Junior Rasmussen
Hemming a wedding dress is a common step in the alterations process, as most dresses will need to be hemmed to fit the bride's height. This is especially important for brides who are of average height or shorter, as they will likely need to have their dress hemmed so they are not tripping over extra fabric. For taller brides, the dress may be the perfect height, but it is still likely that it will need to be hemmed based on the type of shoe they plan to wear. Hemming a wedding dress can be complicated, and it is recommended that a professional is sought to ensure the dress is not ruined.
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What You'll Learn
Hemming a wedding dress with a train
Step 1: Trying on the Dress
First, try on the wedding dress with all the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. This step is crucial as it helps you determine the desired length of the dress and train. Walk around and ensure the hem is not catching on the floor or carpet. It is also important to decide whether you want to keep the train or have the dress be one length.
Step 2: Pinning the Hem
With the help of an assistant, place a line of pins at the front of the dress where it touches the floor. This line of pins will mark the desired length. You can then decide how much of the train you want to keep. Pin the entire area that needs to be removed, being careful not to pinch yourself with the pins.
Step 3: Measuring and Marking
Remove the dress and lay it flat on a table. Use a tailor's gauge or seam gauge to measure the excess fabric that needs to be cut. If the excess is more than two or three inches, you will need to hem the dress. Mark the fabric with chalk, a tailor's pen, or a pencil. Mark a line of the desired length all around the dress, ensuring it is straight.
Step 4: Cutting and Serging
Using scissors or a rotary blade, carefully cut along the marked line. Take your time and follow the line as best as you can, as this will impact the final result. Once the excess fabric has been removed, serge the hem. Use a thread that matches the fabric and colour of the dress. Test the stitch on a scrap of the train fabric before beginning.
Step 5: Blending the Hemline
When hemming a wedding dress with a train, you need to blend the new hemline into the train seamlessly. This can be done by tapering the hem from the front to the sides and then into the train. The specific technique will depend on the style of the dress and the fabric used.
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Hemming a wedding dress with lace
Firstly, the lace trim or applique on the hem is removed. This can be done by carefully unstitching it by hand. Then, the dress is hemmed to the desired length. Finally, the lace is reattached by sewing it back onto the dress. This process ensures that the lace detail remains intact.
If the dress has a separate strip of lace at the hem, the process is more straightforward. The lace strip is removed, the dress is hemmed, and then the lace is sewn back on. This method preserves the original lace design.
In some cases, the dress may be shortened from the waist to avoid altering the lace at the hem. This method involves more work as it requires redoing the waist darts, but it can be a good option if you want to preserve the lace detail.
When hemming a lace wedding dress, it is important to seek the help of a skilled seamstress who has experience with lace and wedding dresses. They will be able to advise on the best method for your specific dress and ensure that the alterations are done neatly and securely.
Overall, hemming a wedding dress with lace requires careful handling and attention to detail, but it can be done successfully without compromising the beauty of the lace design.
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Hemming a wedding dress with multiple layers
Firstly, ensure that you have the right tools and that the bride has chosen her shoes. The bride's shoes will impact the length of the dress, so it is crucial to have them before starting any alterations. Once you have the shoes, ask the bride to try on the dress and determine the desired length.
Next, you can start pinning the hem. Work from the inside out, and begin by marking the hem with thread tacks or pins. Make sure to mark the hem from side seam to side seam in the front. If there is a train, pin up the hem all the way around to ensure that the length and train aspect are as desired before cutting. It is essential to cut a bit long and then reassess, as the weight of the fabric and pins can affect the length.
When you are happy with the pinning, it is time to start stitching. If there are multiple layers, start with the under layers first and work your way up to the top layer. Fold up the hem by a 1/2 inch and iron it in place. Then, fold it up again by another 1/2 inch and iron again. Put in some pins to secure the fabric. Stitch about a 1/4 inch from the inner fold line. Repeat this process for each layer, ensuring that the inside layers are about 2 inches shorter than the top layer.
Finally, finish the hem by pushing the tulle and top layer up and pulling the lining out. Lay the lining flat and even, measure up 2 inches, and mark it with a pin. Cut along the marks and fold up the lining by a 1/2 inch twice, pinning it in place. Stitch just under the inner fold line. Now, bring down the tulle layer, lay it flat, and measure up 2 inches from the bottom. Mark this with a pin and cut along the guide. Pull down the inside and top layers, and your multiple-layered wedding dress hem is complete!
