How to Alter a Gown at Home
Altering a gown at home can save a bride a lot of money. A gown is the single most important part of a wedding, so it is important that it fits right. Gowns are constructed based on the average body type, but most women do not fit this exactly. It may be necessary to make the dress smaller or shorter to ensure a tailored look. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Find someone to help. In order to make the proper changes another person is necessary to pin and mark the gown while it is being worn by the bride-to-be. This ensures the changes are contoured to the bride's body for a tailored look.
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Identify the areas of the dress that need changing. Have the bride-to-be try on the gown, and write down the areas that need to be changed.
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Use a seam ripper to pull the existing seam out. Only remove the seam in the areas that need to be adjusted.
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Iron the fold from the previous hem. The original seam will leave a fold in the dress. Ironing this out is important, especially when letting the gown out, to ensure that the measurements are accurate.
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Have the bride-to-be put the dress on inside out. Pin the dress to a custom fit.
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Draw a line for the new seam line. The line should allow room for the stitch and give the bride moving room. The line will also ensure that when the gown is sewn it keeps its original shape.
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Use the markings on the dress to sew the gown with a sewing machine.
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Have the bride-to-be try the dress on. If the dress still needs adjustments, redo the steps using the current seam line as a guide. If the dress is prefect use scissors to cut any excess fabric.
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Tips & Warnings
The bride should use a full-length mirror when deciding what to change.
It is easier to remove fabric than to add, so be careful when making the decision to cut the dress.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
