Are you tired of buying a dress that looks perfect on the hanger, only to find out it’s too small when you try it on? Don’t worry, you don’t have to give up on that dress just yet!
With a few simple alterations, you can make it bigger and tailor it to fit your body perfectly. The key to making a dress bigger is to approach it systematically.
You’ll need to assess the fit of the dress, choose the right fabric, prepare the dress for alterations, add fabric to the dress, adjust the dress seams, and finish the dress alterations. By following these steps, you’ll be able to transform a dress that doesn’t fit into one that flatters your figure beautifully.
So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Assess the Fit of the Dress
Now, you need to assess how well the dress fits you so you can figure out where adjustments need to be made.
Start by putting on the dress and standing in front of a full-length mirror. Look at the dress from all angles to see how it fits your body. Check for any areas that feel too tight or too loose. Take note of any areas that need to be adjusted.
Next, move around in the dress to see how it feels. Walk, sit, and bend over to make sure the dress is comfortable and not too tight in certain areas. If the dress feels too tight in the bust area, for example, you may need to let out the seams or add darts to give the dress more room. If the dress feels too loose in the waist, you may need to take in the seams or add a belt to cinch it in.
Pay attention to the length of the dress. If the dress is too short, you may need to add extra fabric to the hemline. If the dress is too long, you can hem it or add a belt to give it a more fitted look.
By assessing the fit of the dress, you can figure out where adjustments need to be made to make it bigger and more comfortable to wear.
Choose the Right Fabric
When choosing the right fabric for your dress, there are a few key points to consider. First and foremost, think about the material of the dress itself and choose a fabric that complements it well.
Additionally, be sure to select a fabric that matches the style and overall aesthetic of the dress. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your final garment looks cohesive and well put together.
Consider the Dress Material
To make the dress bigger, it’s important to consider the material used. Some materials can be easier to work with than others, and knowing which ones are more malleable can save you a lot of time and effort. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering the dress material:
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Stretchy fabrics like jersey, spandex, and knits can be more forgiving and easier to manipulate when making alterations. They also tend to be more comfortable to wear and can accommodate changes in body shape.
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Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk can be more difficult to work with since they tend to shrink and wrinkle. However, they can also be more breathable and durable, making them a good choice for everyday wear.
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Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and rayon can be a mixed bag. While they can be more resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage, they can also be stiff and difficult to tailor.
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Sheer fabrics like chiffon, organza, and lace can be delicate and require special care when handling. They can also be tricky to alter since they tend to fray easily.
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Thick fabrics like wool, denim, and corduroy can be sturdy and warm, but they can also be bulky and hard to manipulate. It’s important to have the right tools and techniques when working with these materials.
By taking the dress material into consideration, you can make the process of altering your dress much smoother and more successful. Remember to choose a material that suits your needs and skill level, and be patient as you work through the alterations. With a little time and effort, you can have a dress that fits you perfectly.
Select Fabric that Matches the Dress
You’ll want to choose a fabric that complements your dress for a cohesive and polished look. When selecting a fabric to make your dress bigger, it’s important to consider the color and texture of your dress. If your dress has a delicate lace or embroidery, you’ll want to choose a fabric that won’t overpower those details. Similarly, if your dress has a bold print or texture, you’ll want to choose a fabric that complements rather than competes with it.
To make the process easier, consider creating a table to compare different fabric options. In the first column, list the types of fabrics you’re considering. In the second column, note the pros and cons of each option. This will help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each fabric, and ultimately make an informed decision. Remember, the goal is to choose a fabric that enhances the look of your dress, not detract from it.
Prepare the Dress for Alterations
Before you start altering your dress, it’s important to prepare it properly. First, remove any embellishments such as beads, sequins, or lace that may interfere with the alterations.
Then, take accurate measurements of the areas you wish to alter to ensure the proper fit. By following these steps, you can make sure your dress is ready for the alterations it needs.
Remove Any Embellishments
First, check for any embellishments on the dress that can be removed to make it bigger. Try gently removing any sequins or beads with a pair of pliers or scissors, being careful not to damage the fabric. If the dress has lace or appliques, you may need to carefully cut around them to remove the excess fabric.
Once you’ve removed any embellishments, you can start making the dress bigger. This can be done by adding fabric to the seams or inserting gussets in the underarm area. If the dress has a zipper, you can replace it with a longer one to add extra room.
Remember to take your time and measure carefully to ensure the changes are done correctly. With a little patience and skill, you can easily make your dress bigger and enjoy wearing it comfortably.
Take Accurate Measurements
To accurately adjust the size of your garment, it’s important to take precise measurements of your body. This means measuring your bust, waist, hips, and any other areas that may need adjustment. Use a soft measuring tape and make sure it’s not too tight or too loose around your body.
It’s also important to measure your dress and compare it to your body measurements. This will help you determine where you need to add extra fabric or remove some to make the dress fit better. Take note of any areas that are too tight or too loose and make adjustments accordingly.
By taking accurate measurements, you can ensure that your dress will fit perfectly and look flattering on you.
Add Fabric to the Dress
If you need to make your dress bigger, there are a few options to consider. One of the easiest ways is to add fabric panels to the sides or back of the dress.
Another option is to add gussets to the underarms, which can give you more room to move. You can also increase the size of the bodice by adding fabric to the front or back.
Insert Fabric Panels
Additionally, you can add fabric panels to the sides of the dress to make it bigger. This is a great option if you want to keep the original design of the dress but just need a little more room.
