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How to Hem a Dress

Introduction

This guide will help you hem a dress. A dress that is too long may cause you to avoid wearing it. You might have also torn the original hem on your dress and would like to hem it. Whatever the reason, this guide will help you properly hem a dress.

To achieve the best-looking hem it is important to measure, cut, press, and sew with precision. It is also best to use the tools mentioned. To save time you should also consider using a sewing machine, though a regular sewing needle will work too. As long as your sewing machine has a straight stitch or if you know how to sew straight stitches you can follow this guide!

Note that you should prepare the sewing machine properly before sewing. If you are sewing by hand and using a regular needle, check out this guide.

What you need

  1. How to Hem a Dress, How to Hem a Dress: step 1, image 1 of 2 How to Hem a Dress, How to Hem a Dress: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Begin with dress that is too long for the desired fit or style.

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  2. How to Hem a Dress: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Lay the dress out flat, aligning the bottom seams.

    • Make sure any under layers are out of the way.

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  3. How to Hem a Dress: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • With a ruler, measure the amount you want the dress shortened.

    • After deciding, subtract 1" (25.4mm) from the seam allowance

    • (Ex: You want 3" (76.2mm) off, so you would measure 2'' (50.8mm) from the bottom of the fabric.)

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  4. How to Hem a Dress: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Use chalk or pen to mark the measurement.

    • Make small dashed marks around the entire dress to ensure a consistent measurement.

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  5. How to Hem a Dress: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Iron the dress flat.

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  7. How to Hem a Dress: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Use scissors to cut vertically from the bottom seam to where you marked your measurement.

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  8. How to Hem a Dress: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Then turn the scissors 90 degrees and begin cutting along the dashed lines you made in Step 4.

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  9. How to Hem a Dress: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • Then, again with the ruler and chalk measure 1/2'' (12.7 mm) from the raw edge of the fabric.

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  10. How to Hem a Dress: step 9, image 1 of 2 How to Hem a Dress: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Fold along the measurement you just made and iron it flat.

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  11. How to Hem a Dress: step 10, image 1 of 2 How to Hem a Dress: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Then fold again, one more time at 1/2''.

    • Lastly iron flat.

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  12. How to Hem a Dress: step 11, image 1 of 2 How to Hem a Dress: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Pin the fold in place.

    • Be careful when you pin.

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  13. How to Hem a Dress: step 12, image 1 of 1

    • If using a sewing machine, place it under the foot of the sewing machine.

    • Sew around the entire circumference of the dress.

    • Be careful when using a sewing machine.

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  14. How to Hem a Dress: step 13, image 1 of 3 How to Hem a Dress: step 13, image 2 of 3 How to Hem a Dress: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Cut the threads and you're done!

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

with 3 other contributors

Juliette Price

Member since: 02/02/24

217 Reputation

1 Guide authored

Badges: 3

Team

UC Davis, Team 3-5, Andersen Winter 2024 Member of UC Davis, Team 3-5, Andersen Winter 2024

UCD-ANDERSEN-W24S3G5

3 Members

1 Guide authored

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