How to Make a Dress Shorter

Have you ever bought a super cute dress only to realize it’s way too long? Or maybe you have a favorite go-to dress collecting dust in your closet that you wish you could wear if it was just a bit shorter. Whatever the reason, tailoring clothing to better suit your body and style preferences doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With some basic sewing skills and supplies—or even just safety pins!—you can easily make a long dress shorter in the comfort of your own home. This comprehensive guide covers how to make a dress shorter, from classic cut-and-sew techniques to quick no-sew fixes. Let’s dive in!

Measure Carefully First

Before diving into actually shortening your dress, you need to decide exactly how much length you want to remove. Pinpointing the perfect shortened dress length is crucial so you don’t take off too much.

Here is the best way to measure:

Put on the dress you want to alter. Stand in front of a full length mirror and assess where you would like the dress to fall. Do you want it just above the knee? Right at the knee? Or a mini length?

Once you decide on the ideal length, use chalk or fabric marker to draw a line across the dress to mark your desired cutting line. Ask a friend for help if needed.

Be sure to account for leaving at least 1⁄2 inch of fabric below your line for the new hem. It is easier to recut later if needed than to realize you’ve cut off too much!

Cut and Sew a New Hem

If you feel comfortable using needle and thread, the traditional cut and sew technique creates the most polished shortened dress hem:

Carefully Remove Original Hem

Start by taking off the existing dress hem. This gives you access to cut the excess fabric. Carefully pick out any visible stitches by hand or use seam ripper tool. Go slowly and avoid pulling too hard so as not to damage the fabric.

If the dress doesn’t already have a hem, you can skip this step.

Trim Off Extra Length

Now comes the actual shortening! Line up your chalk shortening line with the raw edge of the dress fabric. Cut along this line to remove the unwanted extra length.

Important note: Try to cut in a single smooth motion to prevent jagged edges. Usesharp fabric scissors for best results.

Create New Hem Fold

With the dress now at your ideal length, it’s time to form the new hem. First, trim any frayed edges if needed so the cut line is clean and straight.

Make a 1⁄2 inch double fold by first folding under the raw fabric edge by 1⁄4 inch, then folding it under again by another 1⁄4 inch. The double fold encases the cut edge inside which prevents fraying and creates a tidy interior finish.

Iron the fold in place, then pin along the hem edge to secure it. This helps hold everything flat for easier stitching.

Sew New Hem By Hand or Machine

You have two options for sewing the folded hem in place: by hand or by machine.

Sewing by hand takes more time but gives you ultimate control for an invisible finish. Use a needle and coordinating thread color to stitch a nearly hidden blind hem stitch attaching the inside fold to the dress fabric.

For those with a sewing machine, you can save time by neatly stitching the hem using a straight or zigzag stitch close to the inside fold. The hem stitching will be visible from the outside but it creates a durable hold on the hem.

In both cases, remove the pins as you work your way around the dress hemming the new shortened length in place.

And voila! Enjoy your dress with the perfect custom shortened length thanks to your DIY sewing skills! The cut and sew method yields a professional hem finish that makes your alteration virtually undetectable.

Instant Hem with Iron-on Tape

Don’t feel up for needle and thread work? Use convenient no-sew hem tape instead!

Hem tape has a special heat-activated adhesive that bonds fabric layers together when ironed. It creates an instant tidy hem in just a few easy steps.

While not quite as invisible as a sewn hem, iron-on hem tape makes for a quick and easy dress shortening solution.

Align Hem Tape to Cut Edge

After cutting your dress to the desired length, lay the hem tape adhesive-side down along the raw cut fabric edge. Make sure tape extends at least 1⁄4 inch below cut line.

Trim the hem tape to match the dress hem circumference. Covering the entire hemline ensures even hold.

Fuse Tape to Dress Fabric

Following package instructions, use the heat from an iron to fuse the hem tape to the wrong side of the dress fabric. Apply even pressure along the length of the tape to securely bond it in place.

Let the tape cool fully before moving fabric so adhesive sets properly.

Fold New Hem Edge Under

With hem tape securely attached, all that’s left is forming the new dress hem.

Make a 1⁄2 inch double fold, first folding the remaining fabric under by 1⁄4 inch, then folding under again by another 1⁄4 inch. The hem tape edge should align about even with second fold.

Lightly press folds with an iron to crease hem shape.

Seal Hem Tape Over Fold

Lastly, with folded hem edge positioned correctly, activate the hem tape adhesive once more with an iron to seal tape over the hem folds.

Use firm pressure across the tape, bonding it to the top side of dress fabric to complete the hem.

Let cool fully and the shorten dress is complete! The hem tape holds securely even after repeated washing so you can enjoy your perfectly tailored dress any time.

For best durability over time, consider adding a few hidden stitch lines attaching tape edges to fabric as extra reinforcement.

Instant Glue Hem

If you’re really in a time crunch or just sewing averse, fabric glue hems offer another fast no-sew dress shortening solution.

Using the permanent bond of fabric glue, you can instantly adhere a folded hem shape without stitches, tape or tools required.

While glue hem durability doesn’t compare to sewn methods, it creates respectable hold for occasional wear items. And talk about easy!

Apply Glue to Fold Area

After cutting dress to preferred length, lay dress flat wrong side up. Mask off surrounding fabric with paper to prevent misplaced glue drips.

Run a thin, even glue bead along cut fabric edge, about 1⁄4 inch in from fold line. This targets glue to adhere fold layers once pressed together.

Let glue fully soak in for a minute before folding.

