Materials Needed
Altering a dress without a sewing machine can require some creativity, but it is easily achievable with the right materials. Begin by gathering the supplies you will need. You will need to locate needle and thread, fabric glue, an iron, fabric scissors and pins. You may also benefit from gathering items such as an embroidery hoop, wax paper and the original pattern piece from the dress if available. Depending on the dress alterations you are making, you may need other tools, such as a ruler or a piece of chalk.
Remove the Dress
Once you have gathered the necessary materials, carefully remove the dress from the hanger or mannequin and lay it out flat on the ground or a large table. It is important to support the fabric of the dress very delicately so that wrinkles, tears or accidental cuts do not occur.
Check the Fit
Before you start altering the dress, make sure you are aware of any changes that need to be made. Knowing where exactly you need to alter the dress will help you visualize the entire result. An easy process for making sure that the dress is properly fitted is to get your friends or family members to help. Ask them to hold the fabric in place at the area that needs to be altered as you move around to inspect the fit. Alternatively, if you are alone, you can try pinning the fabric together, then place a sewing mannequin or ‘dress form’ to the area against the wall and then pin the dress pieces to the form.
Planning the Alteration
After you have determined the exact area where the alterations need to be done, you can then start planning how to actually alter the dress without using a sewing machine. Start by looking at the tutorial or pattern piece of the dress so that you understand the shape and structure of it. If you are unable to find the original tutorial, find an appropriate pattern and measure it a few inches smaller, so that when the dress is sewn up again it will be a perfect fit. Once you have a plan in mind, begin by marking the adjusted pattern on the dress. Use a piece of wax paper and use a marker or fabric pen to trace the pieces.
Preparing the Fabric
When preparing the fabric for alteration, make sure that the edges are clean and cut straight. Trim any frayed ends with fabric scissors and iron any wrinkles that may be present. If necessary, hem the fabric by folding it over and ironing it flat, then secure it in place by using pins or fabric glue.
Sewing Without a Machine
Now that the fabric is ready, you can begin to sew the dress without a machine. Before you start, make sure to measure the fabric twice to ensure accuracy. Double check the fit and make sure the dress looks symmetrical. Embellishments can also be done by hand by making tiny stitches. An embroidery hoop can aid with stabilizing large areas of fabric when hand stitching.
Finishing Up
Once everything is sewed together, you can then cut away the extra fabric. Be careful not to cut away too much fabric, as you may end up cutting too short, which will require you to start all over again. When you finally have the shape you desire, press the fabric with an iron and steam it for a neat finish.
Hiding the Stitches
Some people may be uncomfortable with their hand stitching being visible. If you want a professional-looking finish, then you may want to consider using a fabric glue to hide the stitches. For example, you can use a glue to attach fabric trim or lace to the inside seam of the dress.
Establishing Clean Seams
Another way to establish clean seams without using a sewing machine is to blind stitch the dress. Blind stitching is expensive and takes many years to master, however it can be a great way to add a professional touch to any article of clothing. To blind stitch a dress, use a needle and thread to bind together two edges of fabric, then sew them together with a slip stitch. This is a good method for those just starting out with altering dresses since it does not require the use of a sewing machine.
Darts and Gathers
When altering a dress, darts and gathers are often used to make the fit perfect. To do this without a sewing machine, use pins to hold the fabric together then use a running stitch to bind them together. Sew over the pins which will act as guidelines, and be careful not to make the stitches too tight.
Lining the Dress
If the dress needs to be lined, this too can be done without a sewing machine. For example, use a bodkin or safety pin to thread the lining fabric. This is also a great way to temporarily fix any dress alterations before hand-sewing them in. When the dress has been completely finished, simply remove the bodkin and the stitching will be altered in place.
Beading and Embroidery
Some dresses may require additional decorations in order to complete the look. Embroidery and beading can be done without a sewing machine by simply hand appliquing it onto the fabric. Empowerments such as beads, sequins, ribbons and lace can often be ironed on or affixed with hot glue.
Upcycling and Repurposing
Transforming a dress and upcycling it into something new can be easily done without a sewing machine. If you have a dress that does not fit and cannot afford to get it fitted, use fabric glue to attach ribbons, bows or other fabric pieces to the dress in order to upcycle it. Repurposing something else into a dress can also be a great way to get creative and make something unique. For example, use a tablecloth and add ribbons, lace and other appliques to transform it into a dress.
Making Pleats Without a Machine
Pleats are often used on dresses to achieve a certain look. Instead of using a sewing machine to achieve the pleats, try using a circular needle and thread. Pin the pleats in place and slowly hand sew around them. Use a running stitch or a blind stitch to bind the pleats together. Be careful not to pull too tightly as this will cause them to come undone.
Alteration Kits
Using an alteration kit is a great way to alter a dress without a sewing machine. Alteration kits can be bought online or in most fabric stores. The kits come with everything you need to transform your dress, including needles, thread, scissors, fabric glue and other sewing tools.
Taking Your Time
Most importantly, when altering a dress without a machine, it is important to take your time and make sure that the dress fits perfectly before you start to sew. Take your time when trying to figure out the plan and how to achieve the desired results. It may take some trial and error, but once you get the hang of it, you will be able to transform any dress without the need for a sewing machine.
