How to Alter a Dress that Fits Perfectly

Are you in love with a dress but find that it doesn’t quite fit you perfectly? Don’t worry; altering a dress is a common and relatively simple task that can make a dress fit like it was made just for you. Whether it’s too long, too short, too tight, or too loose, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to alter a dress that fits perfectly.

1. Measure Your Body

Before you start altering your dress, it’s essential to measure your body accurately. Take measurements of your bust, waist, hips, and the length of the dress. Write these measurements down so you can refer to them as you make your alterations.

2. Determine What Needs to Be Altered

Based on your measurements, decide what needs to be altered. For example, if the dress is too long, you’ll need to shorten it. If it’s too tight, you may need to take it in at the sides or bust. If it’s too loose, you might need to let it out or add darts for a better fit.

3. Gather the Necessary Materials

To alter your dress, you’ll need some basic sewing supplies, such as pins, fabric markers, a measuring tape, scissors, and thread that matches your dress. If you’re planning to take in or let out the dress, you may also need a seam ripper to remove the existing seams.

4. Shortening the Dress

If your dress is too long, mark the desired length on the hem with a fabric marker. Cut the dress at the marked point, leaving a 1-inch seam allowance. Sew the hem back together, using a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying. Press the hem flat, and you’re done!

5. Taking in the Dress

To take in the dress, mark the areas where you want to remove fabric with a fabric marker. Cut along the marked lines, being careful not to cut through the existing seams. Remove the excess fabric, and then sew the sides back together, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Press the seams open, and your dress should now fit better.

6. Letting Out the Dress

If your dress is too loose, you may need to let it out by adding darts or gathering the fabric. To add a dart, mark the dart points on the dress with a fabric marker, and then cut along the marked lines. Remove the excess fabric, and sew the dart points together, creating a triangle shape. Press the dart open, and your dress should now fit better.

7. Adding gathers

To add gathers, mark the areas where you want to gather the fabric with a fabric marker. Cut a horizontal line across the dress, just above the gathers. Remove the excess fabric, and then sew the gathers together, using a gathering stitch. Adjust the gathers to your desired width, and sew the bottom of the gathers to the dress.

8. Finishing Touches

After making the necessary alterations, give your dress a final press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles. Make sure the dress fits well and that all the seams are neatly stitched. If needed, make any additional adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.

In conclusion, altering a dress that fits perfectly is a rewarding task that can make you feel more confident and stylish. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can transform your favorite dress into a perfect fit for you.