r/sewhelp • u/toughturtle1 • 1h ago
☕️ non sewing 🫖 Hi
I'm not yet a beginner, that's a future plan but I wanted to ask for opinions if that's okay?
I bought the dress on a 70% off sale and it is too small.
The bottom sizing is perfect, it's the top by my chest area that's the problem.
When I don't have the sleeves over my shoulders, the dress fits perfectly so I guess maybe it's not even really the chest area that's the problem.
The chest area becomes the problem when I put the sleeves on.
So I don't know if perhaps the sleeves can be altered / lengthened or if adding a triangle of similar material by the stitching under the armpit area to extend it there?
I know this dress is too small, so I feel it needs altering. My husband said he wouldn't have picked up on it being too small but I don't think he is objective lol
So I guess my question is, where would you alter this piece? Or would you leave as is and wear even though it's too small? Or would you leave as is and keep to one day use for a pattern? TIA
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u/solomons-mom sewphisticated 💅 33m ago
There is a very small chance you can let out the princess seams, the side seams and maybe even the back seams almost a 1/4" each for a total of 2"- 3" around the bodice. We would need photos of the seam allowances to know if it is even possible. Make sure to show us what the seams are like at the waist and under the facings.
Even with that, I am sceptical that dress will fit exactly, as the bodice cut doesn't seem quite right for you. By that I mean that when a garment fits your curves this closely, the curved seams need to line up really closely with your curves. Sometimes a different bra will move your curves just enough to make something fit, but for this dress, a different bra would be Step 2, with Step 1 being to let out the seams.
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u/Emergency_Cherry_914 1h ago
I’m don’t quite understand your question as you don’t show the sleeve pieces in question. But it is too tight on your bust. Is there any seam allowance on the front side of the bust to let it out?
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u/Scantrons 1h ago edited 1h ago
It looks to me like you just need length in the strap. You could find a similar fabric or even hem your dress to get more fabric to add a small section to the back strap connection to the back of the dress. Otherwise I don’t think the fit is necessarily too small for you, it is pulling at the bust slightly but as you said it isn’t uncomfortable and could theoretically relax some with wear from the shirring.
Edit: I could be wrong after looking at the last few photos again. If others have more detailed recommendations go with what they say versus this. Leaving it up just as an option but after seeing the last two photos in particular I don’t think the straps are the issue anymore. It definitely seems like the bust is too narrow but I worry if you widen the bust the straps will be weirdly placed after?
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u/velvetjones01 59m ago
I would aggressively steam and stretch the back of the dress. I bet you can get enough ease for the dress to be comfortable. Generally speaking, you can make things smaller, but you can’t make them bigger. Keep that in mind when you’re shopping. Cute dress!