Choosing A Bridesmaid Dress: Stretchy Fabric Solutions

If you need to alter a bridesmaid dress with stretchy fabric, you're in luck! Stretchy fabric is much easier to work with than non-stretchy fabric, which may require additional panels or inserts to achieve a comfortable fit. When altering a dress with stretchy fabric, you can simply let out the seams or add extra fabric to areas that need more room. This can be done by cutting strips of fabric from the bottom of the dress and sewing them into the sides or bust of the dress to create more space. You can also take in the dress by tightening the elastic in the sleeves or shoulders, or by adjusting the seams. Remember to try on the dress and mark the areas that need altering before cutting or sewing anything. It's always better to start with a dress that's too big and take it in, rather than trying to let out a dress that's too small. Happy altering!

Hemming

Gather Your Materials:

Choose a lightweight nylon thread that closely matches the colour of the fabric. You will also need a ruler or measuring tape, fabric chalk or a fabric pen, pins, an iron, and a sewing machine or needle for stitching.

Measure and Mark:

Measure 1/4 inch from the cut edge of the bottom of the dress skirt. Use the ruler or measuring tape to mark this measurement with chalk or a fabric pen on the wrong side of the skirt. This will be your hem line.

Press the Hem:

Turn up the edge along the marked line and pin it in place. Be gentle to avoid pulling or stretching the delicate fabric. Set your iron to the lowest setting and test it on a small, hidden area of the fabric to ensure it doesn't burn or damage the material. Once you've determined the appropriate temperature, press the turned-up fabric to create a crisp fold.

Stitch the Hem:

You can choose to hand-stitch or machine-stitch the hem in place. For hand-stitching, use small, close-together stitches for the best wear and to protect the dress from the wearer's feet. If the dress is shorter, you can space the stitches farther apart. For machine-stitching, use a zig-zag stitch to secure the hem and prevent fraying.

Finishing Touches:

Remove any pins and give the hem a final press with the iron to ensure a crisp, finished look. Make sure to test the iron on a small area first, especially if you've used a nylon thread, to avoid any heat damage.

Taking in sides

Taking in the sides of a dress is a common alteration to ensure a better fit. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to take in the sides of a bridesmaid dress with stretchy fabric:

Prepare the Dress:

Before you begin sewing, it is important to prepare the dress. This includes trying on the dress inside out and marking the areas that need to be altered with pins. Ensure you are wearing the appropriate undergarments and shoes that you plan to wear with the dress to achieve an accurate fit. Mark the new seam line with tailor's chalk or a fabric pen.

Measure and Pin:

Using a flexible tape measure, measure the desired amount to be taken in at the bust, waist, and hips. Divide this number by two to determine the amount to be taken in on each side seam. For example, if you need to take in a total of 4 inches at the waist, you will take in 2 inches on each side seam. Pin along the new seam line, ensuring that the pins are perpendicular to the seam and that the fabric is lying flat and smooth.

Sew the New Seam:

Using a sewing machine or by hand, sew along the pinned seam line, backstitching at the beginning and end to secure the stitches. Use a stretch needle and a stretch stitch, such as a narrow zig-zag stitch, to ensure the stitches can stretch with the fabric.

Try on the Dress:

After sewing the new seam, try on the dress again to check the fit. Ensure that the dress is comfortable and allows for a full range of motion. If the dress is too tight or too loose, you may need to adjust the seam accordingly and sew again.

Finish the Seam:

Finish the raw edges of the seam allowance to prevent fraying. You can do this by serging or zig-zag stitching the edges. Press the seam allowance towards the back of the dress using an iron to create a neat finish.

Final Fitting:

Have a final fitting to ensure the dress fits perfectly. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and assess the dress from all angles. Check that the dress hangs evenly and that the side seams are straight. If any adjustments are needed, carefully make the necessary alterations.

Taking in the sides of a stretchy fabric dress requires careful measurements and a steady hand. Remember to always sew with the fabric grain and to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure the stitches. By following these steps, you can achieve a well-fitted bridesmaid dress with stretchy fabric.

Shortening straps

Using Safety Pins

Safety pins are a simple and easy way to shorten straps without needing to sew. Measure the desired length of the straps, fold and pin the excess fabric at the back of the dress, and either tuck it inside or leave it hanging. This method is ideal for quick fixes and temporary adjustments.

Elastic Bands or Hair Ties

Elastic bands or hair ties can be used to create a makeshift loop to hold the straps in place. Simply attach them to the straps and adjust the length as needed. This method is quick and easy, but keep in mind that these may not be as durable as the original straps.

Fashion Tape or Clip-on Straps

Fashion tape can be used to secure the underside of the strap, providing a more secure hold. Alternatively, clip-on straps can be attached to the existing straps and adjusted to the desired length. These options offer more security than safety pins but are still temporary solutions.

