How to Alter a Dress to Make It Shorter
Are you in possession of a beautiful dress that’s just a bit too long for your liking? Don’t worry; you don’t have to part with it just yet. With a few simple steps and some basic sewing skills, you can easily alter a dress to make it shorter. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring that your dress fits perfectly and looks stunning.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
– Your dress
– Scissors
– Measuring tape
– Pins
– Thread that matches your dress
– Sewing machine (optional)
Step 1: Measure the Dress
First, measure the dress from the hem to the desired length. This will give you an idea of how much fabric you need to remove. Make sure to measure the dress while it’s on a flat surface to get an accurate measurement.
Step 2: Mark the Hem
Using a fabric pen or a piece of chalk, mark the hem of the dress at the desired length. This will serve as a guide when cutting the fabric.
Step 3: Cut the Fabric
Place the dress on a flat surface and cut the fabric along the marked line. Be sure to cut the fabric on the wrong side of the dress to avoid any visible marks on the right side.
Step 4: Hem the Dress
Now, it’s time to hem the dress. You can choose to create a rolled hem, a narrow hem, or a straight hem, depending on your preference. Here’s a brief overview of each:
– Rolled Hem: Fold the hem up by 1/4 inch, press, then fold it up by another 1/4 inch and press again. Pin the hem in place and sew along the edge using a zigzag stitch.
– Narrow Hem: Fold the hem up by 1/4 inch, press, and then fold it up by another 1/4 inch. Pin the hem in place and sew along the edge using a straight stitch.
– Straight Hem: Fold the hem up by 1/4 inch, press, and then fold it up by another 1/4 inch. Pin the hem in place and sew along the edge using a straight stitch, making sure to catch the previous stitching line.
Step 5: Trim and Press
After hemming the dress, trim any excess threads and press the hem to ensure it lies flat.
Step 6: Try on the Dress
Finally, try on the dress to make sure it fits perfectly. If you’re happy with the results, you’ve successfully altered your dress to make it shorter!
Remember, altering a dress can be a fun and rewarding project. With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be able to tailor your wardrobe to your personal style and preferences. Happy sewing!
