Shorten tulle Cutting tulle is accomplished differently from cutting fabric. Fabric can be marked and cut, but tulle cannot be marked like normal fabric. I use a different method when cutting tulle. Measure the difference between the tulle and the fashion fabric and write the measurement down. The first thing I do is mark and cut the fashion fabric (outer fabric). For gowns I always chalk the gown, or pin all the way [...]
Shorten skirt or dress with pleats How to hem a pleated skirt Before you start, keep in mind that to hem a pleated skirt takes a little longer than hemming a normal skirt because you need to make sure that the pleats must be lined up. Before you start If I am asked to shorten a garment with pleats, I will always discuss what will happen to the client first. They need to have two options [...]
Open out seams hem to sit flat Open out seams hem to sit flat should always be done before over locking. This is another one of those alteration areas that can create confusion. I had a lady join one of my shops, who thought the only way to open out seams was to start sewing about 15 cm (6 in) above the new hem length, slowly taper down, then once she reached the [...]
Comfort is important but even some trousers that are elasticated can be too big in the waist or they may hang down at the crotch, or a combination of both. To test and see which is the problem, fold the elastic band over once and see what happens to the crotch. If it has not raised it enough, fold over again. It may be that you only want to fold the waist over one and [...]
Threading elastic can be a tedious job. When the elastic goes in your trousers or skirt, rather than pulling the old elastic out first, then threading the new, join the new elastic to the end of the old elastic, and when pulling the old elastic out, the new elastic will be threaded through. Quick and easy. Threading elastic Using the traditional method of a safety pin works, but there is a better product [...]