How to Let Out a Dress That's Too Tight and Make it Bigger | Sew Anastasia

[@elenamcknight4440]

I’ve got ZERO experience with sewing and yet this video helped me fix up my daughter’s gown for her school’s winter dance! It turned out beautifully! Thank you

[@SewAnastasia]

Awesome 👏 so happy it helped! Thank you for watching

[@user-jf7ej5py1u]

You’re amazing for doing that for your daughter. ❤

[@elenamcknight4440]

@@user-jf7ej5py1u Thank you! I think I started around 7 at night and finished around 6am but she wore it and loved it! Totally worth it 🥰

[@kaylahall1219]

As another educator; (not sewing) I love your clear, open, manner and instruction! Thank you so much

[@SewAnastasia]

You are so welcome! Thank you :) What do you teach?

[@patricial1231]

OMG I wore that dress to Winter Ball in 1992. Drop waists were really in.

[@TawdryTempest]

This is awesome! As a wide chested woman, this is invaluable. Thank you! You are the teacher on youtube who I can understand the best. The way you teach works with my brain. 😊 I appreciate your attention to detail!

[@SewAnastasia]

Wow, thank you! I really appreciate that.

[@sigynwartooth8957]

This was informal i was making a dress from scratch and didn't realize how much weight i gained till i tried it on before i sewed up the sides. This has given me hope i can finish it :)

[@jeanettadavis-jackson637]

WONDRRFUL..👏👏👏! Very knowledgable & I love the sewing techniques, thank you.

[@SewAnastasia]

Awesome! You can do it! And when you do, I'd love to see it! Post pics and tag me @sewanastasia

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you so much. That's really sweet of you.

[@curious8890]

Wow! Thanks, just what I was looking for. Matching nap on velvet looks very challenging. Great job!

[@SewAnastasia]

@@curious8890 Thanks for watching & happy sewing 🧵

[@KateChallis]

This was really cool! Thank you for showing the whole thing with all the steps. I really like what you did to the dress, both the alterations and letting it out. It gives me confidence to do it myself on a dress that shrank a bit on me.

[@oneubemochi]

Love your style. I wasn't sold on the original dress but you worked wonders on it. It turned out amazing!

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you 😊

[@crystalthepistol4770]

Just amazing. I love what you did to the dress. Such a great job on recreating it. 💜💜💜💜

[@kayleekittredge4035]

Girl you are a genius. I haven't even watched video but comments are making me hopeful. Im a bridesmaid Saturday and my dress won't fit now. Im freaking out.

[@SewAnastasia]

You can do it!!!! I have a handful of videos on making a dress bigger. Check them out. Thank you 🎀

[@kaylinbischoff487]

Omg i love you i recently decided not to wear things i dont love i fell in lobe with a dress at thw thrift store and it was ro small and too long. Im so excited because i never thought about altering some clothes cuz i have a sewing machine.

[@SewAnastasia]

Love it!!!! Send me pics when you are finished. I would love to post them.

[@denisebrown7878]

made it look so simple ...amazing. Love the bubblyness

[@SewAnastasia]

Thanks so much 😊

[@MzCAGOMEA]

I watched this video and now my dress Fitz! My friend got me a dress madr when she went to Africa recently. I was so excited but bummed when it would zip. I almost gave it away until I followed your video. It came with the leftover fabric to wear as a head wrap so I had plenty to work with. It doesn't look like a pro did it but to me it looks great! Thank you

[@SewAnastasia]

Awwww that is soooooo amazing to hear. This is exactly why I made these tutorials. Send me a pic or tag me in insta! I would love to see it. Thank you for watching.

[@angelamorris1734]

Thank you so much. I’m getting married and purchased a 1950’s wedding dress that is too small in the waist. I’m taking it to a tailor and desperately needed to watch this video to reassure myself that this can in fact be done!

[@SewAnastasia]

How did it turn out? Send pics!!!! I bet it is stunning.

[@meenabhatia959]

Thanks for showing me how to let out the dress, I enjoyed the video Thanks for sharing

[@SewAnastasia]

I'm glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@cherylpa527]

Wow, great video! Thank you for explaining how much fabric to add! You're awesome! :)

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you for watching.

[@lunazen0413]

Thank you for this video. My granddaughter is growing so fast; the sundress I made her last year is too tight across the chest. Watching your video has given me confidence to try altering it at the side seams. Will let you know how I manage with it.

[@SewAnastasia]

You can do it! That’s awesome you made her a dress 👗 🎀 yes Let me know how it goes & if you have any questions

[@candellina6]

I found this video at the PERFECT time! I saw this gorgeous dress I need for home coming at a thrift store but it was a little too tight at the rib cage. I so hope it's still there tomorrow so I can fix it😩 🙏

[@SewAnastasia]

You are so welcome! Where you able to save the dress and wear it?

[@candellina6]

@@SewAnastasia I bought the dress and am going to to open the side seams like you did.

[@SewAnastasia]

@@candellina6 awesome 👏 fingers crossed. I’m sure it will go great though.

[@jasmineb134]

How did it go?

