How to Cut to Hem a HUGE Ballgown!! BTS How the PROS CUT HUGE GOWNS

[@patanco13]

I am hemming a ball gown with high low part. I originally thought I would take off the same amount the whole thing, but NOW after watching your video I am going to just do the front and taper to the back!! That would be so much easier since the circumference is huge on this gown. It is the front where she needs taken up. I am so very glad I watched your video! AND thanks for the illustration of the various size of hem removal. Makes sense.

[@nanastrippin2006]

When hemming the slip or tulle layers, there is usually about 6" to 9" of lining material at the top, so you can raise up the tulle, by doing a tuck or pinch all the way around , that way you're not raising the actual tulle and making the dress more poofy at the top, hope that helps. I've tried the hanging dress method and it was tough but I pulled it off, thanks be to God, as i prayed before I started and it turned out amazing!!

[@aletadetwiler9071]

I love to watch your videos. I am a quilter, and would never attempt a bride gown…. But I appreciate your experience, and calm, precise teaching method. Wonderful! (And I’m going to buy your book!)

[@BridalSewing]

Thank you! ❤❤

[@jodyfleming5033]

Thank you! I have seen for over 40 years but never did a ballroom hem. I now have what i need to cut the gem.

[@BridalSewing]

Glad I could help! :)

[@yvonnewilliams8604]

Oh my goodness you are full of sooo many helpful tips and tricks. From the: Mirror cutting, The pinning the dress in layers, to the tightening of the measureing gauge. I have a bride's dress, and it's a slip style dress, I've been hesitant about cutting it, no layers to hide any flaws. Thank you for sharing your calming and in-depth gift. I need your book today!

[@vivienneandersson6019]

I remember watching David Emmanuel who made Princess Diana's wedding gown trimming the tulle underskirts exactly like this without marking!

[@amandkurt3754]

This is an AMAZING video. I’m hemming my own wedding dress, and this is the second time sewing/working with special occasion fabrics. (Cue danger adventure music, lol), Your expertise SHINES here and all the details and experience you share here is so beyond valuable. THANK YOU!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@BridalSewing]

**Please Note:** I cut the inner layers shorter than the outers. Also- one thing I did NOT show steps to is that, I do pin the crinoline separately than the outer layers, because it can effect the outer layer lengths. If a crinoline is really full, then I often cut it *before* pinning the outer layers. The pinning *process* is actually much more involved & important in term of the order of things than cutting is. Stay tuned for a detailed pinning video that will accompany this one!! This video really is not enough to go-on by itself if you don't have pinning experience.

[@stacirizner4461]

I still pin each layer at fitting, I’m always glad I did, and hate myself when I rush through. I usually take up the crinoline from the top. Thanks for this interesting approach.

[@BridalSewing]

I don't like to take the crinoline up at the top if I can help it, because, I feel like that can make the pouf too high. I feel like trimming the bottom can bring it into proportion. It is very cool how we all work the same in some ways, and so different in other ways.

[@nanastrippin2006]

Me too or I'll take it all up at the waist seam, if there is a seam in the center of the dress, a very cool technique that I love!!

[@broadwaybarb]

Thank you! This 5'2" sewist needed to shorten a cocktail dress with a very full skirt and didn't know where to start. This video was just perfect. Thanks so much.

[@BridalSewing]

Make sure to watch the pinning video that goes with it. :)

[@raquiamughal5861]

I asked to look at a dress just yesterday. I needed to check to see if the lace is appliqued on. So in a few weeks time I will be doing the same. I've done a few now. Your confidence does grow. Just the dread of it, it has to be right. So it's been a pleasure to watch your tutorial, I knew I had it right!😊 thanku

[@Sewinginagarden]

I’ve been altering wedding and prom gowns for years but worked on my first official “ball gown” this past year. I always use the second method you showed to work on a hem. I must say that ball gown was a pain in the butt to work on. I’m a patient person but that dress was a challenge! 😆I’m going to try your first method though! Looks great and so much easier! Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks!

