An easy way to breathe new life into an old dress is to shorten it. You can shorten just a little or cut several centimeters to get a completely renewed look. For many clothes, shortening the hem is something you can do yourself. For others, however, it is necessary to contact a tailor.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Locate the New Hem
Step 1. Get a dress that is already the length you want
Referencing a dress that is already the right length is an easy way to ensure you get a good result. Look in your closet for a dress that is already the perfect length to use as a reference.
Try to find a dress that also has a similar cut to the one you want to shorten. For example, if your dress has a A-line skirt, look for another one with the same shape skirt to use as a pattern
Step 2. Measure the length if you don't have another dress to use as a template
If you don't have another dress of the desired size, you can wear your own dress and use a measuring tape to find the length you prefer. Always take measurements while standing and standing upright. Drop the measuring tape from your waist to where you would like the hem to end and mark this measurement on the dress using a piece of chalk. Then, repeat this process all around the skirt, making the same measurement.
If you have a friend who can help you, you can ask him to do it. It may be difficult to measure yourself while wearing the dress
Step 3. Trace the hem
When you have decided which length you want, you will need to trace the hem of the skirt on the dress. If you are using another dress as a template, spread it over the one you want to shorten, then use a piece of chalk to bring its length back to it. If, on the other hand, you use the marks you made while wearing the dress, just connect them together to get the line of the new hem.
If you are using another dress as a template, make sure the two pieces line up at the shoulders. This will help you make sure that the new hem is the same as that of the model dress
Step 4. Measure 2.5cm from the line to mark the seam allowance
You will need to cut the new hem slightly lower than the line you made on the dress. This is because you will have to fold the fabric inward to sew it and thus cover the raw edges. To make room for the fold of the hem, measure 2.5 cm from the line you drew on the dress and draw a new parallel to it with chalk.
Mark the distance from the first line in several places, to make sure that the two lines you will get are aligned
Part 2 of 3: Creating the New Hem
Step 1. Use a pair of scissors along the second line you drew
After you've marked the fabric, cut it out following the seam allowance line. Make sure you follow the line you marked and don't cut above or below it. Try to go as straight as possible.
Step 2. Fold the fabric in and pin it in place
You will need to secure the hem of the dress with pins. Fold about 1.3 cm of fabric inward so that the raw edges of the dress line up with the first hem line you drew. Pin the hem all the way around the dress.
Step 3. Sew along the edge
After you have stopped the edge of the dress, you will need to sew it in order to secure it. Sew a straight stitch along the edge to secure the hem. Make sure you sew both layers of the fabric to secure the raw edge inside the dress.
- As you sew, remove the pins.
- After you're done sewing, trim the excess threads and try on your shortened dress!
Part 3 of 3: Getting the Best Results
Step 1. Consider the difficulty of the project
You will likely be able to shorten the hem of most clothes yourself as long as these are of a simple design and are made of an easy-to-handle fabric. For some clothes, however, it can be more complicated. Some garments made up of delicate fabrics, which include beads, which are very loose or which have multiple layers, may prove difficult to shorten. For outfits that present these kinds of challenges, consider hiring a professional.
You can also consider using a rolled hem for delicate fabrics or full skirts
Step 2. Ask a friend to help you
If you are using another dress as a model, you will not have to worry about trying it on. But if you want to make sure the skirt reaches a certain point on your body, then you will need to try on the dress and measure it. Taking the correct measurements to shorten it will be much easier if you have someone to help you, so ask a friend to help you out.
Step 3. Press the hem before sewing
To make sure you get a flat, straight hem, you may want to iron it with an iron. Secure the hem with pins and then remove them one by one so that you can iron the hem in sections. Replace the pins after you have finished ironing each section.
