How do you let the seam out of a dress?

Question

I am not very good at sewing, but I do have an old machine and a little practive. I bought a prom dress that i am going to make into a halloween costume, but it is a little too small in the bust.

How do I let the seams out so that it is about 1/2" bigger?

How do you keep it from looking bad where the other seam was?

Are there going to be lots of little holes?

It is a normal, strapless, A-line dress, and I am going to add red ribbons that go from the wasit over the top and down to the waist again to look like suspenders (I will wear a belt too), so should I "let it out" at the princess seams so that the ribbons will cover it?

Or is there a general rule like you let it out on a major seam like under the arms or at the zipper?
Thanks!

Answer 1

First of all you do it down both sides of the dress. Sew the width of the sewing foot on the machine. all the way down to where the seam stops. Do this on both sides, then when you have that done. Take the original seam out. Pull out all the little threads and then steam press and you are ready to go. Need any more help let me know.

Answer 2

It's hard to say without actually seeing the dress. What you are doing is an alteration.

What type of fabric? Depending on the fabric, needle holes can remain visible but then you migt be able to minimize it by pressing with a press cloth and a little steam. Also, is there enough material in the seam for that type of fabric -- will the seam fail if you decrease the seam width: nothing could be worse than having the seam split open at the party.

Is the bodice in front actually three pieces two side panels for the princess and a center piece? Or is it one piece in front with princess darts?

One piece front with princess darts: Generally, since you would increase it where the width is needed, release the darts -- if you have a big enough seam and only want the bust area to be broader and the waist is OK, open it out at the princess seam and spread it kind of like a fan (fanning out from the waist).

If it is a 3-piece princess with seams from the waist to the top of the bodice, you can open it up and spread it equal distance all the way down to the waist and sew a wider seams but that would affect the waistline of the skirt. You might taper the increase down to the waist if that is the case. A lot would depend on how the skirt is constructed, if that solution is desirable or possible.

If you alter side seams, it also affects the size and shape of the armholes. If sleeveless, and depending on the construction, that might be the easiest place to release.

You can decorate it any way you like with ribbons or with strips of another fabric -- especially since it is going to be a fun dress and not something for a formal occasion where you need to impress.

Answer 3

I would let it out at the side seams . . gentlly rip the thread using a seam ripper then resew the seam dampen the area and press out the seam . . .

Answer 4

I think if you are going take out 1/2" on the bust then do both sides on the side ...1/4" each ..that shoudl make it look even.