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Hemming a wedding dress to the correct length
Hemming a wedding dress is a common step in the alterations process, as most dresses will need to be hemmed to fit the bride's height. Wedding dresses come in standard sizes, which include a standard length. For brides who are of average height or shorter, the dress will likely need to be hemmed to prevent tripping on the extra fabric. Even taller brides will likely need a hem, depending on their height and the type of shoe they plan to wear.
When ordering a wedding dress, it is recommended to go by the designer's size chart and plan for alterations. While there may be the option to order a custom length, this is generally cautioned against, as it may result in the dress being too short if the bride ultimately decides to wear taller heels. Fabric can always be cut away, but it cannot be added back. Additionally, some designers charge an extra fee for ordering a custom hem length.
When it comes to the actual process of hemming the dress, it is generally recommended to leave it to a professional, especially if the dress has multiple layers or intricate details such as lace. A professional seamstress will be able to ensure that all layers are hemmed evenly and that any intricate details are preserved.
If you choose to attempt the hemming yourself, it is important to be extremely careful. Marking the hem with pins or thread tacks can help ensure an even hem. It is also important to cut a bit longer than you think you need, as you can always cut away more fabric, but you cannot add it back on. Be sure to consider the type of fabric and the weight of the dress, as these factors can impact the hem. Additionally, if the dress has a well-defined waistline and the skirt has gathers, it may be possible to hem it by opening up the waist seam, lifting the skirt, and resewing it at the new length. This option allows for a trial of the dress before cutting any fabric.
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Hemming a wedding dress yourself vs. hiring a professional
Hemming a wedding dress can be a tricky task, and it is often recommended that one seeks professional help for the same. While it may be tempting to try and save some money by doing it yourself, the risk of ruining the dress is high, and one wrong cut could mean having to buy a new dress. This could end up costing you more than what you would have paid a professional.
The process of hemming a wedding dress involves a lot of careful measurements and precision. It is not as simple as trimming the bottom of the dress, as this can ruin the flow and details of the dress. For instance, if there is decorative lace at the bottom, it must be carefully removed, and each layer of the skirt must be hemmed before sewing the lace back on. This is a very intensive process and is best left to professionals. Additionally, the type of fabric and how much fabric there is can make a difference. Tulle, for example, is finicky to sew and can be easily messed up.
If you do decide to hem your wedding dress yourself, it is important to be very careful and precise. Make sure you have the right tools, such as good fabric scissors, and take the time to properly measure and pin the hem before cutting. It is also crucial to have the bride try on the dress with the shoes she will be wearing on her wedding day, to ensure the correct length is marked. You can use a stool or a step to help with this process, and mark the hem from side seam to side seam in the front.
However, even with the right tools and careful measurements, there is still a risk of something going wrong. Professionals have the experience and expertise to handle any issues that may arise, and they can ensure that the dress is hemmed properly and looks its best. They can also advise on other alterations that may be needed, such as alterations to the bodice or bust, and ensure that the dress conforms to the bride's body.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to hem your wedding dress yourself to save money, it is often best to leave it to the professionals. The risk of ruining the dress is high, and you don't want to be left with a dress that looks less than perfect on your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Hemming a wedding dress is a complex process and it is recommended that you hire a professional seamstress or tailor to do it for you. If you are determined to do it yourself, the process will vary depending on the type of fabric and how much fabric there is. For example, chiffon hems are normally done so that the chiffon is a little longer than the inner slip. If the dress has a well-defined waistline and the skirt has gathers, it is a good candidate for being hemmed by opening up the waist seam, lifting the skirt, and resewing the skirt back in place at the new length.
The cost of getting a wedding dress hemmed will depend on the seamstress or tailor that you go to. People have reported being quoted anywhere from $25 to $200 for hemming a wedding dress.
The length of a wedding dress will depend on the height of the bride and the type of shoe they plan to wear on the wedding day. For brides who are shorter or of average height, the dress will likely need to be hemmed so that they are not tripping on extra fabric. For taller brides, the dress might be the perfect height, but they will still likely need a hem based on their height and shoe choice.
