge.  You can top stitch everything in place.The binded edge looks like a trim.

Idea 2

Add another top’s hem

Another sewing hack to add length is to cut off the bottom part of old shirts and add them to the hem of the top as in the picture below.

Idea 3

Use an extender

Another method is to make an top extender; then you can add length to all and any short tops you have easily. Just use this extender under all the too-short tops you have. 

The idea is to make a small skirt like addition which can be sewn easily and slipped-on under the tops – the final result is an illusion that your top is long

Step 1.

First cut off the bottom portion of an old loose t-shirt or an old top – it is better in a neutral color so that it will match with all the short tops that you have.

The length of this portion should be the length you want from your waist plus 1 1/2 inch for turning allowance. I took the length as 11 inches.

Step 2.

Cut enough 1/4 inch wide elastic to go over your waist plus 1 inch seam allowance

Step 3.

Make a casing along the top edge of your t-shirt cut off. Thread elastic through the casing with a bodkin.

Secure with stitches.

This is your extender.

You will be wearing the extender first as you would a slip.

If you wear it low, it can look like a peplum underneath your top.

I prefer just a small peek, enough to add the required length.

Updated on October 31, 2022 by Sarina Tariq