Expert Tips: Mastering the Art of Hemming a Dress with Attached Lining

Do you have a dress in your closet that is just a tad too long? Perhaps it has a lovely lining that adds some weight and makes the hem fall below your desired length. Well, don’t worry! Learning how to hem a dress with an attached lining is easier than you may think. With just a few simple steps and some basic sewing techniques, you can say goodbye to those annoying hems and hello to perfectly tailored dresses. In this article, we will guide you through the process of hemming a dress with an attached lining, so you can achieve the perfect fit and style for any occasion. So, dust off your sewing machine or grab your needle and thread – it’s time to get started on transforming your dresses into beautifully hemmed pieces!

Understanding Hemming a Dress with Attached Lining

Hemming a dress with an attached lining can seem like a daunting task, especially if you have never done it before. However, with the right tools and techniques, it can be a relatively simple process. The purpose of hemming a dress is to create a finished edge at the bottom of the garment and prevent any fraying. When it comes to dresses with attached linings, the process is slightly different as you have two layers to work with.

Gathering Supplies

Before you begin hemming your dress with an attached lining, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. You will need scissors, pins, measuring tape, sewing machine or needle and thread, an iron and ironing board, and of course, your dress with the attached lining. Additionally, you may also need a seam ripper if there are any existing hems on the dress that need to be removed.

Preparing Your Dress

The first step in hemming a dress is to prepare your garment for sewing. This includes washing and ironing your dress beforehand to ensure that the fabric is clean and free of wrinkles. It’s also helpful to try on the dress and mark where you want the hemline to fall. Please note that when working with an attached lining, it’s important to mark both layers separately as they may fall at different lengths.

Removing Any Existing Hems

If your dress already has existing hems at the bottom, you will need to remove them before beginning the process. You can do this using a seam ripper or by carefully cutting them off using sharp scissors. Be sure not to cut through any other parts of your dress or lining.

Measuring and Pinning Your Hem

Once your dress is ready for hemming, the next step is to measure and pin your hemline. Depending on the style of your dress, you may want to have a straight hemline or a slightly curved one. You can use your measuring tape to ensure that the hemline is consistent all the way around.

Once you have measured and marked your desired hemline, it’s time to start pinning. You can do this by taking small sections of fabric and folding them up towards the wrong side of the dress. Then use pins to secure the fold in place. This process will create a clean edge for your finished hem.

Sewing Your Hem

After pinning your hem in place, it’s time to start sewing. If you are using a sewing machine, be sure to switch to a smaller needle as you will be working with finer fabrics. You can also use hand-sewing techniques if you prefer.

Starting at one side of the dress, carefully stitch along the folded edge, removing pins as you go. Be sure not to catch any other parts of the dress or lining in your stitching. Once you have sewn all the way around, tie off your thread and trim any excess.

Pressing Your Hem

After sewing your hem, it’s important to press it using an iron and ironing board. This will help set your stitches and create a crisp finish on your garment. Be sure to press on the wrong side of the fabric to avoid creating any unwanted creases on the right side.

Finishing Touches

If needed, you can also add any finishing touches such as lining up seams or adding any decorative trim along the edge of your hemline. These details can add an extra touch of professionalism and elegance to your finished garment.

Hemming a dress with attached lining may seem like a complicated process, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be easily done at home. Just remember to take your time, measure and pin carefully, and press your hem for a polished finish. With practice, you’ll become a pro at hemming any dress with an attached lining.

Understanding Lining and Why it is Necessary for Dress Hemming

Hemming a dress with attached lining is a necessary skill for anyone who loves fashion and wants to have a perfectly fitting dress every time. But before we delve into the how-to process, it’s essential to understand what lining is and why it’s crucial in the hemming process.

Lining refers to an extra layer of fabric that is sewn into the inside of a garment. It serves several functions, including adding structure and shape to a dress, providing a smooth finish on the inside of the garment, and protecting delicate or sheer fabrics from wear and tear. Lining also plays a critical role in making dresses more comfortable to wear by preventing any irritation on the skin caused by rough fabrics.

When it comes to hemming, lining is essential because it helps maintain the overall look and shape of the dress after alterations are made. Without lining, the hem can become bulky or uneven, resulting in an unflattering appearance. Adding lining to your dress also ensures that you don’t have any visible stitches showing on the outside of your garment, giving it a neat and professional finish.

Preparing Your Dress for Hemming

Before you start hemming your dress with attached lining, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your garment. This step is vital because it lays down the foundation for achieving a perfect hem. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Wash or steam your dress – Before starting any alterations, ensure that your dress is clean or steamed. This will allow you to work on smooth fabric without any wrinkles or dirt getting in the way.

