can you alter a knit dress? Tips and Techniques for Modifying Your Knitted Garments
Knit dresses are versatile and comfortable garments that can be worn for various occasions. However, sometimes you may find yourself with a knit dress that doesn't fit perfectly or needs a little tweaking. The good news is that you can alter a knit dress to achieve the desired fit and style. In this article, we will explore different ways to modify your knit dress, ensuring that it flatters your figure and enhances your personal style.
1. Understanding Knit Fabrics
Before you start altering your knit dress, it's important to understand the characteristics of knit fabrics. Knit fabrics are stretchy and have a tendency to bounce back to their original shape. They are different from woven fabrics, which do not have the same level of stretch. When altering a knit dress, keep in mind that it may stretch or shrink during the process, so it's essential to handle the fabric with care.
2. Taking Accurate Measurements of knit dresses
One of the essential steps in altering a knit dress is taking accurate measurements. Measure your bust, waist, hips, and any other areas that you want to modify. This will help you determine how much fabric needs to be added or removed to achieve the desired fit. It's important to measure while wearing the appropriate undergarments and in a relaxed posture to ensure accurate measurements.
3. Adjusting the Length of knit dresses
If your knit dress is too long or too short, you can easily adjust the length to suit your preference. To shorten a knit dress, mark the desired length and cut off the excess fabric. Then, fold the raw edge and hem it using a stretch stitch or a twin needle. To lengthen a knit dress, you can add a contrasting fabric or lace trim to the hemline, creating a stylish and unique look.
4. Modifying the Neckline
The neckline of a knit dress can greatly impact its overall appearance. If you feel that the neckline is too high or too low, you can alter it to achieve a more flattering look. For a higher neckline, you can add a ribbed collar or a facing to the existing neckline. To lower the neckline, carefully remove the excess fabric and finish the new neckline with a stretch stitch or binding.
5. Taking in or Letting out the Side Seams
If your knit dress feels too loose or too tight around the waist or hips, you can modify the side seams to achieve a better fit. To take in the side seams, try on the dress inside out and pin along the sides to create a new seam line. Sew along the pinned line, making sure to maintain the stretchiness of the fabric. To let out the side seams, you can add contrasting panels or fabric inserts to create more room.
6. Reshaping the Shoulders of knit dresses
Shoulder fit is crucial for the overall comfort and appearance of a knit dress. If the shoulders of your dress are too wide or too narrow, you can reshape them to achieve a better fit. To narrow the shoulders, try on the dress inside out and pin along the shoulder seams to create a new seam line. Sew along the pinned line, gradually tapering towards the original seam. To widen the shoulders, you can add fabric inserts or shoulder pads.
7. Adjusting the Sleeve Length
The sleeve length of a knit dress can greatly impact its style and practicality. If your dress has sleeves that are too long or too short, you can easily adjust them to your preference. To shorten the sleeves, mark the desired length and cut off the excess fabric. Then, fold the raw edge and hem it using a stretch stitch or a twin needle. To lengthen the sleeves, you can add contrasting fabric or lace trim to create a stylish and unique look.
8. Adding or Removing Darts
Darts are often used in garments to provide shaping and structure. If your knit dress feels boxy or lacks definition at the waist, you can add darts to create a more tailored look. To add darts, try on the dress inside out and pin along the waistline to mark the dart placement. Sew along the pinned line, tapering towards the waist. If your dress has darts that are too pronounced or unnecessary, you can remove them by carefully unpicking the stitches.
9. Enhancing the Silhouette with Ruching
Ruching is a technique that involves gathering fabric to create texture and visual interest. If you want to enhance the silhouette of your knit dress, you can add ruching to specific areas. For example, you can create ruching at the waist to accentuate your curves or at the bust to add volume. Ruching can be achieved by hand or using a sewing machine with a gathering foot, allowing you to customize the look to your liking.
10. Seeking Professional Alterations
While many alterations can be done at home, some modifications may require the expertise of a professional tailor or seamstress. If you have a complex alteration in mind or are unsure of your sewing skills, it's best to consult a professional. They can provide guidance and ensure that your knit dress is altered in a way that maintains its structural integrity and quality.