CypGrl
 
Intermediate
TN USA
Member since 7/5/07
Posts: 45 |
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Date: 11/12/10 3:34 AM I have a gray wool sweater dress that is way to long for me. It was a gift. I would like to cut it off but have no idea how to finish the hem. Any ideas? Although the skirt of the dress isi a flat knit, but bottom is finished with a decorative/cabled stitch of some kind. I do not knit so I really don't know the name of the stitch. Right now it practically drags the floor and I would like to take it above knee and wear it with tights. |
Therisa
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MI USA
Member since 4/1/07
Posts: 936 |
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In reply to CypGrl
Date: 11/12/10 7:04 AM Without having seen the dress, I cannot say for sure, but what I would do is to mark a line about 1.5 inches below your desired finished length, then serge around at that line with wooly nylon. I would then hand-hem the garment. ------
Fabric Purchased in 2011: 37 yards
Fabric Sewn in 2011: 0 yards
Current Contest Moderator: Lined Jacket
Current Contest Participant: Mini Wardrobe |
CypGrl
Intermediate
TN USA
Member since 7/5/07
Posts: 45 |
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Date: 11/12/10 10:06 AM Thanks, Therisa. I will get some wooly nylon and give it a try. I think you are saying it need a 1.5 inch hem. Is that right? I had wondered how deep the hem should be. Is there anything I should do when serging to keep it from stretching out and ruffling on the edge? Again, thanks for any advice. |
missbeth033
Intermediate
TN USA
Member since 8/11/07
Posts: 26 |
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In reply to CypGrl
Date: 11/12/10 12:40 PM If your dress has a finished edge you would like to reuse, you can also cut if off about 1/2 inch above where the edging meets the body of the dress. Then you can cut off however much you want to shorten the dress (be sure to leave enough for a seam allowance) and then reattach the original bottom edge, making sure your seam line is exactly at the point where the edging meets the other sweater knit. Use your serger to do the final seam. I recommend that you use the sewing machine to staystitch the two cut edges just a little outside your final stitching line before you reattach the hem edge. Then you can either just stretch your seam really well so that some of the straight stitching actually breaks, or you can pick it out. Stretching is easier! That will give your new seam some stretch.
I know this sounds confusing, but you might try practicing on an old sweater first. Good luck.
Linda in TN |
CypGrl
Intermediate
TN USA
Member since 7/5/07
Posts: 45 |
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In reply to missbeth033
Date: 11/18/10 11:58 PM Thanks for your help. It worked out pretty well. I took some advice from both of you who responded . The staystitching was a great idea. I didn't try to reattach the ribbing from the bottom though. I used 1/4 in. Steam-a-Seam Lite right at the end of the cut edge and it worked well. Tomorrow I plan to do as Therisa said and hem by hand too just to make sure that it is secure. Again, thanks! |
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