How to Hem a Bridesmaid Dress

Using specialty fabric scissors and dress pins makes hemming easier.

Most bridal stores advise ordering a bridesmaid dress one size bigger than your current size, to allow for weight gain between the time of ordering the dress and the wedding date. An alteration might be required closer to the wedding date to ensure the perfect fit. Alterations can be expensive if done by a professional, but certain alterations, such as hemming a dress that is too long, can be done at home. Hemming a bridesmaid dress is not difficult if you possess basic sewing skills and proceed carefully.

Things You'll Need

• Seam ripper
• Iron
• Pins
• Needle
• Thread
• Fabric scissors
• Sewing machine
• Blind hemming foot

Instructions

1. Unpick the current hem using a seam ripper. Be careful not to rip the fabric of the bridesmaid dress, especially if it is a delicate fabric, like silk or chiffon. Iron the hem flat to eliminate any fold marks or lines.

2. Try the dress on with the shoes you plan on wearing at the wedding. Have a friend or family member pin the hem carefully to the desired length. Pin the hem on the inside of the fabric, as you would sew it. Leave approximately 5/8 inch of extra material.

3. Tack the hem up by hand, using long, well-spaced stitches. Remove the pins.

4. Cut off the excess material using a pair of sharp fabric scissors. Press the new hem with a hot iron.

5. Sew the hem either by hand or using a sewing machine.

6. Fold the material over again, using the extra 5/8 inch. Press.

7. Set your sewing machine to create blind hem stitches. Use a blind hemming foot for accuracy. Sew around your newly created hem.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you're certain of the desired length before cutting the fabric.

• Practice blind hemming on scrap fabric before trying it on the dress.

References

• Start Sewing: Hemming a Dress or Skirt
• Net Bride: Measuring and Fit Guidelines for Wedding Gowns and Bridesmaid Dresses
• Dicey Home: Blind Hemming Explained