Create Hem Fold and Press

Next, create a 1⁄2 inch double fold hem, first folding under 1⁄4 inch then another 1⁄4 inch, aligning the glued fabric edge on inside.

With fold formed, place dress wrong side down on ironing surface. Press along hem edge using medium heat to securely set glue while fusing fold layers together.

Allow Thorough Drying

It’s critical to let fabric glue cure fully before wearing the shortened dress or hem may come loose. Follow glue package directions for required drying time.

Typically a full 24 hours is best for maximum bond strength. The wait is worth it for a freshly hemmed dress!

For extra hold and flexibility, stretch hem edge slightly while glue sets to reinforce adhesion.

Once fully dry, simply slip on your dress stylishly shortened to the perfect length by your DIY hands!

No-Sew Fix with Safety Pins

If you need to shorten a dress in a snap with zero supplies on hand, safety pin hemming offers a brilliant temporary solution!

While not at all durable for long term wear, safety pinning the hem fold delivers presentable length adjusting in a pinch. It also helps test shortened dress proportions before committing to permanent hemming.

Follow steps:

Mark Ideal Length and Create Fold

As in prior methods, start by putting on dress and marking desired shortened length with chalk or pins. Carefully fold hem along line to planned depth.

A single 1⁄2 inch fold typically works best for safety pinning since thick layers are trickier to pierce. Make fold width proportional to dress fabric density.

Insert Pins Close Together

Blanket the hem edge with tightly spaced safety pins inserted perpendicular through the fold layers anchoring them together. Concentrate pins near fold ends and any curved seamlines prone to gaping open.

Stick parallel rows additional pins if needed until hem feels securely fastened. The more pins, the better!

Try On and Adjust

With hem temporarily pinned, carefully don dress again to double check appearance of new shortened length.

Make any tweaks by sliding pins inward or outward until hem shape and placement fits and flatters as envisioned.

Replace any loose pins for optimal hold throughout wearing. Shake out hem gently to confirm stability.

For formal events or windy weather, consider reinforcing with fabric tape or spare thread tied tightly between pins as added security against major malfunctions.

Otherwise, rock your creatively shortened dress held by surprisingly sturdy safety pins!

Belt It

If you need to quickly shorten a dress for impromptu plans, belting a form-fitted sheath or loose flowy style can provide an instant extra inches trim.

Simply secure a belt, sash or cord snugly at the waistline to hike up the dress fabric closer to body and effectively remove length.

This doesn’t actually alter the dress, but creative styling makes it appear shorter on frame for the time being.

Consider Belt Positioning

Where you place the belt affects how much latent dress length gets removed between bottom hem and cinched waist.

Belting higher above narrowest part of natural waist and closer to the bustline yields maximum height. Optimal belt location depends on dress shape and your comfort level.

Cinch Tightly to Gather Fabric

Pull the belt moderately tight so it lifts the dress fabric upward into a bubble or gathered effect, rather than lying flat against you. The goal is compressing the dress vertically.

Fasten belt securely in a knot, buckle or tie at side or back to keep the desired degree of snugness intact. Check belt tension in mirror from all angles before heading out.

This creates the illusion of a cropped dress silhouette instantly with items already in closet!

Consider Added Elements

For versatile options, attach a few eye hooks to inside of dress bodice near upper waist. Clip carabiners onto belt ends to securely anchor against body, preventing gradual slipping or loosening over time.

Or insert a thumb loop made from ribbon through belt, allowing you to maintain constant tension. Add belt chain links, weighting one end for gravity to prevent rising.

Have fun getting creative hacking easy dress shorten solutions for the spontaneity of spur-of-moment social engagements!

FAQs

What is the easiest way to shorten a dress without sewing?

The fastest no-sew dress shortening options are using iron-on hem tape or fabric glue to adhere a quick fold-under hem. Safety pinning the raw edge hem fold also works in a pinch!

Where should I cut my dress to make it shorter?

Carefully try on the dress and mark your ideal shortened length using pins or tailor’s chalk. Be sure to leave at least 1/2 inch for the hem fold allowance when cutting. Cut along a single continuous line for cleanest results.

How much does it cost to tailor a dress shorter?

Professional dress tailoring costs average $15-$30 to shorten simple straight hems. More complex adjustments with extra seaming, linings or embellishments may cost $50 or more. DIY shortening costs only the price of notions like hem tape, glue or sewing tools.

Should you cut the lining when shortening a dress?

Yes, any fixed linings or slips sewn into dresses should be trimmed to exactly match the shortened outer dress length. This prevents blousing, bulging and rippling effects. Adjust any coordinating petticoats or crinolines inside as well.

Can I make a dress shorter by cutting the straps?

Simply shortening dress straps rarely yields significant length change since it only minutely raises the entire garment. You’ll likely still need to shorten the primary dress body for substantial height adjustments. Strap shortening best complements other length reducing techniques.

Last Words

I hope this guide gives you confidence to customize dress lengths to flatter your figure like a pro! With so many DIY techniques on how to make a dress shorter, you can easily revamp wardrobe pieces in just an afternoon.

When it comes to tying a belt on a dress, the best approach depends on your time, sewing abilities, and desired lasting durability. Whether you opt for a cut-and-stitch method, fuse tape, glue, or a simple safety pin, taking up a too-long dress not only offers an inexpensive solution but also expands your style options effortlessly.

So grab those forgotten dress gems languishing overlong in your closet today! Let the hemming begin and enjoy showing off some leg in your refreshed short and chic DIY dresses!/