Deborah Chan
Hemming a wedding dress with a train is a common alteration, as designers often make gowns longer than the standard length to cater to a wider range of body shapes. The process will vary depending on the style of the dress and the fabric used. It is important to try on the dress with the right undergarments and shoes to determine the desired length and ensure the bride is happy with the length and train before cutting. The bride should walk back and forth to make sure the hem is not catching on the floor. The train can be preserved by only hemming the front of the dress, depending on the fullness of the dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Hemming a wedding dress is not difficult if you follow the steps carefully and take your time. |
| Cost | Hemming can be done at home to save money. Professional services can be expensive. |
| Tools | Scissors/rotary blades, thread, marking pen/pencil, measuring gauge, pins, chalk/tailor's pen, and a cutting mat. |
| Preparation | Try on the dress with the correct undergarments and shoes to determine the desired length. Mark the desired length with pins. |
| Measurement | Measure the excess fabric to be cut. If less than 2 inches, you may not need to cut. If more than 2 inches, hemming is required. |
| Cutting | Cut along the marked line with a rotary blade. Cut excess fabric into smaller pieces to test stitches. |
| Stitching | Serge the hem with matching thread. Test different stitches on scrap fabric before starting. |
| Train | Decide how much of the train to keep. The front of the dress may be hemmed without altering the train. |
| Blending | Blend the new hemline into the train gradually to avoid angles or drops in the hem. Pin the train where it will be bustled. |
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What You'll Learn
Try the dress on with the right undergarments and shoes to determine the length
Trying on the wedding dress with the right undergarments and shoes is crucial to determining the appropriate length for hemming. This step ensures that the bride feels comfortable and confident on her wedding day, with the dress fitting her perfectly.
Firstly, the bride should wear the same undergarments she plans to wear on her wedding day, including the bra and any shapewear or petticoats. This helps to accurately assess the fit of the dress and ensure that any alterations made during the hemming process complement the overall look.
Secondly, wearing the shoes that will be paired with the wedding dress is essential. The height of the shoes can significantly impact the length of the dress, and trying them on together ensures that the hem is adjusted to the right length. It is a common mistake to assume the length without wearing the shoes, which can lead to an uneven hem or a dress that drags on the floor.
Additionally, it is advisable to walk around in the dress to ensure the hem is not catching on the floor or carpet. This simple test can help determine if further adjustments are needed and ensure the bride can move comfortably and gracefully on her wedding day.
Finally, it is worth noting that trying on the dress with the right undergarments and shoes is just the first step in the hemming process. Marking the hem, measuring the excess fabric, and carefully cutting and sewing the new hem are all subsequent steps that require precision and attention to detail.
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Pin the front of the dress where it touches the floor
Hemming a wedding dress with a train can be a tricky task, but it is a great way to save money and ensure your dress is the perfect length. It is important to try on the gown with the correct undergarments and shoes to get an accurate idea of the length.
When pinning the front of the dress, it is helpful to have a friend or assistant to mark the hem with a line of pins where the dress touches the floor. This will ensure that the dress is the correct length and that the train still sweeps the floor. It is important to take your time and be careful when removing the dress, as you can get pinched by the pins.
Once the dress is removed, you can measure the excess fabric that needs to be cut. If there is less than two inches of excess fabric, you may not need to cut it at all. However, if there is more than three inches of excess fabric, you will need to hem the dress.
After measuring and marking the excess fabric, you can carefully cut along the marked line. It is recommended to use a rotary blade and cutting mat for accuracy. Once the excess fabric has been removed, you can serge the hem, using a thread that matches the fabric and colour of the dress.
Pinning the front of the dress is a crucial step in hemming a wedding dress with a train. It ensures that the dress is the correct length and creates a smooth transition between the front of the dress and the train.
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Measure how much of the dress needs to be taken up
Measuring how much of a wedding dress with a train needs to be taken up is a crucial step in the hemming process. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
First, put on the wedding dress along with the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. This step is essential, as it ensures that you determine the ideal length for the dress while accounting for the height added by your shoes. Ask a helper to place a line of pins at the front of the dress, marking where the hem touches the floor. If you want to keep the train, you can also ask your helper to pin where you want to cut the train, ensuring that the entire area to be removed is pinned.
