Can you alter a dress that’s too small? This is a common question that many women face when they find a dress that they absolutely love but is a size too small. Altering a dress can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to fit the dress perfectly to your body. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in altering a dress that’s too small and provide some tips to ensure the best results.
The first step in altering a dress that’s too small is to assess the areas that need adjusting. Common issues include tight sleeves, a tight waist, or a short hem. Once you have identified the problem areas, you can start planning the alterations. Here are some tips to help you through the process:
1. Take Measurements: Before you start any alterations, take accurate measurements of the dress and your body. This will help you determine how much fabric needs to be added or removed in each area.
2. Choose the Right Fabric: When altering a dress, it’s important to use the same type of fabric as the original dress. This ensures that the dress will maintain its shape and appearance after the alterations.
3. Use a Seam Ripper Carefully: Seam rippers can be a powerful tool, but they can also damage the fabric if used incorrectly. Always work slowly and carefully when removing seams.
4. Add or Remove Fabric: Depending on the issue, you may need to add fabric to the dress (for a larger size) or remove fabric (for a smaller size). When adding fabric, be sure to sew it securely to the dress and trim any excess threads.
5. Adjust the Sleeves: If the sleeves are too tight, you may need to remove the sleeves and re-cut them to fit. Remember to keep the original sleeve pattern to ensure a proper fit.
6. Tighten the Waist: To tighten a dress that’s too big, you can add darts or pleats to the waist area. This will create a gathered effect that helps to cinch in the waistline.
7. Shorten the Hem: If the dress is too long, you can simply shorten the hem by cutting off the excess fabric and sewing the new hem in place.
8. Press the Dress: After making any alterations, it’s important to press the dress to ensure that the seams lay flat and the dress fits properly.
9. Seek Professional Help: If you’re not confident in your sewing skills, it’s a good idea to take the dress to a professional seamstress. They can make the necessary alterations and ensure that the dress fits perfectly.
Remember, altering a dress that’s too small can be a rewarding experience. Not only will you have a dress that fits you perfectly, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands. So, the next time you find that perfect dress that’s just a bit too small, don’t despair—consider altering it to make it your own.