[@yesm450]

I came to your channel when searching good instruction on rolled hems (but I did not bookmark you)... found you again and subbing right now. What an excellent instructional manner.. so many elemental details. And I would agree 10% with your comment about Zoe! Thank you for your wonderful library of tutorials. I plan to use them in my reach for next level sewing and finishing.

[@jodykinard572]

I always enjoy watching your videos. It is fun to compare my methods versus yours. I usually hang dresses to cut them. For tulle, I put a cutting mat on my ironing board, which I pull up close, then cut with the rotary cutter. It gives a nice clean cut. A tip about your scrap bin; I buy white and ivory, 6 x 9 organza bags wholesale, and give the bride her scraps. Many of them are crafty and like to have the scraps for a project.

[@marilynmcleod4907]

Thank you, thank you!! I wish I had seen this years ago, so much helpful information here! I am grateful for your wonderful skills and delivery. I really appreciate your sharing!

[@terrimartin3034]

Thank you Ms. Brenda. As a retired alterations specialist , I preferred to " petite" a bridal gown with train 360degrees. Just a more pleasing mathematical shape to the parabola.

[@BridalSewing]

Certainly keeps it in tune with the original proportions! 🤗

[@lisavaniderstine6212]

I love seeing if I do it the same way you would. . I am learning to charge more also. Dresses are very hard to do. Hard on the arms. I just had a total shoulder replacement so I need To be careful with the upcoming wedding season .

[@BridalSewing]

Ohhhhh!! You do need to be careful!! Very hard on the shoulders! 😱

[@lisavaniderstine6212]

The arm is suspended in the air most of the time when cutting. I hope I won’t have to give it up.

[@carinaparsons1189]

Interesting! I appreciate seeing a different technique, but I would never trust myself to cut holding the fabric up off the table. I hang my gowns to cut hems (similar to the last one in the video), but I lay each layer flat on my cutting board and use a rotary blade. For me, it's the smoothest cut. Pretty quick too! I also take the time to pin each layer while the bride is in the dress, because some hit differently and I don't want any of the under layers longer than my top layer. To me it seems more accurate and worth the time for a perfect hem. Thanks for sharing! I'm sure your hems turn out perfect too, like you said, you've been doing this for a long time. I've been doing bridal for 6 years.

[@BridalSewing]

Yes! There are so many ways that work! I cut the inner layers shorter than the outers. Also- **one thing I did NOT say & def need to pin a comment about** is, I do pin the crinoline separately than the outer layers, because it can effect the outer layer lengths. If a crinoline is really full, then I often cut it before pinning the outer layers.

[@monlynn]

I use a rotary chief as well. It's so quick and such a smooth cut. Takes far less time.

[@iheartbridalcouture5989]

I applaud your use of a rotary cutter. 👏👏👏 I bought one over 20 years ago and I NEVER use it!! 🤣🤣🤣 I’m just so used to my Gingher shears !! And years and years ago I was trained to do bridal alterations and we used dressmaker shears. And I honestly tried using the rotary cutter. Turns out I am not proficient with it. I started out cutting squares and that was a disaster 🤣🤣🤣 I shaved some of the plastic off my ruler Sheesh!!!

[@BridalSewing]

@@iheartbridalcouture5989 haha! Same! I can't stand them. Others would rather die without one. It's so funny how partial we are to our favorite tools! 🤗

[@nanastrippin2006]

I agree

[@vickieshackelford709]

Love your videos!! You are my guiding angel who sits on my shoulder!!

[@BridalSewing]

Aww, thank you!

[@malexander6012]

You handle those scissors well..😊 just hemmed a 7 layer dress and it was a bit of a challenge but I did it..

