How to Alter a Bridesmaid Dress

Bridesmaid dresses may need to be altered for being too long or to big on the lady. Many times a dress is purchased months before the wedding date and this will give you enough time to alter the dress yourself instead of purchasing a new one.

Things you will need:

• Tape measure


• Fabric marker


• Pins


• Seam ripper


• Needle


• Thread


• Iron


• Sewing machine


• Serger

1. Have the bridesmaid put on the dress that needs altered. Make sure they are wearing the same shoes that they plan on wearing to the wedding.


2. Using the tape measure, measure how much fabric needs to be altered.


3. Mark with the fabric marker the measurements.


4. Pin the fabric at the bottom that needs to be altered.


5. Carefully have the bridesmaid take off the dress trying to not move any of the pins.


6. Lay the dress on a clean flat surface.


7. Remove the seams where the alterations need to be with the seam ripper.


8. Iron the seam of the dress to make it flat.


9. Pin the dress where you made your marking. Make sure the seam is straight when you are pinning it in place. 


10. Sew the new seam with your needle and thread. You may also chose to sew it in place with a sewing machine. Use what your most comfortable with.


11. Remove the pins from the dress.


12. Iron the new seam.


13. Use a serger machine to add a more professional finish to the bridesmaid dress.


14. Have the bridesmaid try the dress on to make sure it fits appropriately.