Step 1: Gather necessary materials

Before you begin shortening your dress, you’ll need a sewing machine, a measuring tape, sewing pins, matching thread, scissors, an iron, seam ripper, and tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker.

Step 2: Measure

Put on the dress and stand in front of a mirror with the shoes you plan to wear with it. Use the measuring tape to measure the desired length by folding the hem up at different points until you find the perfect length.

Step 3: Mark with tailor’s chalk

Once you have established your desired length, use tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker to create a straight line around the entire bottom of the dress. This will serve as your cutting guide.

Step 4: Remove any embellishments

If your dress has embellishments near the hemline such as beads, sequins, or lace, carefully remove these using the seam ripper. Be sure to save these if you plan on attaching them back onto your dress after shortening it.

Step 5: Cut the excess fabric

Using sharp fabric scissors, cut along the marked line from step 3. Be sure to cut slowly and carefully to maintain a straight edge.

Step 6: Fold and pin the new hem

Turn the dress inside out and fold the newly cut edge up by half an inch. Iron this fold in place and use sewing pins to secure it all around the hem. To create a double-folded hem for clean edges and added strength, fold this up once more, this time by one inch.

Step 7: Sew the new hem

Using your sewing machine and matching thread, sew along with your pinned new hem about half an inch from where you trimmed off excess fabric.

Step 8: Press hems with an iron

To give your new hem a professional finish, press it with an iron. This ensures that the hem lies flat and looks polished.

Step 9: Reattach embellishments

If your dress originally had embellishments near the hem, sew them back on once the new hem is in place. Use a needle and thread and sew each item in place securely.

Step 10: Admire your work

Turn your dress right-side-out and try it on with your chosen shoes to admire the new length! You’ve successfully shortened your dress in 10 easy steps! Now you can proudly wear your custom-tailored dress to any special event.