Altering an outdated thrift store dress is a fun and frugal way to update your wardrobe. This dress happened to sport a navy blue gingham pattern that never goes out of style, but the fit was so unflattering. With a few snips of the scissors and some well-placed new side seams, you can transform an old dress into a fabulous new outfit.
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Things You'll Need
Straight pins
Sharp scissors
Dress form (optional)
Sewing machine with an universal 90/14 needle
Iron and ironing board
Step 1
Put the dress on and have a helper mark your newly desired length with a pin. Take the dress off and measure from the pin down to the existing hem. Subtract an inch from this measurement to allow for a hem. Mark this new length from the existing hem around the entire dress with a piece of chalk or a washable marking pen.
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Step 2
Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut off the bottom of the dress along the marks.
Step 3
Turn the dress inside out and put the dress back on or use a dress form if you have one. Have a friend pin the side seams to fit your shape.
Step 4
Take the dress off and sew along the pin lines. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.
Step 5
Trim the new seams and finish them with any of the methods found in this article: 6 Easy Ways to Finish a Seam Without a Serger. Press the seams open with an iron.
Step 6
To hem your dress, press 1/4 inch under toward the wrong side of the fabric.
Step 7
Fold 1/2 inch under again and press so the raw edge is concealed.
Step 8
Use a 90/14 universal needle to sew the hem in place.
Style your new dress with a jean shirt, tights, boots and scarf for a fall or winter look, or wear it with some strappy sandals and a cardigan in the spring or summer.