[@BridalSewing]

Go, you!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@malexander6012]

Thank you☺️

[@ambergilbert5804]

You have helped me so much with many things. You are my Blessing. Thank you for your knowledge.

[@mariacabral8271]

It's a pleasure to watch your classes! Thanksssss🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@violetadominguez6632]

Please do an e-course or demonstrate how to hand sew loops for american bustles. Learning about bustles in general would be lovely!!!

[@BridalSewing]

I have videos on that! Check out my channel home page, here. :D

[@dianemuncy7069]

Love this technique. Your videos are always such a help to me. God's Love

[@MWieandSeamstresswithStyle]

Omg! Brenda this is perfect and what I needed to see. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@helenlaming1569]

Hi love your video xxx My tip is to run net through my overlocker with no thread to get a smooth edge xx

[@BridalSewing]

Yes! That’s a super popular cutting technique for a smooth edge. Thanks for reminding us! :D

[@nanastrippin2006]

I've been altering wedding dresses since 2011 and with this style dress, seeing that it has a waist seam, it can save all the cutting at the bottom of the dress if you can just raise the hem at the waist, or if it's a mermaid or trumpet style, you can raise the hem up at that point without having to cut the dress at the bottom. Not every dress has a seam that is applicable to do this, such as when there is lots of beading, an overlay of lace or no clear line seams, but it saves a lot of time when you can use this method to raise a hem from the waist or at the seam where the peplum meets the dress. Well hope this makes sense and helps 😉 Ps... if the dress has a train, you can hem it from side to side and just taper it at the sides, but if you do take it up at the seam at the waist or wherever there is a seam, you can just take it up in the front as well, from side to side 👍

[@BridalSewing]

This video isn't about how to hem this specific dress. The video is a *cutting* video that shows how to *manage* a large ballgown. It shows that gowns can be cut flat on table or hanging. I already have a video on shortening a gown from the waist. I couldn't have shown the cutting if I shortened this gown from the waist.

[@cathyjones330]

I love your videos. I am in the throws of a dress like this - 7 layers!

[@jacquefessenden9570]

May I suggest that after you put your pins in you mark both sides with chalk, take the pins out and fold the fabric under about 1/4 " below chalk mark and sew. Then you trim off the excess(I use pelican scizzors) anthe make one more 1/4 turn and make your final stitching line.

[@BridalSewing]

A lot of seamsters sew rolled hems that way. I don't like doing it that way, personally. Everyone is different.

[@gailrueff8819]

Loved your instructional video! Nearly 3/4 of the way through you mentioned a name that we should be sure to tune into her videos. Could you tell me again who that was? Thanks!

[@BridalSewing]

@zoehong

[@AndiBowen]

Great video! Especially the moment when my mind started to wander and then I swear you were talking right to me to pay attention! Lol! I just bought your book and every word is so genuine and true. I’m on the other side of the world to you but it’s the exact same things over here. Thank you!

[@BridalSewing]

Wow!! That's awesome. ❤Thanks so much for supporting me. I glad it helps you.

[@natashacandicehenry9475]

This was so awesome and I'm happy that this validated the way I hemmed the first wedding gown I made for a client.

[@sherryvanrijn5453]

Wow, another excellent video! I especially appreciate the diagrams. Thank you!!

[@BridalSewing]

Haha. My little messy doodles. 😂😂 I actually *can* draw. I just don't draw well on a computer & I try to sketch them quickly because video production takes so long!!

[@betsybrittingham930]

Thank you for sharing your expertise!!! Love this channel💖

[@pennybrewster4697]

I love your video's. Very informative. I am altering a 7 layer ball gown. But i don't have a way to lay it on a table or a rigging system. Can't hang it up high enough either. I do however have a dress form. Can I use that? Or can I lay it on the floor on its side? If that makes sense.

[@kimking5151]

I’m currently working on a ballgown with a huge train. My clients 5 foot two barefoot and probably 57 with shoes. I’m not quite sure how to hem the dress because she wants a bustle in the back. I’m assuming after looking at it that I’ll probably have to have stock points on the bustle, so I’m not exactly sure how I need to hem.

