You can likely hem a sweater dress. The answer is a definite yes if the dress already has a hem at the bottom. However, if no hem is present, follow the steps outlined below.
Here is a step-by-step guide to hemming a sweater dress:
Prepare the dress: Wash and dry the clothing according to the care instructions. Iron it to remove any wrinkles or fabric distortions.
Determine the desired length: Try on the dress and mark the desired size with a fabric pen or tailor’s chalk.
Remove the hem: Carefully cut or unravel the existing hem so that the raw edge of the fabric is exposed.
Measure and cut: Determine the distance from the rough edge to the mark, then increase that measurement by 1 inch. Obtain a strip of fabric from a worn sweater, knit material, or any elastic fabric with the obtained length and a width of 2 to 3 inches.
Attach the new hem:
- Fold the strip in half lengthwise, keeping the wrong side facing outward.
- Insert the rough edge of the dress within the folded strip and secure it with pins.
- Sew the strip onto the rough edge of the dress either with a sewing machine or by hand, using a stretch stitch or a zigzag stitch that’s small enough to accommodate the fabric’s stretch.
Finish the hem: Trim any excess fabric and unfold the strip to reveal the new hem. Please give it a final press to smooth out any wrinkles.
That’s it! There are different types of sweaters; with these steps, you should be able to hem a sweater dress successfully.