How can I shorten a stretch jersey dress without a serger?

Question

Hi seamsters and seamstresses! I just bought a gorgeous knit dress (a fine, drapey 100% poly/spandex jersey) that needs to be shortened about two inches so I can wear it on New Year's Eve.

The original hem has been serged. I do not, however, have a serger (only a conventional sewing machine with zig zag). What's the best way to shorten this? I'm afraid my zig zag might maul the fabric. I'm pretty good with hand-sewn invisible hems but have never attempted it on a knit. If I go the hand-sewn route, how wide should the hem be?

Thanks much!!!

Answer 1

Couldn't you just roll the waistband?

Answer 2

Hemming Stretch Fabric

Answer 3

The finished hem should be about as wide as the original hem was... that choice was dictated by the amount of flare of the hem, the fabric type, etc...

If you don't want to hand sew, and the original hem was stitched with a coverhem machine (looks like two parallel lines of stitching on the front, zigzaggy on the back), you may be able to use a double needle to imitate the coverstitching. Not all zigzag capable machines can use a double needle (the machine needs the bobbin in front of the needle, not to the side), and the fake coverstitching does not stretch like real coverstitching.

Or you can use a blindhem foot to machine blind hem. Knits usually aren't the easiest thing to learn on, but the best instructions I know of for machine blindhemming are in Carol Ahles' book Fine Machine Sewing. Short tutorial on the subject by a British stitcher here:http://www.katedicey.co.uk/ -- then click on "the learning zone" (lower right) and then on "blind hemming on the machine", second column.

Answer 4

A way to do it by hand sewing:
Keep the serged edge, fold it up.
Take normal sized stitches on the folded up part, tiny ones on the fabric, so it will not show.
Go in a zig-zag pattern, giving space enough for the stretch of the fabric.
Work with a very fine needle and short lengths of thread, as pulling through a long end will be harder on your fabric.

The stitch for this is called the Hem Stitch, but I am not sure I can find it for you.
While I search I do already post this for you.

The Herringbone can do the trick, keep the inseam stitches as in the drawing, the stitches as seen on the good site much smaller, on this site: http://www.needlemaid.com/docs/mountmellick.pdf

This is the one link you need:
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Sewing/Howtos/Hand+Sewing.htm

Answer 5

I like women in jeans. It makes them look more city like and it generally does not look like they try too hard but if you are looking to get this men attention, this may well not be what you want

Answer 6

I really do enjoy putting on long skirts once in a while. They are actually more comfortable than Jeans rather than as hot to wear also.