[@andreamurphy6854]

Another excellent tutorial thank you! I noticed you’d used only one pin to mark length on the bride…. Do you find that when the gowns are not hemmed evenly by the manufacturer (it happens right) that one pin is not enough? I generally pin at the floor all around the front when gown has a train, but wondering if I can save time and just use a couple of pins instead…

[@BridalSewing]

Definitely not enough. The pinning video should come out this week. This was a cutting video and I was trying to isolate the subject matter by using 1 pin.

[@allblessingsflowfromabove]

Admire all your videos 🌟 Would you share a class about resetting sleeves when taking up shoulders, please? thank you🌷

[@karenramnath9993]

Yes, please oh please!

[@yingzh2948]

Your tips are really helpful. I am agree ogaza is very hard to judge and cut it right! I did it before I almost make a mistake. And fluffy shifon material too! Could you please make a video to show how to mark the hem cut and how to cut while the bridals try on their dresses? It very important step that will determine your work will success or not. And that part looks not as easy as we thought.

[@BridalSewing]

Yes!! That is coming & is the most important part

[@bun04y]

I don't have any hooks to hang dresses from the ceiling, but I use one of those over the door laundry hangers that looks like a metal stick with holes in it to hang the dresses up so that I can get at the hem. If the dress is short enough, I will put it on my dress form...but I usually use the door hanger. Maybe I should clean off my cutting table and try that method. ;) Right now the dress that I am working on (for a beach wedding) just needs to be taken in because the bride ordered her dress too large. I sure hope that she doesn't gain any weight!

[@maithaythao7856]

Hi, thank you for the video, it is very helpful. How much for the books?

[@렌렌-q8w]

I saw the backstage of an Alexander McQueen show (I think 2008, the one with big petticoats), and the ateliers were going crazy with their scissors chopping off the excess on the models. I thought they would do something like what you were doing but they went off lol 😂,I love making dresses and your Channel has helped with the problems I had while making them❤️

[@kristiyourweddingdresser6716]

I find the hems are not made with precision, so I will pin the center and multiple points around the front. (I saw the hem, cut and sew again which I know you don't like but I've never had it fail me yet) My brides usually bring me budget dresses, so speed is everything Super great video!

[@karenramnath9993]

I do it that way too! 🤗 Drives my co-worker crazy; she cuts and then stitches😂

[@BridalSewing]

Please note: This video isn't about how to hem this specific dress. The video is a *cutting* video that shows how to *manage* a large ballgown. It shows that gowns can be cut flat on table or hanging. We almost never get by with one pin to cut all layers! I just did that to isolate the point of cutting positions. A longer, detailed pinning video is coming. 🤗 I also have a short video coming that shows my thought process for the different lengths/hem allowances needed for each type of layer. Imention this stuff in the video description, but I think a lot of people missed it, so I'm trying to go back & clarify in the comments. :) Thanks for watching & stay tuned for the other videos that round out all the stages of hemming.

[@karenramnath9993]

@@BridalSewing Oohhh, Thought processes for different layers! Anticipating...😁👍🏻 I really liked the tip about pulling the crinoline layer inside and up through the top of the dress for ease of working with the outside layers.

