Hemming Bridesmaid Dresses: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Bridesmaid dresses are usually made long enough. Most manufacturers will make it around 59″ to 61″ long. This length will touch the floor for girls with a height of about 5 “7 to 5’8”. If your bridesmaids are shorter than that, the dresses may need to be hemmed. It’s better to have the dress longer, for you need to have enough room for possible high heels, and it’s safer to have it hemmed after your bridesmaids try it and pair it with shoes. Some retailers may not offer alteration services, and to have all dresses hemmed is not a small cost. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the process of hemming bridesmaid dresses step by step.

Part 1 Preparation

First, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth and successful process. Here’s a list of tools you’ll need; you can also have a rough idea of the degree of difficulty. If the preparation tools are already too much for you, finding a sewist who can hem it for you is better.

Pins (optional): Use high-quality straight pins to help you mark the dress length.
Chalk or fabric marker: A simple ball pen will work, too, if you can’t get those professional things. Anyway, it’s only for marking the fabric that needs to be cut, you can just cut the mark lines away, and it will be sewn inside the seam, too, so don’t worry.
Scissors: Professional scissors will help you cut the fabric cleanly and precisely if you don’t have one, normal ones are OK too.
Sewing machine: It will make the process much faster and easier. And a sewing machine is easy to learn. If you are a green hand, you must first practice hemming some useless fabric to avoid any damage to your dress.
Iron and ironing board.
Cover cloth: While ironing, cover cloth will protect the fabric from direct heat and prevent any potential damage.

Part 2 Marking the Length

Pins are a traditional and reliable method for marking the hemline.

Put on the dress with the heels you are going to wear.
Begin at the middle front and pin your preferred length.
Pin around the full skirt.
Step back and assess the dress from all angles to ensure the hemline is even and visually pleasing.
Carefully take off the dress.

For using chalk:

Put on the dress with the heels on.
Mark the dress at various points along the hemline.
Connect the marked points to create a clear and visible line.

The pinning or marking method will provide a clear guide for hemming the dress to the desired length. Remember to handle the dress with care to avoid any accidental damage. Remember to mark the lining. Usually, the lining is about 1-2 cm shorter than the shell. It’s always better to err on caution and leave a little extra length, as you can always make further adjustments during the fitting process. Attention, do mark the hem wearing on a natural person rather than hang it on a hanger or spread the dress flat on the floor, because a human has its curves while a hanger doesn’t, without wearing on a person will result in a short hemline in the back.

Also Read: How to Find Your Personal Style?

Part 3 Hemming

Trim the hem along the lines you marked or pinned. Before finalizing the hemline with sewing, try the dress again to check for any adjustments. Remember to leave the unsewn hemline slightly longer than necessary to account for a small length that will be sewn into the seam. If you find that you hemmed it too short, don’t worry! We have a fantastic solution to make it longer, which will be revealed later.

Hand hemming is a traditional technique that offers precise control over the hemline. Follow these step-by-step instructions for sewing a blind hem:

Fold the fabric: Turn the dress inside out and fold the hemline to the desired length. Secure the folded fabric in place by inserting pins perpendicular to the fabric.
Start the blind hem: Begin sewing from the inside fold of the dress. Take a small stitch from the folded edge, then catch a few threads from the main fabric. Repeat this process consistently along the hemline, ensuring a uniform stitch length.
Create a blind stitch: Make sure the needle only slightly pierces the folded fabric for an invisible hemline while catching a few threads from the main fabric with each stitch. The stitches should be nearly invisible on the right side of the dress.
Secure the hem: After sewing a few inches, gently pull on the thread to create a slight tension. This will anchor the stitches and ensure the hem remains securely in place.

When Utilizing a Sewing Machine:

Select an appropriate presser foot: Choose a presser foot designed explicitly for hemming purposes.

Fold the fabric: Fold the fabric to the desired length of the hem, ensuring the fold is even and aligned.

Adjust the machine settings: Set your sewing machine to a straight stitch and customize the length according to your preference. Testing the stitch on a scrap piece of fabric is advisable to ensure it meets your desired length and tension.

Position the fabric: Place the folded fabric beneath the presser foot, ensuring that the hem’s raw edge is aligned with the needle.

Commence sewing: Gently guiding the fabric through the machine, maintaining straight and consistent stitches. Take your time and keep a steady pace.

Following these steps while using a sewing machine allows you to hem your bridesmaid dresses accurately and quickly. Remember to choose the proper presser foot, fold the fabric neatly, adjust the machine settings accordingly, position the fabric accurately, and sew carefully for optimal results.

eDresstore.com is not only a perfect bridesmaid attire destination but is also considered very well for customers. You can get hemming tape along with your order for possible further use.

Part 4 Finishing Touches

To achieve a polished and professional look after hemming your bridesmaid dresses, giving them a final touch of pressing is crucial. Follow these steps for pressing the hem:

Prepare your ironing board: Ensure that your ironing board is clean and heat-resistant.

Adjust the iron: Set the iron to the appropriate heat setting based on the dress’s fabric. Refer to the care instructions provided for guidance.

Test a small area: Before pressing the entire hemline, test a small, inconspicuous area of the dress to verify that the iron’s temperature is safe for the fabric and won’t cause damage.

Press the hem from the wrong side: Turn the dress inside out and carefully position the hemline on the ironing board. Use the tip of the iron to gently press the hem, moving it from one section to another. It is essential to avoid dragging or sliding the iron across the fabric, as this can distort the hem.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the hemline of your bridesmaid dresses is neatly pressed, enhancing their overall appearance and creating a refined finish.

Congratulations!

You have successfully completed the step-by-step guide for hemming bridesmaid dresses. Let’s return to the question above, how to make a dress longer? Pull the skirt with some strength, and steam it while pulling it. This way, you can get this skirt part half an inch to one inch longer. Your bridesmaids will now have perfectly fitted dresses that enhance confidence and complement the wedding aesthetic. Enjoy the celebration, knowing that your attention to detail has significantly impacted the bridesmaids’ attire.