[@candellina6]

@@jasmineb134 it worked! I have broad shoulders so my rib cage is usually too big for, otherwise perfectly fitted dresses 👗 and home coming is just around the corner!

[@AngelineZaghloul]

Thanks for your awesome videos. I have an old strapless A-line prom dress that is too small for me so I am going to loosen it and turn it into a jumpsuit. Your video will totally help me out for the top section of the dress. Thanks so much!!

[@moordpodcast]

thank you so much, I bought a dress that was far too small for me and yay, I can wear it now!

[@SewAnastasia]

Awesome 👏 send me pics! I would love to post your project!

[@HannahSmith-fy1zj]

Thank you so much for this video! I recently found a $1 dress that I want to use for a witch costume but it wouldn’t zip!! This is so helpful and I am going to try to find a way to match the fabric with something else I have on hand! 🧡

[@SewAnastasia]

Awesome 👏 😊 send pics!!!

[@foxyangel7416]

🎉woohoo thank u so much sharing how make bigger on dress .size ....my daughter got princess dress Wich is way to small ..u show me we can get fix by our self thank u for sharing all the steps ...very helpful

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you for watching. ❤️🎀❤️

[@sisface23]

This video is exactly that I needed! Today I bought an "80s prom nightmare" 😂for $6! It is very similar to yours, with a black velvet bodice, but mine has a shiny blue skirt and big bow! It is very flattering in the waist, but I can't zip it up past my rib cage. It fits me just about the same as your dress fit you. I think I am going to shorten the skirt, but the bow is staying! I'm so excited to make this dress my own while keeping the 80s style intact. Thank you for this tutorial!

[@SewAnastasia]

AMAZING!! send pics when you are done! I WANNA SEE! Thank you for watching.

[@mightywarriorsdevotional]

You are a great instructor! Thank you for this video!

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you & thank you for watching. I’m glad you found the video helpful 😊

[@kimvu2044]

This was so nicely explained! Just a curious question for when I measure myself in the future though. If my dress is tight when I zip up at the top like how it is in your video but fits everywhere else, does that mean I made a mistake in the measurement of my shoulder or my bust?

[@SewAnastasia]

Hi 🎀 it would mean the measurement is off in the bust area.

[@curtriceennis2924]

TYSM for sharing this video with us. I have a few "thrift - store" buys which I'm gonna use this method on to enlarge them to my size. Will hafta use the "contrasting" fabric on them all, however. But, with the methods mentioned in this video, I do believe I can actually alter the dresses and blouses I bought to fit me. YAAAY !!!

[@SewAnastasia]

Wonderful! So happy to hear you will be able to save the clothes to fit :) Thank you for watching and I would love to see the finished pieces. You can share them on insta, Fb or email. Happy sewing.

[@curtriceennis2924]

@@SewAnastasia I will send pics. It may take me awhile, though. I have difficulties sometimes with pains all over. But, I will send you some pics of what I am able to "refashion."

[@maisiefreeman8597]

I have the same issue with a beautiful 60's wool minidress I found - perfect fit at the waist and hips, won't do up over my wide shoulders. It's a little long for me though, so here's hoping I can chop enough of the bottom off to fill in the back.

[@SewAnastasia]

Ahhh I would love to see it! Send me photos. If you have questions when your working on it, let me know. Happy sewing

[@maisiefreeman8597]

@@SewAnastasia I've been unpicking the horrible lining which was clearly (and clumsily) added later on (feels like tent fabric), and to my delight, I've found lovely wide seams underneath. I think I've lucked out.

[@tarobubt]

most helpful video for a bust adjustment I need to make!

[@SewAnastasia]

Great to hear!

[@tracylaster6195]

👏👏👏👏 Thank you for making this video and sharing it with me when I chatted you on IG.

[@SewAnastasia]

You are very welcome!

[@amysweeney2525]

Its awesome… I have to ask why didn’t you expand the bodice while the skirt was off then re add the skirt? Im just curious . The dress turned out way better than the original.

[@SewAnastasia]

I didn’t need it bigger at the waist & thought maybe others would want to see it done with a waist seam already sewed. I like it wayyyyy better then the original too! 💕🎀💕 Thanks for watching 🎀

[@Holly89989]

Nice video, I did learn a lot. Cute dress too.

[@SewAnastasia]

Woohoo 🎉 thank you for watching

[@TheClumsyXeno]

You are stinking adorable, I literally just found you and I already love you and have subscribed

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you :)

[@seriouslymusical]

Wonderful tutorial! ❤ Just subscribed thumbs up

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you for watching and subbing ❤️🎀

[@user-jf7ej5py1u]

This is so satisfying lol.

[@SewAnastasia]

❤️❤️❤️

[@margarethiggs345]

thank you helped me alter a dress i really loved

[@SewAnastasia]

So awesome to hear 💕 I have another video to make a dress bigger coming out next week too 👏

[@thewhitesakura597]

Thank you, I have recently bought a dress and im not sure it will fit me so im watching this in advance just in case as i am pretty tall, tha m you for the tutorial!