[@zahradelikhoon3221]

Hello first thanks for alll good things you kindly show us ,may i ask to provide me an easy way to make the corset panel and lace and definitely loops I know how to install on dress but it take lots of time to make them and im struggling to find a good fabric for it and its twisting when i make the lace please help

[@iheartbridalcouture5989]

As always great vid!! I’m never content to cut gowns on my cutting table. I always pin the outer layer on the Barbie!! I will usually do liners an inch shorter than the overlays. And I will pin the waist together and hang it to pin them. But I never do it with organza!!! It is the gangster of fabrics!! Shady!! For petticoats I have hemmed them at the top of the petticoat and cut off the excess if it bulks. Simply because you can usually get 4 layers at once that way. For tall brides I usually just do that first eighteen inches across the front. I rarely see a gown for a tall girl that needs more unless it’s Vera!! I have a love/ hate relationship with Vera!! Love her gowns because they are sooooo well made but hate the time it takes to break into them 😄😄😄 ♥️♥️♥️ thanks for the great vid tho!! Loved the color!! P.S. And I always cut the tulle an inch longer than pinned for outer layers. I’m usually glad I did! So many times it’s perfect. Don’t know why but if it’s not I trim it on the bride while she stands in it. Which is why I have a 22 inch platform to pin on!! 🤪🤪🤪

[@BridalSewing]

Great techniques you are sharing!

[@iheartbridalcouture5989]

@@BridalSewing Thanks ♥️♥️♥️

[@BridalSewing]

I do hope to do a short vid soon of the hemming allowances I do for each layer. Because the fabric type & which layer it is on makes a difference.

[@iheartbridalcouture5989]

@@BridalSewing Great idea!! Can’t wait!!

[@BridalSewing]

Actually, sooo many of the things you mentions are ways that I pin and hem too. Vid production is tricky. It's super difficult to isolate one little thing- like for instance, "cutting" in this video. Pinning, and determining where to cut are totally different deals & if included would make the video an e-course! Lol But, I'm super inspired & can't wait to make videos on those subjects as well!! Hopefully I'll upload those really soon! ❤

[@beatriceamundala6947]

I always cut 1 layer at a time , it’s exhausting but safe

[@dsstudio76]

This is how I’ve learnt with a friend on her bridal studio, one layer at a time. I prefer this method too.

[@ssstitcher]

Great video and I love the design of The Cutting tables

[@Lulu.G-61]

How much do you usually charge for a ballgown hem? Thank you so much for your lessons, I have been sewing wedding gowns for almost 15 years and there’s always some thing to learn or even just a refresh.

[@BridalSewing]

It depends on the type of hems/edging/applique, etc. Somewhere between 200-350$ usually.

[@nanastrippin2006]

If it's just side to side, it can keep the cost down a bit

[@melissawilliams2712]

Great video! Would you recommend shortening a ballgown with a tiered ruffle skirt made of organza & horsehair braid edges by the waist? Instead of hemming each tiered layer?

[@amberbaker2755]

I’m confused on why or how you can make a rolled hem with 3/4in. Allowance. Would that make a 5/16in hem instead? I thought a rolled hem only uses like a 1/4 in allowance.

[@BridalSewing]

It depends on the fabric. Really though, I doubt I've ever unrolled a hem & the allowance was only 1/4" total. That would be unusually small on maybe a chiffon.

[@CoutureAndCode]

*squeel* ZOE HONG IS MY HERO!!! I used to work with her as an illustration model when she was a fashion professor in SF. And YES...I spent close to 10 years hearing "Its not magic..." Glad to know Zoe's greatness is touching the world, she's seriously amazing.

[@terryjanisch905]

Fabulous video Brenda. Very helpful.

[@rosejacks8662]

Thank you! This is a great tutorial, with so much important information and tips. Keep your videos coming❤️

[@ColleenMarble]

I have shortened several dresses over the years for the daughter of a friend of mine, and the first couple that I did were not hanging evenly on her. I was horrified because I'd measured and was so careful to take off the same amount the whole way around. We finally realized that her hips are uneven by about an inch - neither she nor her mom had ever noticed that. The difference was not enough to even notice in normal street clothes but it was definitely noticeable on a floor-length prom gown. Now I know that I need to actually measure all the way around on her. How do you figure this out on a client that maybe isn't aware that that's an issue?

[@BridalSewing]

I look for it. When I mark, I press the fabric to the floor with my fingers in the center and at each side front quarter mark & see if it is different. If they are different, then I pin them separately.