Next, remove the dress carefully to avoid any pin pricks. Lay the dress flat on a table and use a seam gauge to measure the excess fabric that needs to be cut. If the excess fabric is less than two inches, you may not need to cut it, as it won't cause any issues with the overall look of the dress. However, if the excess fabric is more than two inches, you will need to hem the dress all the way around.
When deciding on the train length, consider your preference and the style of the dress. You can opt to cut the dress where it touches the floor or adjust the length to your liking. It is important to note that the train length can be challenging to alter, so be sure about your desired length before cutting.
Additionally, pay attention to the fabric of the dress. Certain fabrics, like tulle, may not require hemming and can simply be cut. If you're working with delicate fabrics that can be easily damaged by pins, consider using fine pins to avoid leaving noticeable holes.
By following these steps, you will accurately measure how much of the wedding dress with a train needs to be taken up, ensuring a flawless fit for your special day.
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Cut along the marked line
Now that you've tried on your wedding dress with the undergarments and shoes you'll be wearing on your wedding day, you can begin the process of cutting along the marked line.
Ask your helper to place pins in the front of the dress, marking where the dress touches the floor. If you want to keep the train, you can taper the pin line at the side seams. If you're happy with the length of the train, you can cut it where it touches the floor. Otherwise, you can keep more or less of the train, depending on your preference. Once you've decided on the length, ask your helper to pin down the entire area that needs to be removed.
Remove the dress and lay it on a flat surface. Use a tailor's gauge to measure the excess area that needs to be cut. If the excess area is smaller than or equal to two inches, you don't need to cut it. If it's larger than two inches, you'll need to hem the dress. Mark a line of the same height all the way around the wrong side of the fabric, using chalk, a tailor's pen, or a pencil.
Now it's time to cut along the marked line. Take your time and follow the line as best you can. While you can use scissors, a rotary blade is recommended for more accurate cutting. Cut off the unneeded bottom part of the dress, then cut the excess piece into smaller pieces. You can use the extra fabric to test out stitches before you begin sewing the hem.
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Serge the hem with matching thread
To serge the hem with matching thread, you will first need to equip your serger with the correct thread. Ensure that the thread matches the fabric and colour of the dress. If the dress shop provides complimentary thread, be sure to use this. Before you begin serging, test the stitch on a scrap of the train to see how it will look. Sergers usually have several stitch variations, so be sure to select the right one for your dress by considering the fabric, style, and other factors.
Serging the hem is an important step in hemming a wedding dress with a train, as it helps to create a clean and professional finish. It also ensures that the fabric will not fray or unravel over time. When serging the hem, it is important to take your time and work carefully. Follow any specific instructions provided by the serger manufacturer, and ensure that the thread is properly threaded through the machine.
If you do not have a serger, you can also use a sewing machine to create a similar finish. Simply adjust the settings on your machine to a zig-zag stitch, and carefully sew along the hem of the dress. This will help to secure the fabric and prevent fraying.
Once you have serged or sewn the hem, it is important to press it with an iron to create a crisp and polished finish. Place the dress on a flat surface and use a steam iron to press the hem, being careful not to burn the fabric. This will help to set the stitches and create a smooth and elegant finish for your wedding dress.
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Frequently asked questions
First, try on the dress with the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will help you decide on the length. Then, ask a helper to mark the desired length with pins.
You will need scissors or a rotary blade, matching thread, a marking pen or pencil, a measuring gauge, and a helper.
It depends on the fullness of the dress. Generally, you would hem the front at floor length, almost to the sides, and then graduate into the train.
If you only need to remove less than 2 inches, you can simply hem the front of the dress by tapering at the side seams, without altering the train.
Take your time and follow each step carefully. Hemming a wedding dress with a train can be done at home, but it is a delicate process, and you want to ensure the final result is something you are proud of.
