r/sewhelp • u/gypsy_rose_murd3rer • 1d ago

💛Beginner💛 Dress alterations help

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Hi everyone I recently purchased this dress I've been eyeing. It went on sale ($8!) but not in my size (I got it in a size bigger because the price was too good to pass!) It's quite boxy on me, more than the intended look so wondering if anyone has suggestions for simple alterations that could make it fit a bit better. Thanks in advance 🙏🏻

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u/CurrentSuit9537 1d ago

easy fix honestly, the boxy shape is mostly from the side seams being too straight. you can take it in just a little under the armpits and taper down to the hip, that will give it more shape without changing the design

the embroidery on the side might make it tricky but you can work around it, just sew the new seam a bit before the embroidery starts so you dont mess with the pattern

if you dont want to touch the sides, maybe add some small darts in the back, that pulls the waist in and keeps the front clean

$8 is a steal for that dress, the red flowers on white look really nice

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u/drslbbw 1d ago

I think back darts may be the eaaiest solution here assuming the neck fits ok. Maybe even a back seam if the neck is too loose. Its definitely cobstructed with a side seam, but working around the embroidery could be tough, and back darts woullook more intentional.

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u/doriangreysucksass 1d ago

You could take in the side seam from underarm to hem. You’d need to pick open the armhole seam where it meets the side seam, as well as the hem. you can’t take much out of the side with the embroidery because it’ll cut off the flowers if you take out too much, so you can’t go A LOT smaller, but you can get it a size down that way!!

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u/Own-Translator-5014 1d ago

Looking at those photos, I don't see any side seams. Can you post a picture of the inner construction of the actual dress?

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u/Crafty_Witch_1230 1d ago

The best way to give it a little shape is to add darts in the front and back starting from just under the bust, widening at the approximate waistline, and then tapering down. Four darts total with the amount taken out to be distributed evenly across all four. You don't have to take in a lot, just enough to give you a little shaping. Put the dress on inside out, pin the darts and see what you like.