[@vickimcalpine456]

I'm hemming a wedding dress where the bride wants to reduce the train to almost nothing and leave the front alone. Would you use this technique in the opposite direction?

[@BridalSewing]

@@vickimcalpine456 yes, except cut it maybe 6" longer than you expect it to be and then remark. A train flows completely differently when the weight is removed. I would never hem a train in one whack.

[@vickimcalpine456]

@BridalSewing Thank you for the tips

[@gailsabrat]

So when do you decide whether or not you're going to take it up from the waist?

[@BridalSewing]

99% of the time, we hem from the bottom now-a-days. I only hem from the waist in very limited circumstances.

[@gailsabrat]

@@BridalSewing Please share a video on when you choose to hen from the waist

[@gailsabrat]

@@BridalSewing Why would you hem from the waist

[@BridalSewing]

Sometimes it's a simple gathered tulle waist & it's easy to get to. Or, like this video, pleats are fairly easy to adjust.

[@deanniaj7304]

Do you think you can cut a fit to flare the same way?

[@BridalSewing]

I use the same process, yes.

[@sewnita8608]

Thanks for a wonderful video, I watch all your videos, hey are great

[@BridalSewing]

Thank you!

[@mariaandress7083]

Thank you so much I love your video and looking forward to be following you!!❤️

[@vesha1000]

Hi, I was wondering how do you save a gown if cut uneven please?

[@BridalSewing]

A few things: Watch my video on how to fix a gown you cut too short. Ask on my Discord- you can send pics and the bridal sewing community will help you. discord.gg/HF5FBzCw You can also DM me on insta @bridalsewing

[@valarieniessner2536]

Brenda, when "use the safety pin as your gauge", are you doing it in the dress front and pinning to the floor? Then using that as your gauge all around the dress? (or at least in the front and then tapering at the sides)

[@BridalSewing]

There's a second pinning video that accompanies this one that goes into all that. I purposely made this one a little vague about the pinning process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4qYaH-HotSBi6c

[@mariagalloso4080]

Very helpful video

[@marionmoore455]

This video is very good

[@juliettelynne5861]

As far as scraps, I donate them to schools that have autistic children. They love the texture of fabrics, lace, velvets, even zippers. It's a sensory thing. Check with schools and talk with the teachers.

[@velvetstitching3631]

May I ask - where did you purchase your cutting mat? I have seen several - but I would love a personal opinion! Love your site!

[@BridalSewing]

It was given to me. So sorry. I need a new one. Keep an eye out for me. Lol

[@janeahrens572]

I was doing some work with an old silk wedding gown and sprayed it with water. It shrunk! A lot! Luckily I had more fabric to work with as it was a ring bearer pillow. But would you need to be concerned about this if you spray for static?

[@BridalSewing]

I would definitely not spray anything water based on a silk gown. I was demonstrating on tulle and synthetic organza. Fabric care instructions always apply.

[@maryoaks3228]

It would be cool if the “scraps” could go to incorporating into keepsakes. Like on the corsages, hair accessories or something like that .

[@BridalSewing]

Lots of brides do that, but not everyone is crafty or interested.

[@maryoaks3228]

@@BridalSewing Oh ! Mores the pity. I wish I had thought of that at the time of my daughter’s wedding. Btw you are a maverick! Your skills ,patience AND generosity of knowledge!. Truly appreciated!

[@wendyhuber7491]

I am hemming a FULL ballgown with horsehair to be added back on. I have marked the floor length, where should I sew the horsehair back on, 1/4” above floor length? Or what would you recommend?

[@BridalSewing]

Since you are unsure, pin it to floor length & then have a fitting.

