Have you ever bought a beautiful dress, only to realize it’s too short? This can be really frustrating, especially if you don’t want to return it or give it away. The good news is that there are several ways to lengthen a dress, and you don’t need to be a professional tailor!
In this blog post, we’ll explore different methods you can use to lengthen a dress that is too short. From adding lace to the hemline to using ribbon to extending the hem, we’ll cover it all. So, let’s get started.
Add a Heavy Lace
One of the easiest ways to lengthen a dress is to add a heavy lace to the bottom. You can choose any lace design that complements the dress and cut it to the length you need. Sew it to the bottom of the dress and you’re done! This is a great option if you want to add some texture and style to your dress.
Add Ribbon to the Hemline
Another simple way to lengthen a dress is to use ribbon. Take a piece of ribbon that matches the dress and sew it to the underneath of the hemline. This will add a few extra inches to the dress without changing its overall look. Just be sure to choose a ribbon that is wide enough to make a difference, but not so wide that it’s overbearing.
Add a Piece of Fabric
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can add a piece of fabric to the bottom of the dress. The fabric should match the dress as closely as possible, so the dress looks seamless. This method requires a little more effort, but it’s worth it if you really love the dress.
To start, cut a piece of fabric to the length you need. Hem the top edge of the fabric and then sew it to the bottom of the dress. Once you’ve attached the fabric, you can use decorative stitching to give it a finished look. This will not only lengthen the dress, but it will also add some extra style to it.
Use Pennies
Believe it or not, another way to lengthen a dress is to use pennies! This method sounds a little odd, but it can actually work really well. The weight of the pennies will help to weigh down the hemline, making the dress longer.
To use this method, simply sew pennies to the inside of the hemline. Be sure to space them out evenly so the dress hangs properly. While this isn’t the most stylish option, it’s a great last resort if you need to lengthen a dress quickly.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several ways to lengthen a dress that is too short. From adding lace to using ribbon to attaching a piece of fabric, these methods can help you get the extra length you need. So next time you have a dress that is too short, don’t give up hope. With a little creativity and some basic sewing skills, you can make it work for you.
FAQ
Can you extend a dress?
Yes, you can extend a dress. There are two main methods of extending a dress – the first is by letting out the hem allowance, and the second is by adding a separate piece of fabric to the bottom of the dress.
Letting out the hem allowance involves unpicking the hem and repositioning it lower down on the dress to give the dress more length. This method is only suitable if there is enough hem allowance on the dress to begin with. The amount of extra length that can be achieved through letting out the hem allowance is limited by the amount of allowance originally provided.
The second method, which is the most common, involves sewing a separate piece of fabric to the bottom of the dress to lengthen its hem. This method is used when a larger amount of additional length is needed which the existing hem allowance on the dress cannot compensate for. The added fabric is typically made from the same or a similar material as the original dress to ensure that the dress looks consistent and seamless.
When sewing a separate piece of fabric to the bottom of the dress, it’s important to make sure that the additional fabric matches the style, colour, and fabric of the original dress. This ensures that the dress looks cohesive and like a natural extension of the original design. It’s also important to consider the hemline of the dress and ensure that the additional fabric is properly integrated into the existing hem to avoid any visible seams or inconsistencies.
It is possible to extend a dress by letting out the hem allowance or by adding a separate piece of fabric to the bottom of the dress. The method used will depend on the amount of extra length needed and the amount of hem allowance available on the original dress. It’s important to ensure that the additional fabric matches the original design of the dress and is integrated seamlessly into the existing hemline.