Sewing

If you have basic sewing skills and a sewing kit, you can shorten the straps by following these steps:

• Put on the dress and mark the desired length of the straps with pins.
• Take off the dress and lay it flat.
• Cut the straps slightly longer than the marked length, leaving some extra fabric for adjustments.
• Fold over the cut edge of the fabric and sew a new hem to secure the new strap length.
• Try on the dress and adjust the straps as needed.

These methods can help you shorten the straps on your stretchy fabric bridesmaid dress. Choose the one that best suits your skills, available tools, and desired permanence of the alteration.

Tightening elastic in the sleeve

If the elastic in the sleeve of your bridesmaid dress feels too tight, there are a few methods you can use to loosen it.

Firstly, check if the elastic is sewn into the sleeve's seam. If it is, you will need to cut the seam to access the elastic. If not, you can simply cut a small slit in the fabric to reach the elastic. Be sure to only cut the threads of the stitches and not the fabric itself.

Once you have reached the elastic, you can try the following methods to loosen it:

Using Heat

Turn on your iron to its highest setting. Dampen a cloth with water (but do not soak it). Place the damp cloth over the elastic, ensuring it is completely covered. With the iron on its highest setting, iron over the elastic for 10 seconds, then let it sit for another 10 seconds. Repeat this process for 5-10 minutes. The heat will help the elastic stretch more before it reaches its limit. If it still hasn't stretched enough, try flipping the elastic and repeating the process.

Using a Chair

Find a chair that is the right size to stretch the elastic (you can also use a small table, an empty drawer, or a poster frame). Stretch the sleeve over the chair, lining up the sides to ensure the elastic stretches evenly. Leave it to sit for 24 hours. If the desired size is still not reached, put the elastic back in the stretched position and leave it for several days in a warm place.

Adding an Extension

Try the dress on and, once you have the elastic exposed, cut it. Pull the ends of the elastic towards each other and measure the gap to determine how much extra elastic you need to add. Cut a piece of matching elastic to that length plus 1 inch. Pin the new elastic in place, overlapping each end of the existing elastic by 1/2 inch. Use a zigzag stitch or whipstitch to sew the pieces of elastic together.

If you are uncomfortable with any of these at-home methods, consider seeking the help of a professional tailor or seamstress.

Sewing in a bra strap keeper

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need the following materials:

• Thread (all-purpose polyester thread works well)
• Needle (hand sewing variety)
• A set of snaps (you will need two sets if you are making strap keepers for both shoulders)
• Fabric piece (1.5" wide and about 28 inches long if making for multiple dresses)
• Fabric scissors
• Beeswax (optional, for pre-treating thread)

Step 2: Prepare Your Thread

If you want to prevent tangling, you can pre-treat your thread with beeswax. Pull the thread through the beeswax and then iron it between paper towels to remove the excess.

Step 3: Decide on the Placement

Decide where you want to place the bra strap holder. Most people choose to sew the female half of the snap onto the side of the shoulder seam closest to the neck. This is because bra straps tend to slide down the shoulder, so placing the snap on this side will help catch the strap. However, you can also sew it on the side away from the neck if you prefer. This way, you can see the snap more easily when looking towards your shoulder.

Step 4: Sew on the First Half of the Snap

Sew the first half of the snap (the female half) onto one side of the shoulder seam. Make sure not to sew through to the public side of the fabric.

Step 5: Anchor Your Thread

Anchor your thread on the other end by making a couple of stitches. It should be far enough away from the snap to accommodate the bra strap.

Step 6: Create the Loop

Take another stitch, but this time, don't pull the thread all the way through. Leave a loop instead. Put your thumb and index finger through this loop and grab the tail of the thread. Pull and tighten to create a second loop. Continue this process, reaching through the loop, pulling the thread, and tightening to make the crochet longer.

Step 7: Attach the Second Half of the Snap

Once your crocheted loop is long enough to reach the snap, put the needle through the loop and tighten it. Now, it's time to sew on the male half of the snap. Put the needle through one hole of the snap, then through the end of the crocheted loop, and back through the same hole. Go through the hole and the same spot on the loop several times to secure it. Make a knot and cut off any excess thread.

Step 8: Test It Out

Your bra strap holder is now complete! Put on your top or dress, snap the holder around your bra strap, and you're all set. Just remember to unsnap it before taking off your garment.

Alternative Methods

If you don't want to sew your own bra strap holders, there are also no-sew solutions available, such as Strap Tamers. Additionally, you can use small pins to pin your bra strap inside your clothing or use double-sided fashion tape to keep the straps in place.

Frequently asked questions