[@wendyhuber7491]

It’s my daughter prom dress so I was able to pin all the way around . I don’t want it to be to long and have to take out again( I will leave the 1” inside seam allowance like you suggested) but should I place the horsehair a little about the pins to attach or right on line for floor length. Don’t want it to long and have to redo, its this weekend and it has about 15 yrd of horsehair to attach back on. Thank you for all your help this video I have watched repeatedly (9 layers under and I’m on the final one. 😅

[@BridalSewing]

I would pin it so the hh is just barely off the floor and then have her try walking in it before sewing. You may have to adjust it some.

[@wendyhuber7491]

@@BridalSewing ok perfect! Thank you sooo much. It’s almost 10 yrds hh I exaggerated a little. Thank you so much for all your help. Your videos are wonderful!😍and thank you for the very fast replies 🥰

[@wendyhuber7491]

I just wanted to thank you again, hh hem turned out perfect!❤

[@brittanydavis4273]

This is excellent. Very informative!

[@nyreevukcevic6453]

This was an amazing video. Thank you for sharing this

[@chloebeaumont7530]

If it Comes with bound hem you need to replace the binding.

[@tracy4809]

Really Enjoyed the video. I am going to attempt to hem my own wedding dress. I do have sewing experience but i am still nervous about it. My gown is a lace sheath style gown with a train. The lace is a raw edge at the bottom with my hem currently with no appliques. There is a Silky under layer and an organza layer as well. It only needs to be hemmed a couple of inches in the front. I would like to remove my train just to make it less formal and to make it more suitable for my venue. Do you think the mirror style hemming would be appropriate for that application? or is there a better way to tackle it? any tips or advice you can give me? Thank you!!

[@BridalSewing]

Mirror cutting sounds good if your hem amount is completely even across the front. Many times it is not. That’s why I was saying I will often cut to the floor for the outermost layers. My best advice is, start small. If you think it is 2 inches, start with hemming 1 in & go from there.

[@tracy4809]

@@BridalSewing Thank you so much for the tips! I really appreciate it. In removing the train is there anything i should be aware of or do you think the mirror cutting technique will work ok. It isn't a huge train. My mother will help me with pinning etc to ensure correct lengths.

[@BridalSewing]

@@tracy4809 do a whole mirror cut, make the train a little longer than you think you want it. The cut should be a long, even arc. Even if you don’t want a train, most brides like a slightly tipped hem, where it looks a smidge longer in the back. Email me if you need a sketch.

[@nanastrippin2006]

Another thing I ran into was, that the dresses orioriginal hem is not always even and many times I'll have to pin it, from side to side, while on the bride, to get a more accurate hem line, because it's not always gonna be the same measurement in all areas of the hem, from where the new hem will be... especially with the outer layers

[@BridalSewing]

This video is a cutting video and shows how to manage a large ballgown. It doesn't go into pinning at all. That video is coming. It is very long and detailed. This video shows just one pin because I am trying to isolate the lesson at hand which is... the different ways you can *cut* a large gown.

[@BridalSewing]

I do mention in the video that hem layers are often uneven. There are better ways to address that issue than cutting on the table or hanging. That's a different video. :)

[@tamythskowron4013]

Quick question, what do you do when the designer has made one side longer than the other, and mirroring the hem isn’t going to be even?

[@BridalSewing]

Do you mean by design or by accident?

[@tamythskowron4013]

@@BridalSewing by accident

[@BridalSewing]

I just correct it. You'll notice it when you mark it/ pin the hem. Or you'll notice when you mirror it.

