The back slit, otherwise known as a vent extension, is what makes it possible for us to walk normally when wearing a skirt that's more form fitting. Unless the fabric is quite stretchy, adding a kick pleat is quite essential. Otherwise, that skirt or dress will be quite restrictive. Thankfully, we don't have to choose between looking sassy in a pencil skirt and being able to walk at a normal pace. This, of course, is all thanks to the back slit, and its cousins, the side slit and front slit. I don't believe that these slits are simply functional, as they can be, themselves, can give the garment their own fashionable look.
Our tutorial shows you how this look is created from pattern to fabric. I believe the back slit to be one of my stars for creating the pencil skirt. If you want to make something like this, then definitely check out our tutorial Pencil Skirt Pattern where I show you how to add a kick pleat to your basic skirt pattern.
Thank you for your very helpful tutorials–you’ve made me into an adequate sewer from a complete beginner in January. Do you have a tutorial (and pattern) for a vent extension for skirt lining? I’m finding this very difficult to figure out because other tutorials aren’t clear about the precise shape to cut out in lining fabric, or the actual steps needed to sew the skirt and lining together at the vent (e.g., before zipper, after hem, how to hem, etc.) Thank you!
I can’t thank you enough ……….. thank you very much
You can just not cut the notches as deep. The seam may not lay as flat but this is best if you’re considering doing future alterations to it. This should not affect the overall shape of the dress. If your unsure about size of the dress you’re making, I recommend making a muslin first. This means cut the basic pieces out of cheap fabric and baste the pieces together. Then you can try it on and see if it works for you or make alterations. Then with that information, you can use your more expensive fabric to create your final garment. I’m really glad you’re finding the site helpful in learning how to sew. 🙂
Thanks a lot you are so nice
but i have another question if i have a curve and i want to clip it like you do in your videos from inside to enhance its shape and i don’t want to shorten the seam allowance area what should i do clip it but not to the end or what ……..and if i did that and want to widen the dress will it affect the shape of the dress
sorry i have a lot of questions but you are the angel of sewing
Sure. That’s the nice thing about sewing your own things, you can create your own rules and just do what you want. 🙂
Can i ask you if i don’t want to trim my seam allowance in the shirt or garment…. is it ok or not so that if i gain weight i can widen it