Shopping for dresses can be a frustrating experience, especially when you can’t seem to find the perfect fit. But before you give up on a dress that’s too loose or too long, why not try some DIY tips to make it fit you better? In this article, we’ll share some simple hacks to help you tailor your dresses at home.
- Take in the sides
If a dress is too loose in the waist or hips, you can easily take in the sides to make it fit better. Start by turning the dress inside out and putting it on. Pinch the fabric on each side to determine how much you need to take in, then use straight pins to mark the area. Sew a straight line from the armpit to the hem, following the pins. Try on the dress to make sure the fit is just right, then cut off any excess fabric and finish the seam with a serger or zigzag stitch.
- Shorten the hem
If a dress is too long, you can easily shorten the hem to make it fit better. Start by trying on the dress with the shoes you plan to wear with it. Mark the desired length with straight pins, then use scissors to cut off the excess fabric. Fold the raw edge under twice and sew a straight stitch to create a new hem. If the dress has a lining, you’ll need to repeat the process with the lining as well.
- Adjust the neckline
If a dress has a neckline that’s too low or too high, you can easily adjust it to make it fit better. For a lower neckline, mark the desired depth with straight pins, then use a ruler to draw a straight line from the shoulder to the pin. Cut along the line, then finish the raw edge with a zigzag stitch or bias tape. For a higher neckline, use a similar process to add fabric to the existing neckline, using a color and fabric that match the dress.
- Add darts
If a dress is too loose in the bust, you can add darts to make it fit better. Start by trying on the dress and pinching the fabric to determine where the darts should go. Mark the location with straight pins, then sew a straight line from the bottom of the dart to the top. Try on the dress to make sure the fit is just right, then finish the dart with a serger or zigzag stitch.
Conclusion
Tailoring a dress to fit you perfectly can be a simple and rewarding DIY project. With these tips, you can take in the sides, shorten the hem, adjust the neckline, or add darts to make your dresses fit you better. Don’t give up on a dress just because it’s not the perfect fit – with a little bit of sewing know-how, you can transform it into a flattering and comfortable garment that you’ll love to wear.