Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Determining the new length of the dress
• Part 2 of 3: Creating the new zoom
• Part 3 of 3: Getting the best results
• Necessities

An easy way to update an old dress is to shorten it. You can just shorten a dress a bit, or shorten it a few inches for a totally new look. For most dresses, shortening the hem is something you can do yourself. However, there are a number of types of dresses that require a professional approach.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Determining the new length of the dress

1. Get a dress that is already the desired length. Use a dress that is already the length you want as an example for shortening as an easy way to make sure you get a good result. Check your wardrobe for dresses of the ideal length to use as an example.
   • Find a dress with a similar cut to your dress. Suppose your dress has an A-line skirt, try to find another dress with an A-line skirt that you can use as a guide.
2. Measure the length if you don't have a dress to use as a guide. If you don't have a dress of the length you want, you can try on the dress and use a tape measure to find the length you want. Do this while standing. Pull the tape measure from your natural waist to where you want the hem to end and mark the length using a piece of chalk. Then repeat this all the way around with the same length.
   • If you have a friend who can help you, you can also ask him or her to do this for you. It can be difficult to take your measurements while wearing the dress.
3. Mark the hem. When you know what length you want, you can mark the new hem on your dress. If you are using a dress as an example, place it on top of your longer dress and trace the hem of the shorter dress with a preparer's chalk. If you are using the chalk markings you made while wearing the dress, you can just connect them together.
   • If you are using another dress as an example, make sure the two dresses are aligned at the shoulders. This will ensure that your new hem is the same length as that of your other dress.
4. Measure 1 inch from the seam allowance line. You should cut your new hem a little lower than the chalk line you made on your dress. This is because you will be folding and sewing the fabric to hide the raw edges of the fabric. To make room for the hem fold, measure one inch from the line you marked on the dress and draw a new chalk line parallel to that line.
   • Mark the distance to the line in a few different places to make sure you get an even line.

Part 2 of 3: Creating the new zoom

1. Cut along the second line with scissors. After indicating the fabric, cut along the seam allowance to remove the excess fabric. Make sure to cut along the marked line and not inside or outside it. Cut as evenly as possible.
2. Fold the fabric in and pin it in place. Next, you need to fold the hem inward and secure it with pins. Fold in about 1/2 inch of the fabric so that the raw edges of the dress line up with the first chalk line you made along the hem. Pin the inner edges all the way around the dress.
3. Sew around the edges. After you have pinned the edges, you will need to sew around the edges of the fabric to secure the hem. Sew a straight stitch along the folded edge to secure the hem. Make sure to sew through both layers of fabric to secure the raw edge of the fabric to the bottom of the dress.
   • Remove the pins as you sew.
   • After sewing the hem, cut the excess threads and try on your new shortened dress!

Part 3 of 3: Getting the best results

1. Consider the difficulty of the project. You can probably make most dresses shorter yourself, as long as the dress is a simple design with fabric that is easy to work with. However, some dresses can be challenging. Dresses made of delicate fabrics, with beaded embellishments, dresses that fan out significantly or are multi-layered can be difficult to cut short. For dresses with these kinds of challenges, you may want to hire a seamstress.
   • You may also want to consider using a rolled-up hem for delicate fabrics or flared skirts.
2. Ask a friend to help you. If you are using an existing dress, then you don't have to worry about putting it on. However, if you want to make sure that the dress ends at a certain length, you have to put it on and measure it. Getting the measurements just right will be easier if you have someone to help you, so get a friend to assist you.
3. Iron your hem before you sew it. To make sure your hem is flat and straight, you can press it flat with an iron. Pin the hem in first, then remove a few pins at a time to iron the hem in sections. Replace the pins after you finish ironing each piece.
   • Continue until you have ironed your hem completely, then sew your hem over.

Necessities

• Clothes to shorten
• Garment as an example (if available)
• Measuring tape
• Tailor's chalk
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Wire
• Iron (optional)