shortening long lace lined dresses

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I am in the process of shortening 4 long lace lined dresses for a friend. My issue is this. If I shorten the hemline by the 2.5 inches that she pinned only in the front, the back of the dress will be longer than the front. This is a store-bought dress and it is in a plus size. My question is this. Could the back of the dress be longer to allow for a large backside? I know it would help for her to try it on while I pin the hemline but I'm not sure that is convenient for her. I certainly don't want to start on the other 3 which are all similarly made until I see how this one turns out. Any help would be great.

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Comments (5)

susanzone5 (NY)
8 years ago
If she pinned it in the front, it probably means she wants it 2.5 inches shorter all around. I would call her and talk about it.
Frances Pitts
Original Author
8 years ago
Susan, this lady is a member of our senior center and I only see her periodically and have no phone number for her. I will have to wait until I see her again. I did go ahead and finish the first dress. Now I'm waiting to see if that one pleases her.
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donna_loomis
8 years ago
Inconvenient or not, I would want to do the measuring myself. And I wouldn't guess if she wanted it longer in the back. Do you really want to rip the hem out and start over? Take what you need with you when you see her again, so you can mark the hem correctly. Yes, the shape of a backside can make a difference in length of hem, but it must be measured from the floor all the way around the dress to get it right. And get her phone number, LOL.
Frances Pitts
Original Author
8 years ago
I do agree with you Donna. People don't always measure correctly themselves, especially when they don't do the alteration themselves. I once made 3-piece cheerleader outfits for a group of 12 13 yr olds. They took their own measurements. Can you imagine how accurate THAT was! OUCH! At least after switching and swapping pieces they all ended up with outfits that actually fit. (Forget the fact that I had to start one completely over) I finished one of these dresses and I think I will wait to see how that one fits before going any further. And NO, no ripping please!
c t
7 years ago
The backside of most humans does take more fabric to cover than the front, but it's often not as noticeable on loose garments as it would be on a pencil skirt. Are you doing this as a friend, or for money? I wouldn't alter anything for money that I hadn't measured myself.

Some time ago, I did alterations for a dry cleaner. I had a skirt on which the instructions were, "Shorten six inches." It was kind of a large ladies' size. I should have called the customer and told her I wouldn't do it until I saw it on her. Instead, I went ahead and did as instructed. Predictably, she demanded to be refunded her money because the skirt was unwearable, and of course the owner complied. Learned my lesson.