Introducing Threadbanger's new Janome Sewing Machine! Find out where you can get your own HERE!

The no sew dress shortening trick

POSTED BY Geri Hirsch, 04 June 2008


Ever want to shorten a dress but don’t know how to sew? Want to shorten a dress but not permanently? Ever realize that a dress would look adorable shorter but don’t have the time to alter it? If you answered yes to any of these questions then I have the solution for you!
I always say that there is no better and less expensive way to update a wardrobe than by altering your own pieces. The other night while getting ready I came across a dress that I love but hadn’t worn in a while because simply it was too long. I thought, “hmm, how can I quickly make this work?” I grabbed a belt, buckled it mid waist and bloused out enough material to create an intended looking ruffle with a length to my liking.

In this case I used a thinner belt but you can use thicker belts to hide excess material or long pieces of fabrics to mix and match for spring (think florals with stripes, stars with solids, heavier materials over your thin flowy dresses, etc.).

If the dress doesn't calls for ruffles don’t worry, this trick still totally works, I’ve done it with countless items and all it takes is a little time and creativity. It’s really amazing how quick of an update this shortening trick is and how different a dress looks an inch or two shorter so try it and let me know how it goes!

-geri hirsch
because im addicteddress, shortening, no sew, ruffle, trick, because im addicted

Comments

  • london (guest) wrote on June 4, 1:20 pm

    i LOVE this trick! Im going to play with my dresses and belts tonight! cant wait!

  • simone (guest) wrote on June 4, 1:35 pm

    oh ger! you are so cute and always have the solutions!

    ps. cant wait until you post the bracelets that you made. i want to make a few myself!

  • inBlue wrote on June 4, 2:42 pm

    ahh, belts and dresses, two of me favorite things.....i'm a little vicious with my clothes, please don't yell at me buuuuttt.....i've stapled hemlines before>_< it works!!

  • lori (guest) wrote on June 4, 2:55 pm

    ha. i dont even staple the hem lines! i just chop off the bottom and then regret it later! geri - you will forever save my from chopping my dresses!

  • Addicted (guest) wrote on June 4, 3:05 pm

    How ingenious!You have saved me.I have ruined so many dresses by cutting to much.I also have numerous dresses that I can wear now.Iam always pleased to know that I can go shopping in my closet and have new finds!Thank you so much!In this economy a girl still has to look her very best and find new ways to save!

  • christie checo (guest) wrote on June 4, 7:00 pm

    Another option that I use, especialy with pants, when using something that is not mine or I dont want to make a permanent alteration, is to turn the piece wrong side out, fold it to the desire length and paste it with masking tape. When I get back home I take the masking tape of and is like nothing happened.

  • maggy (guest) wrote on June 4, 8:42 pm

    masking tape is such a great idea, as is this one! yay for no fuss shortening tips!


I Took The Handmade Pledge! BuyHandmade.org

ThreadBanger Fans Map!

Learn how to (make):

 

Friends of Threadbanger:

Get our newsletter

Recent episodes