How To Alter A Dress

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Dresses are an essential part of any woman’s wardrobe. They come in different styles, lengths, and designs. However, sometimes the perfect dress might not fit perfectly. In such cases, you don’t need to worry because altering a dress is an easy process. In this article, we will show you how to alter a dress in simple steps.

Why Alter a Dress?

There are many reasons why you might want to alter a dress. It could be too long, too short, too wide, or too tight. Altering a dress can make it fit perfectly and enhance your overall look. Moreover, altering a dress can save you money compared to buying a new one.

What You Will Need

Before you start altering a dress, you will need a few things. These include:

  • Measuring tape
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine or needle and thread

How to Take Measurements

The first step in altering a dress is to take measurements. This will help you determine the areas that need alteration. Here’s how to take measurements:

  • Measure your bust, waist, and hips using a measuring tape.
  • Measure the length of the dress from the shoulder to the hemline.
  • Measure the length of the sleeves from the shoulder to the wrist.

How to Alter the Length of a Dress

If your dress is too long or too short, you can alter the length. Here’s how to do it:

  • Put on the dress and determine the length you want.
  • Use pins to mark the new length.
  • Take off the dress and cut off the excess fabric.
  • Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to hem the dress.

How to Alter the Width of a Dress

If your dress is too wide or too tight, you can alter the width. Here’s how to do it:

  • Put on the dress and determine the areas that need alteration.
  • Use pins to mark the new width.
  • Take off the dress and sew along the pins to adjust the width.
  • Try on the dress to ensure it fits perfectly.

How to Alter the Sleeves of a Dress

If your dress has sleeves that are too long or too short, you can alter the sleeves. Here’s how to do it:

  • Put on the dress and determine the length of the sleeves you want.
  • Use pins to mark the new length.
  • Take off the dress and cut off the excess fabric.
  • Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to hem the sleeves.

FAQs

Q: Can I alter a dress that is too small?

Yes, you can alter a dress that is too small. However, it will require more work compared to altering a dress that is too big.

Q: How much does it cost to alter a dress?

The cost of altering a dress depends on the extent of the alterations needed. Simple alterations such as hemming or shortening sleeves can cost around $15 to $30. However, more complex alterations can cost up to $100 or more.

Q: Can I alter a dress without a sewing machine?

Yes, you can alter a dress without a sewing machine. However, it will require more time and effort compared to using a sewing machine.

Conclusion

Altering a dress is an easy process that can make a big difference in how it fits and looks. With a few tools and some basic sewing skills, you can alter your dress to fit perfectly. Whether it’s adjusting the length, width, or sleeves, the steps are simple and easy to follow. So next time you have a dress that doesn’t fit perfectly, don’t hesitate to alter it!