To do this, you’ll need to find fabric that matches the color and texture of your dress. Cut the fabric into panels and sew them onto the sides of the dress. Make sure to use a sewing machine or needle and thread that can handle the thickness of the fabric.
When inserting fabric panels, it’s important to measure the dress and the panels to ensure that they’re the same length and width. You don’t want the panels to be too big or too small.
Additionally, you may want to consider adding some decorative touches to the panels so that they blend in with the rest of the dress. This could include adding lace or beading to the edges of the panels.
Once you’re finished, you’ll have a dress that fits you perfectly and looks like it was always meant to be that way.
Add Gussets to the Underarms
Now that you know how to insert fabric panels to make your dress bigger, let’s talk about another great technique: adding gussets to the underarms. This method is especially useful if you find that your dress is too tight around the arms, or if you want to add some extra room for movement.
To add gussets to the underarms, you’ll need to follow these simple steps:
- Start by measuring the length and width of the area where you want to add the gusset.
- Cut a piece of fabric that’s slightly larger than the area you measured.
- Pin the fabric to the dress, making sure that the edges line up perfectly.
- Sew the fabric onto the dress, using a strong and durable stitch.
Once you’ve added the gussets, you’ll be amazed at how much more comfortable your dress feels. You’ll have more room to move your arms, and you’ll be able to wear your dress with confidence and ease.
So why not give this technique a try and see how it works for you?
Increase the Size of the Bodice
Expanding the bodice of your garment can provide a more comfortable and flattering fit. There are various ways to increase the size of the bodice, depending on the design and construction of the dress. One method is to add panels or inserts to the sides or back of the dress. This technique is especially useful for dresses with a fitted waistline or princess seams. You can use a contrasting fabric or a similar one to match the dress.
Another way to make the bodice larger is to let out the seams. This method is applicable to dresses made of stretchy or non-stretchy fabric. If your dress has darts or pleats, you can also release them to add more ease to the bodice. Keep in mind that letting out the seams may alter the overall silhouette of the dress, so it’s best to try the dress on and make adjustments gradually. Here’s a table that summarizes the steps for increasing the size of the bodice of a dress:
| Method | Description | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Add panels or inserts | Adds extra fabric to the sides or back of the dress | Can blend in with the dress design |
| Let out seams | Releases the fabric in the seams | Works for both stretchy and non-stretchy fabric |
| Release darts or pleats | Removes excess fabric from the waistline | Maintains the original design of the dress |
Choose the method that suits your dress and skill level. With a bit of patience and creativity, you can make your dress bigger and enjoy wearing it without feeling constricted or uncomfortable.
Adjust the Dress Seams
To make your dress bigger, you can try adjusting the seams to give you more wiggle room and feel more comfortable in your own skin. This method is especially useful if you need more space in the hip or waist areas.
The process involves undoing the seams and sewing them back together with a little extra fabric in between. To start, you should turn your dress inside out and locate the seams that need to be adjusted.
Use a seam ripper to carefully undo the stitches, making sure not to damage the fabric. Once the seams are undone, measure how much extra fabric you need to add to make the dress bigger.
Cut the fabric to the appropriate size and pin it in place. Next, you’ll need to sew the fabric to the dress, making sure to match up the seams as closely as possible.
Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to create a new seam, securing the extra fabric in place. Once you’ve finished sewing, try the dress on again to make sure it fits comfortably.
If you need to make any further adjustments, repeat the process until the dress fits just right.
Finish the Dress Alterations
You’re almost done with the dress alterations, just a few more steps to complete the process and have a perfectly fitted dress that flatters your body. The next step is to finish the alterations by sewing any necessary hemlines and adding any embellishments or accessories that you desire. This will give your dress a polished and finished look.
To ensure that your dress is perfect, it’s important to take a few final measurements to make sure that everything is in place. Use a measuring tape to check the length of the dress, the position of the waistline, and the fit of the sleeves. Once you’re satisfied with the fit, you can confidently flaunt your new and improved dress.
Don’t forget to steam or iron your dress to remove any wrinkles and give it a fresh look. And remember, a perfectly fitted dress can make all the difference in how you feel and present yourself. So take your time and make sure that you’re happy with the final result.
| Finish the Dress Alterations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sew hemlines | Add embellishments | ||
| Take final measurements | Steam or iron the dress | ||
| Ensure a polished and finished look | Check length, waistline, and sleeve fit | Make any final adjustments as needed |
Try on the Dress and Make Final Adjustments
Now that you’ve finished the dress alterations, it’s time to try on the dress and make final adjustments. This is an exciting moment because you’ll finally get to see the dress in its completed form and ensure that it fits perfectly.
First, put on the dress and stand in front of a mirror. Take a moment to look at yourself and see how the dress fits. Pay attention to any areas that are too tight or too loose. If you notice any issues, mark them with a pin or make a mental note.
Next, make the necessary adjustments to the dress. If there are any areas that are too tight, you may need to let out the seams. On the other hand, if there are areas that are too loose, you may need to take in the seams or add darts. Keep trying on the dress and making small adjustments until it fits perfectly.
Once you’re happy with the fit, you can finish any remaining details, such as hemming or adding buttons. Then, you’ll be ready to wear your newly altered dress and show it off to the world.
Congratulations on successfully making your dress bigger and achieving the perfect fit!
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