[@karenramnath9993]

The uneven-ness of the hems straight from the manufacturers can indeed be something to behold! My co-worker cuts and then hems like you do, but I was taught this way... Your reference pins are center front, side front, and side. Measure from the waist down and get those pins even to their corresponding pin on the opposite side. Then, laying the dress on the table, match the two side seam pins and the two side front pins. Pin (through both layers) a smooth line from center front, through the side front pins, through the side seam pins, tapering off into the train. (If this layer is tulle, cut a smooth line just a hair below your pins and you’re done. If it’s a layer to be stitched, proceed to next step) Then press a crease in where the pins are. You have to re-press one side, so the crease flips the same way all across the front. So now your crease is exactly where you want your hem to be. Hang dress up and double check for even-ness, especially if it’s a shifty fabric like chiffon or organza. Now, fold 1/4” lower than the crease, and stitch directly between the crease and the fold. Trim off excess, and fold up (using the crease as the fold) and stitch one more time. Done! This method helps especially with shifty fabrics, as it stabilizes the material before cutting. This way the vertical and horizontal biases along the hem are not as likely to stretch and end up too short or too long.

[@BridalSewing]

Please note: This video isn't about how to hem this specific dress. The video is a *cutting* video that shows how to *manage* a large ballgown. It shows that gowns can be cut flat on table or hanging. We almost never get by with one pin to cut all layers! I just did that to isolate the point of cutting positions. A longer, detailed pinning video is coming. 🤗 I also have a short video coming that shows my thought process for the different lengths/hem allowances needed for each type of layer. Imention this stuff in the video description, but I think a lot of people missed it, so I'm trying to go back & clarify in the comments. :) Thanks for watching & stay tuned for the other videos that round out all the stages of hemming.

[@karenramnath9993]

@@BridalSewing Sorry...I did sort of miss it; 🥴 watched the video but didn’t read the description

[@brendarowe984]

LOVE your videos! In your area what is the average price you charge for this hem? I do A TON of these hems every season so just curious. xo

[@lopsided8904]

how far off the floor do you hem the front? or do you hem that it just hits the floor?

[@BridalSewing]

Every bride is different

[@lizkaufman3222]

Do you ask your clients, what is there budget or do you give them an estimate after the first fitting?

[@BridalSewing]

Both! Lol

[@ginnyglezou1870]

Is there a tutorial for this type of uneven flounce tulle layers skirt? I cannot find one anywhere 😭

[@BridalSewing]

What do you mean by, "this type?" Do you mean how to finish the edge of the style hem that is pictured in the thumbnail of this video?

[@ginnyglezou1870]

@@BridalSewing hello!! Yes, how to make this cascading type of skirt that is so popular right now. I cannot figure out the structure and how to cut the pieces.

[@BridalSewing]

@@ginnyglezou1870 I'm not sure. I have a video on how to hem it. It's in my types of hem playlist.

[@ginnyglezou1870]

@@BridalSewing thank you!

[@lisavaniderstine6212]

.love these videos!,

[@williejoereynolds2637]

So helpful.! Thank you!

[@lorigroeneveld8374]

Awesome! Thanks so much!

[@713Joanne]

When you are cutting the fabric, why aren’t you using a rotary cutter vs scissors?

[@BridalSewing]

I personally hate rotary cutters

[@suekusmierz9198]

Who did you say you follow on KZbin?

[@chatofernandezi8305]

Thanks you . Excelent.

[@robyn3349]

Thank you!

[@julierothwell5898]

Out of curiosity...how much would a seamstress charge for this? Average. I am thinking of buying a dress like this but concerned on alteration costs. Thanks

[@BridalSewing]

Specifically which alterations? Also- it can really vary based on location. KZbin is global so it's almost impossible to talk about money accurately.

[@debrabelz]

i hem all those edged under layers where they are sewn together near the bottom of the zipper.

[@BridalSewing]

But then this wouldn't be a cutting video. 😂😂

[@fathiarjichi1879]

هل ممكن تبعثلي كيفها

[@sewingmachines6369]

👌👌👌👌👌

[@metteriggs2151]

👍👍👍❤

[@ruthannenorman8013]

Orgonza or Organza- it is not to be trusted- I laughed awhile over that one!!

[@ramonawalter1442]

Thank you !!

[@suekusmierz9198]

Who did you say you follow on KZbin?

[@BridalSewing]

@zoehong