How To Shorten A Knit Dress (5min method)
- julijadauc
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Shortening a dress or a skirt may be one of the most common alterations. In this tutorial I want to share a very quick and easy method how to shorten a knit dress. Not only is this method beginner friendly, but it will also create a hem that looks beautiful both from the outside and inside. Best part? This alteration will take just 5 minutes to complete and it can be done on any sewing machine!
This tutorial is created in partnership with Mettler, manufacturer of high quality threads.
For the hemming technique in this tutorial we will use Mettler Seraflex - elastic sewing thread, which allows to sew knit fabric with a simple straight stitch and create stretchy seam.
How to shorten a knit dress
Step 1. Mark where you want the dress to end (as my fabric is fuzzy and difficult to mark, I'm using safety pin to mark where I want to shorten the dress). 6 centimeters below this marking, draw a line, which should be parallel to the original dress hem.
Step 2. Cut through the marked line.
Step 3. Fold the hem at 3cm mark towards garment inside and press. Fold one more time at 3cm mark and press again.
Secure with pins, so that the hem does not twist when sewing in the later step.
Step 3. On your sewing machine, install elastic sewing thread Mettler Seraflex. This thread is used at the top and bobbin. When sewing with Mettler Seraflex, slightly reduce the tension of the top thread, to create a more elastic seam. Select a 3.5mm length straight stitch.
Step 4. Sew around the hem, sewing a few millimeters from the top of the folded edge.
Thanks to the elastic sewing thread Mettler Seraflex, the sewn seam is stretchy, allowing us to use straight stitch when sewing knit fabrics.
Once you've sewn around the hem, press it and it's finished! This alteration take just a few minutes to complete and creates beautiful hem, while being beginner-friendly technique. Give it a try!
Enjoyed this technique? I share more helpful tips on sewing knits in this video:
Thank you for reading and wishing you a wonderful day,
Julija (Julie) Gobere
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I really like how simple and practical this method is—it makes altering a knit dress feel so much less intimidating. I’ve had a few pieces in my closet that I hesitated to wear just because the length wasn’t quite right, and now I feel motivated to give them new life. Quick DIY tricks like this remind me that fashion doesn’t always need to be about buying something new, but about adding personal touches. I also enjoy pairing updated outfits with playful jewelry, and Casual Carats offers designs that match that same idea of effortless creativity and individuality.