2. Iron out any wrinkles – If your dress has wrinkles, make sure to iron them out thoroughly before proceeding with hemming. This step will help ensure accurate measurements and prevent mistakes in the final result.

3. Put on the dress and mark your desired length – It’s best to wear the dress and stand in front of a mirror to determine the perfect hem length. Mark this point with pins or tailor’s chalk. Remember to account for any heels you might be wearing with your dress.

Hemming a Dress with Attached Lining: Step by Step Guide

Once you have prepared your dress, it’s time to get down to business and start hemming. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve a professional-looking hem on your dress with attached lining:

Step 1: Turn the dress inside out – Start by turning your dress inside out to work on the lining. This will ensure that the final stitches are invisible from the outside of your garment.

Step 2: Pin the lining in place – Using pins, secure the lining along the marked hemline, ensuring that it lies flat against the fabric without any creases.

Step 3: Fold the outer layer of fabric under – Taking into account the desired hem length, fold the outer layer of fabric under towards the inside of your garment. The lining should be shorter than this folded edge by about an inch or two.

Step 4: Pin both layers together – Using pins, secure both layers together along the desired hemline.

Step 5: Stitch along the pinned line – Now it’s time to sew along the pinned line using a straight stitch on your sewing machine or by hand if you prefer. Be sure to remove each pin as you sew along to avoid any accidents.

Step 6: Trim off excess fabric – After stitching, take scissors and trim off any excess fabric from underneath your sewn line.

Step 7: Remove any visible stitches – If there are any visible stitches showing on either side of your hemline, carefully remove them using a seam ripper.

Step 8: Press your finished hemline – Finally, turn your dress right side out and use an iron to press the hemline flat for a professional-looking finish.

Tips for Hemming Various Types of Dresses with Attached Lining

Now that you have learned the basic steps to hemming a dress with attached lining, here are a few tips to keep in mind when working on different types of dresses:

1. For a dress with flared or A-line skirt, it’s best to use a blind hem stitch for the lining. This will ensure that the stitches are hidden from view on the outside of your garment.

2. If your dress has a sheer or lightweight lining, it’s essential to use a delicate fabric and matching thread when hemming.

3. When hemming a strapless dress with attached lining, make sure to pin and sew both layers separately before joining them together at the top edge.

4. For dresses with multiple layers of lining, avoid stitching through all layers at once as this can cause bulkiness or unevenness in the final result.

Hemming a dress with attached lining may seem like an intimidating task, but with practice and patience, anyone can achieve professional-looking results. Remember always to prepare your dress before starting any alterations and follow these

Q: What supplies do I need to hem a dress with an attached lining?
A: You will need a sewing machine, sewing pins, scissors, measuring tape, a seam ripper, and thread that matches your dress and lining.

Q: Do I need to remove the lining before hemming the dress?
A: No, the lining can be hemmed along with the dress. Make sure to align it properly with the dress before sewing.

Q: How do I measure for the correct hem length?
A: Measure from the bottom of the dress to where you want the new hemline to fall. Then add an extra inch for seam allowance. This will be your final measurement.

Q: Can I use fabric glue instead of sewing to hem my dress?
A: It is not recommended to use fabric glue for hemming as it may not provide a strong enough hold and could come apart after washing or wearing.

Q: Do I need to iron my dress before hemming?
A: Yes, it is important to iron your dress and lining before starting your hem. This ensures that the fabric is smooth and any wrinkles or creases are removed.

Q: How do I finish the raw edges after hemming?
A: You can finish the raw edges by either folding them under and stitching them down or using bias tape as a binding. This will prevent fraying and give your hem a clean finish.

In conclusion, hemming a dress with an attached lining may seem like a daunting task, but with proper techniques and tools, it can be done effectively. The key points to remember when hemming a dress with an attached lining include measuring and marking the desired length, carefully pinning and sewing the hem, and ensuring the lining is evenly trimmed. It is also important to choose the right thread and needle for the fabric to ensure a clean and secure hem. Additionally, proper pressing techniques will help give the hem a professional finish.

It is important to note that patience and attention to detail are crucial when hemming a dress with an attached lining. Rushing through the process or skipping steps can result in uneven or crooked hems, which can detract from the overall appearance of the dress.

By following the tips mentioned in this guide, one can successfully hem a dress with an attached lining at home without needing professional assistance. This not only saves time and money but also allows for customization of dress lengths according to personal preference.

Overall, mastering the art of hemming a dress with an attached lining is a valuable skill that can be applied to various garments. With practice and confidence in one’s abilities, anyone can achieve beautifully hemmed dresses that look like they were professionally altered. So

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.