Can you alter a dress that won’t zip up? This is a common predicament that many fashion enthusiasts face when they find their favorite outfit doesn’t fit quite right. Altering a dress that won’t zip up can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and patience, it is definitely achievable. In this article, we will guide you through the process of altering a dress that won’t zip up, ensuring that you can once again enjoy wearing your favorite garment with confidence.
Firstly, it’s essential to identify the cause of the zipper issue. There are several reasons why a dress might not zip up properly. It could be due to the zipper being too tight, the dress being too small, or even damage to the zipper itself. Once you’ve determined the root cause, you can proceed with the appropriate alteration techniques.
For a zipper that is too tight, you can try the following steps:
1.
Remove the zipper from the dress. Carefully unpick the stitching around the zipper, ensuring not to damage the fabric.
2.
Measure the length of the zipper, and then trim it down by approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) on both sides. This will allow the zipper to move more freely.
3.
Reattach the zipper to the dress by hand-stitching it back into place, using a zigzag stitch to prevent the thread from unraveling.
On the other hand, if the dress is too small and the zipper is getting caught, you can follow these steps:
1.
Remove the zipper as before.
2.
Measure the excess fabric around the zipper area, and then cut the dress along the seam, creating a new seam allowance of 1/4 inch (6 mm) on both sides.
3.
Reattach the zipper to the new seam, ensuring that it is centered and properly aligned.
4.
Re-sew the original seam, using a zigzag stitch to prevent the thread from unraveling.
In cases where the zipper is damaged, you may need to replace it entirely. Here’s how to do it:
1.
Remove the damaged zipper from the dress.
2.
Measure the length and width of the zipper, and then purchase a new one with the same dimensions.
3.
Remove the old zipper tape from the new zipper and reattach it to the dress, using the same technique as mentioned earlier.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully alter a dress that won’t zip up. Remember to take your time and be patient throughout the process. With a little effort, you’ll have your favorite dress fitting perfectly once again, and you’ll be able to wear it with pride.
