Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses are often notoriously small, and it can be tricky to make a wedding dress bigger. However, it is possible to make a wedding dress bigger, and there are several ways to do so. This includes letting out a dress, which involves using the extra fabric from the seams, adding panels or gussets, or replacing a zip with a lace-up corset.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of making a wedding dress bigger | Relatively less straightforward than making it smaller |
| Common reasons | Weight gain, lockdown, buying a second-hand dress |
| When to panic | No need to panic, find an experienced seamstress |
| Options to make a wedding dress bigger | "Letting out" seams, adding fabric, replacing a zip with a lace-up corset, adding panels, restyling the back, adding a gusset |
| Cost | Expensive |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress alterations can be costly
Firstly, it is essential to consult an experienced seamstress to discuss the available options and the potential costs involved. They will be able to assess the dress and advise on the best course of action. The complexity of the alterations will depend on the dress's design and the amount of extra fabric required. If the dress has extra fabric in the seam allowances, it may be possible to "let out" the seams, adding a small amount of width to the dress. This option typically provides up to 2 cm of additional room on each side, but it may not be sufficient for dresses that need to be significantly larger.
In cases where more fabric is needed, discreet panels can be added to the sides of the dress. However, this method can be challenging, as it requires finding fabric that perfectly matches the dress. Fabric from the hem can be used if the dress can be shortened, but otherwise, additional fabric must be sourced from a supplier. This process can increase the cost of alterations, especially if the fabric is difficult to match or needs to be specially ordered.
Another option to consider when a dress is too small is restyling the back. For example, replacing a zip with a lace-up corset back can add extra room and provide adjustability. However, this alteration may also be costly, especially if it requires significant changes to the dress's design. Additionally, matching the fabric and colour can be challenging, especially for older dresses.
The cost of wedding dress alterations can vary depending on the complexity of the work and the region in which the alterations are being made. General alterations can often start at $300 or more, and the price can increase depending on the specific requirements. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the expected cost with the seamstress or tailor before proceeding with any alterations.
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Letting out a dress
It is possible to make a wedding dress bigger, but it can be tricky. The first thing to do is to find an experienced seamstress to discuss your options. Wedding dresses, formal gowns, and many other dresses will have extra material in the seam allowances, which means they can be let out a size without any structural changes.
Before letting out a dress, it is important to check if it is possible. Turn the dress inside out and look at the side seams. If there is extra fabric at the side seam that is folded along the seam, it is possible to let the dress out. If there is no extra fabric, you will not be able to let out the dress, and you will have to consider other options, such as adding panels.
If there is enough fabric, the next step is to determine how much larger you need the dress to be. Measure your waist and hips, and then measure from one side seam to the other on the dress at the waist and hips. Subtract your waist and hip measurements from the dress measurements, and divide the number by two. This is how much you will need to let out the dress on each side.
With the dress still inside out, try it on and mark the top of where it starts to get tight and the bottom where it starts to fit more comfortably. This will tell you how much of the seam you will need to remove. Then, use a seam ripper to remove the seam at one of the sides of the dress, starting at the top mark and ending at the bottom mark. Be careful not to rip any of the fabric while removing the stitches.
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Replacing a zip with a lace-up corset
If your wedding dress is too small, don't panic. While making a dress bigger is more challenging than making it smaller, it is possible to add room to your dress. One way to do this is by replacing a zip with a lace-up corset.
This method will only add width to the back of the dress, not the front or sides. It involves removing the zip and stitching fabric loops down each side of the opening, which are then tied together with a ribbon. A "modesty panel" is added underneath the lacing, covering the back to just below the hip. This panel can be held in place with the pressure of the lacing against the wearer's back, or by adding a hook and eye or sewing on a snap.
This type of fastening is adjustable, meaning that if your weight changes in the lead-up to your wedding, your dress can still fit. It is a common alteration that a professional tailor can do, but it can also be done yourself if you know how to sew.
This alteration will not work if your dress needs to be bigger all around. In this case, you may need to consider other options, such as letting out" the dress by using fabric from inside the seams, adding discreet panels, or restyling the back of the dress.
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Adding a gusset
While it is generally easier to take a wedding dress in than to make it bigger, there are several ways to increase the size of a wedding dress. One common method is to "let out" the dress, which involves using the extra fabric found in the seam allowances of most wedding dresses. However, if there is not enough fabric to let out, other options such as adding panels or replacing the zipper with a lace-up corset can be considered.
One way to add room to a wedding dress is by adding a gusset, a triangular piece of fabric that provides extra space and structural support. Gussets can be added to various parts of a dress, such as the underarm or the bodice, to increase the overall size and improve the fit. This technique is particularly useful when there is not enough fabric to let out or when the dress needs to be significantly larger.
To add a gusset to a wedding dress, the first step is to identify the area where the extra room is needed. Next, remove the stitching in that area and turn the sleeve or fabric to the wrong side. Backstitch the ends of the ripped seam to prevent it from coming undone, and then clip up to the seam, being careful not to cut the thread. At this point, you can pin the gusset to the lining, matching it to the original end, and stitch it in place. It is important to note that the gusset fabric should ideally match the colour and texture of the dress as closely as possible to ensure a seamless look.
Adding gussets can be a simple way to increase the size of a wedding dress, but it may be challenging for those who are new to sewing. It is important to carefully follow instructions and consider seeking help from an experienced seamstress if needed. Additionally, it is worth noting that the success of this method may depend on the style and structure of the dress, as well as the location and size of the gusset.
In conclusion, while making a wedding dress bigger can be tricky, adding a gusset is one of the options available to increase the size and improve the fit. By following the steps outlined above and paying attention to the fabric matching, it is possible to successfully add a gusset to a wedding dress.
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Panels can be added
If your wedding dress is too small, discreet panels can be added to make it bigger. This is an option when there isn't enough fabric to 'let out' the dress. The challenge here is finding a piece of fabric that perfectly matches the dress. Fabric from the hem can be used if the dress is being shortened, otherwise, fabric will need to be sourced from a supplier.
Before making any cuts, prepare your sewing space with all the tools and materials you need. If the dress is new, wash and dry it prior to sewing, as this will soften the fabric and make it easier to work with. You will need sharp scissors to make straight, even cuts, creating a professional look. Take measurements of your bust and waist to ensure you insert enough fabric so that the dress fits well.
If there is a seam on the back of the dress, use a seam ripper to open it. If not, make a straight cut from the neck of the dress to the waist. If the dress has a zipper, remove it. Measure and cut the appropriate amount of fabric for the panel, leaving enough room for a 1/2-inch seam. Match the panel to the dress, with the right sides of the fabric facing in. Pin the panel and stitch it in place. Turn the dress right side out, try it on and make any necessary adjustments.
If you are adding side panels, this will involve altering the waist, bust and sleeves as well. However, if the entire dress needs to be bigger, this could be a good option. If you are adding a large panel to the back of the dress, you can disguise the alteration by adding a corset-style tie over it. Sew loops down the inside cut of the back of the dress and lace a piece of ribbon or cord through the loops, tying at the top or bottom.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to make a wedding dress bigger. However, it is a lot more straightforward to make a dress smaller than it is to make it bigger.
It depends on the dress. If the dress has extra fabric in the seam allowances, it can be let out a size without any structural changes. If there is not enough fabric to let out the dress, discreet panels can be added to make the dress bigger.
Turn the dress inside out and check the side seam to see if there is enough extra fabric to let the dress out. If there is extra fabric at the side seam, it will be folded along the seam.
