How to Alter a Halter Dress

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Things You'll Need

  • Seam ripper

  • Pin

  • Needle

  • Thread

  • Scissors

Halter dresses are a popular style of dress. They are trendy and fashionable and often worn at proms, weddings or just casually in the summertime. Halter tops contain a piece of fabric that loops around the neck to connect to both sides of the dress and aid in keeping the dress in place. However, halter dresses do not always fit every person appropriately. Sometimes the strap around the back of the neck may be too loose, causing the dress to hang too low, and other times it may be too snug, causing the dress to sit too high.

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Step 1

Locate the seam of one end of the strap connected to the dress. This is on the inside of the dress and is where the strap is sewn to the left and right sides of the dress.

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Step 2

Using the seam ripper, carefully rip the stitches connecting one end of the strap to the dress. When you are finished, one end of the strap should be totally disconnected from the dress.

Step 3

Determine the appropriate length of the strap by putting the dress on and adjusting the strap to comfort. Pin the strap to the dress and remove the dress.

Step 4

Thread the needle with thread as close to the original colored thread as possible. Tie a small knot at the end of the thread to ensure it catches when you sew the strap.

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Step 5

Remove the pin and sew the strap to the dress by sewing tiny stitches up through the strap and dress and down through the dress and strap. Repeat this along the length of the strap.

Step 6

End the thread on the inside of the dress. Cut the thread with scissors and tie a knot to hold it in place.

Tip

Moisten the thread with your tongue to make it stiff before you try to thread it through the needle.

Warning

Wear a thimble while sewing to avoid puncturing your fingers.

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