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Original poster

Can anyone help with a dress alteration.

13 replies

WhiteWhiteWhite · 14/02/2023 17:48

I spontaneously picked up my first tent dress in the sale last year. Fits at the top, but I didn't realise how much material it has! Can I take it in a bit? With very little sewing knowledge Grin

I've added a couple of (sewing machine) darts in the front, which have pulled it in a bit & it looks better. But there's tons more at the back that needs more than a couple of darts. Is it even possible? Back in photo.

Added bonus. It has pockets! Smile

Can anyone patient help? In simple language, as my brain & energy are pretty low. Autoimmune nonsense.

Can anyone help with a dress alteration.
OP posts:
zurala · 14/02/2023 17:58

Can you do some pics of you in it and explain better what the issue is and where on the dress?

Original poster
WhiteWhiteWhite · 14/02/2023 18:18

@zurala That would make much more sense wouldn't it Grin

I'm flat in bed at the moment (relapse) so not sure how helpful this'll be.

The darts at the front I put in are vertical under bust darts & they've made a real difference with the shape.

Now I'd like to lose some excess material on the back. I'm a 12 on the top & 14 on the bottom, so I tend to pull things in a bit tighter on the top.

There's just so much baggy stuff at the back I can't picture how to tailor it.

OP posts:
zurala · 14/02/2023 19:14

Hmmm ok, the issue is that because it's gathered across the back yoke, darts will look dreadful.
The best way would be to unpick along the yoke, remove the back piece and then put it back in without gathers, so you lose the fullness. That could be tricky for you though?

Or do a version of it where you unpick the centre section along the yoke, then fold the back piece like this

\ /_
And reinsert so it's more smoothed out (and you could sew those folds down too)

The only other option really is to take the sides in and take more in from the back than the front, and hope it looks ok, but this would be a bodge, really.

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Original poster
WhiteWhiteWhite · 14/02/2023 20:14

Oh you're right @zurala That makes total sense & explains why my back darts experiment looked all wrong. Grin

Mmm, not sure I'm be able to manage to do this 'properly'. I could unpick, but probably not up to resewing it Blush I like your idea of unpicking the centre section & reinserting, but again might have to wait for more energy.

I started with bodge ideas! Taking in more from the back, but it pulled the pockets round -of course- & the pockets get in the way of taking the sides in.

Thank you for taking the time to explain. I've learned a lot! WineFlowers

OP posts:
zurala · 14/02/2023 20:26

Are they in seam pockets? If so you would need to take them out to take in the sides (they are easy to put back in).
You can take in more fabric from the back than the front. But it won't be as good as redoing the back (but that's a bigger job).
Could you pay a local seamstress to do it properly? It shouldn't cost too much as it's actually fairly easy, just sightly faffy.

zurala · 14/02/2023 20:28

And I just noticed my diagram got mangled. i've attached a pic

Can anyone help with a dress alteration.
carpool · 14/02/2023 23:16

What I would do is unpick the gathered yoke seam. Cut the back skirt section in half, remove some of the fabric and make a back centre seam. Re-gather the remaining fabric and reattach to the yoke (or remove enough fabric that it doesn't need gathering or make a few pin tucks or something). Maybe you have friends who sew who could help you?

SgtBilko · 14/02/2023 23:30

I’d wear it with a wide belt so no sewing needed.

Original poster
WhiteWhiteWhite · 15/02/2023 09:25

Yes @zurala, they're in seam pockets. I like the idea of removing them & adjusting the sides. I'm trying to work out which is easiest for my brain & body, tackling the sides or the back Grin

I'm surviving on PIP, hence a cheap dress in the sale & attempting alterations myself, rather than a seamstress.

Oh thank god you've attached that diagram of the back! I could not work out what you meant about the back. But now I've got it! Many thanks Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
WhiteWhiteWhite · 15/02/2023 09:29

Grateful thanks @carpool! That's really helping me to visualise how this can be done.

I did have a wonderful best friend who would have done it, but lost her to cancer last year Sad I really miss her guidance, so Mumsnet help is much appreciated.

OP posts:
Original poster
WhiteWhiteWhite · 15/02/2023 09:31

@SgtBilko GrinGrinGrin I think a wide belt sounds very sensible! I'm hoping to wear it next month & I can see a half unpicked mess on the side instead.

I am inspired to have a go though! Thanks everyone x

OP posts:
carpool · 16/02/2023 19:59

Just to say if you do decide to take in from the sides rather than the back would recommend you taper the seam from below the armhole join so as not to impact the armhole and sleeves. (apologies if you already thought of this)

Original poster
WhiteWhiteWhite · 18/02/2023 09:58

Thank you @carpool Smile

Absolutely nothing is obvious at this stage & all advice is welcome. When you say 'taper' from below the arms, do you mean make smaller & sew the new hem up the sides?

I'm actually part way through unpicking the yoke to take material out, but realise now the new seam up the back won't be pattern matched Confused

Oh well. I might not even get that far Grin

OP posts:
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