How to Alter a Baggy Dress

Are you tired of your favorite dress looking like it’s swallowed a pillow? Do you wish you could make it fit perfectly without sacrificing your comfort? If so, you’re in luck! Altering a baggy dress is a straightforward process that can be done with minimal effort and a few basic supplies. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to alter a baggy dress, so you can enjoy your favorite outfit once again.

1. Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have the following materials on hand:

– Measuring tape
– Fabric marker or chalk
– Scissors
– Pins
– Seam ripper (optional)
– Thread and needle
– Iron and ironing board

2. Measure Your Dress

Take accurate measurements of your dress, including the length, bust, waist, and hip. This will help you determine where to make adjustments. Remember to measure the dress laid flat, without stretching it.

3. Decide on the Alterations

Based on your measurements, decide which areas of the dress need to be altered. Common adjustments include:

– Taking in the sides or waist
– Shortening the dress
– Lifting the bust line

4. Make the Necessary Cuts

Using your fabric marker or chalk, mark the areas where you’ll need to make cuts. Be sure to mark the correct length and width for the adjustments you’re making. If you’re taking in the sides or waist, you’ll need to make parallel cuts on both sides of the dress, 1 to 2 inches away from the seam. If you’re shortening the dress, mark the new hemline on the bottom edge.

5. Cut and Pin the Fabric

Using your scissors, carefully cut along the marked lines. If you’re taking in the sides or waist, you may need to use a seam ripper to remove the existing seam allowances. Once the fabric is cut, pin the edges together, ensuring that the right sides are facing each other.

6. Sew the Adjustments

Using a straight stitch, sew the edges together, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance. If you’re taking in the sides or waist, sew across the top of the dress, 1 to 2 inches from the original seam. If you’re shortening the dress, sew across the bottom edge at the new hemline.

7. Press and Trim the Seam Allowances

Press the seams open with an iron, and trim any excess fabric or thread. If you used a seam ripper, make sure the edges are clean and even.

8. Finish the Hemline

If you shortened the dress, fold the hemline up 1/2 inch and press it. Then, fold it up another 1/2 inch and sew it in place, creating a clean finish.

9. Repeat for Both Sides

Repeat steps 4 through 8 for the other side of the dress, ensuring that the alterations are even and consistent.

10. Try on Your New Dress

Once both sides of the dress have been altered, try it on to ensure that it fits perfectly. If necessary, make any final adjustments and enjoy your newly fitted dress!

By following these simple steps, you can easily alter a baggy dress to fit your body perfectly. With a bit of patience and a few basic supplies, you’ll have a dress that looks and feels like it was made just for you.