Stiffened hems + hem length

[gem]

Ok, we may be able to file this under Doltish Questions, but just in case...

Does stiffening a hem affect a skirt's length? As in, will adding something to a hem (wool, felt, a facing, etc) to stiffen it take up extra length, the way wearing a skirt over hoops/petticoats will? If so, how do you plan for that?

I'm looking at my kirtle skirt right now, and it's hanging pretty much straight down at the moment, but my plan is to face the hem with about 4" of heavier-weight material so it stands out a bit. Is it going to end up slightly shorter than I was intending? Should I just quit dithering and go mark the pox'd hem already?

Gramercy!

[Kate XXXXXX]

This is where a trial run really helps.  Yes, it's extra work, but worth it.  Baste the stiffening in and baste the hem up, and then experiment with the length when you know the effects.

[Taffy Saltwater]

I've done maybe 3 or 4 skirts w/the lined hem & found that the only loss was the seam allowance where the skirt & lining are attached.  I love the lined hems and am always sorry when I get too lazy to do them.

I know your sewing experience puts me to shame, but I've found that adding trim - ribbon, usually - a couple inches off the bottom of the hem adds a lot of body.

[Hoowil]

I would think that it would raise the hem line a little, just because the fabric is the same lenght, but hangs a little further out. Wether or not it is enough to really make a visable difference, I don't know.