[@SewAnastasia]

You got this!

[@kimb2914]

Did you used to have a shop in Chicago on Damen Ave?? I used to drive by all the time! ❤️

[@SewAnastasia]

Yes!! My studio is down the street at damen and carroll ave now.

[@milatorri]

Thank you for the video, I'm going to try and do this to a dress I just bought! The problem is that I don't have a sewing machine.. Any tips for hand-stitching this much fabric? I'm just a scared beginner 🤣

[@SewAnastasia]

I have a few videos on hand Sewing. Check them out!

[@kokiiaa]

what can i do if my zipper is on the side of my dress instead of the back?

[@SewAnastasia]

Take out the zipper and add fabric and then put the zipper back in.

[@guliazyulfigarova1597]

you are so talented

[@SewAnastasia]

😊😊😊😊 Thank you for watching. I hope you watch more Sew Anastasia 💕

[@sailingseaofstars]

This is amazing I found a dress I really wanted that fit everywhere else except the very top. It did not have a zipper it was a pull on and had straps. The bust needed a few inches to be breathable. I thought about adjusting it since it was a thrift store find but in the end a few things came together and I left it. How would you adjust a dress without a zipper and just side seams. It was ll on fabric and long and had. A lining.

[@SewAnastasia]

You can still add it to the side seams.

[@teddyiichan]

Hi! I know this is an old video, but I have a small problem. The zipper on the back of my dress goes in the middle, similar to a side zipper. How would I then get that measurement for the triangles? Thank you!

[@Blueorange24]

Thanks so much for this video! Do you have advice for how to let out a dress that has a zip on the side? When I have measured the dress the gap to fill is not really a triangle but rather more of a rhombus/oval. Thank you!

[@ashleyshoop]

Please answer this !

[@SewAnastasia]

Hi, For adding to the side seam with a zipper, you will need to remove the zipper, pattern a triangle in half and add extra seam allowance where the zipper is going at that half point. Then insert the two half triangles, then put back in the zipper. Hope that helps. You want to make sure you keep your dress balanced so it does not pull more to one side. Thank you for watching.

[@SewAnastasia]

Sorry for the late reply.

[@simonew1973]

Hi Anastasia! Is it possible to make a tight dress flowy around the hips and thighs?

[@SewAnastasia]

Yes but you will need to add fabric to it.

[@evangeliakaratza-styliara4413]

Very clear !!! Thanks !

[@SewAnastasia]

Very welcome 🤗

[@Ashleigh.Mayhew]

Do you have any tips on how this works with a dress with sleeves? I assume since we make the top of the bodice bigger (under the arm), the sleeve would then be too small? How do I work with that? Thanks!

[@SewAnastasia]

You will also need to make the sleeve bigger so it fits back in the armhole.

[@msprosperous1107]

very great tutorial

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you! Cheers! 🎀

[@Mykasan]

hi. i have a summer flowery dress that doesn't have a zipper and i barely fit in it in the chest area. i felt super squeezed. i was wondering how to alter it. should i mesure my bust without the dress then see the difference with the dress ? I've never done that before. i have no actual "triangle" to draw from.

[@SewAnastasia]

Yes you can totally do that. You can also add a zipper to it.

[@els1f]

"had to have it... It's like an 80's prom nightmare" 🤣

[@SewAnastasia]

Teehee 🤭

[@upasanachatterjee3717]

Awesome. Thank you for this video❣️ But ma'am how can I do it in a lace dress??

[@SewAnastasia]

The same way. Thank you for watching Sew Anastasia & Happy Sewing!

[@maryjolongyear8862]

Wonderful information!

[@SewAnastasia]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching.

[@Robinoxtrasama]

Can you add the fabric in the back darts on each side?

[@SewAnastasia]

I don't think you want to add it to darts but you can add it to different seams.

[@MHouston602]

Have you done this with pants that don’t fully zip in the front? I was thinking of opening the side seams to do this same kind of trick (or paying a seamstress to do it). Would this same technique work?

[@pookierose6]

I have to add panels to a unpleated cheer skirt, and I'm freaking out. It has stripes down the sides and a back invisible zipper. Should i do panels or just replace the entire back panel, zipper and all?

[@SewAnastasia]

If you can find matching fabric I would add panels.

[@Nah481]

Perfect for what I needed!

[@SewAnastasia]

Awesome . Thank you for watching :)

[@mina_ophelia.Moonbeam]

thank you so much. i really need this.

[@geralinedavis8066]

I have this dress that i need to add some stretchy black material to both sides . I will leave the back alone. It has a zipper. What the 1st thing I need to do , and the 2nd thing, 3rd, and so forth. Give it to me step by step please. Geraline Davis

[@SewAnastasia]

Alright, Geraline, here's the deal. First, grab that stretchy black material and measure it to fit the sides of your dress. Cut it and pin it in place, making sure to avoid messing with the back and its precious zipper. Then, get your sewing game on and stitch that material onto the dress. Don't forget to give it a good press with an iron for that professional look. You got this!

[@user-gq3mt8ln6c]

Hi Anastasia, can you help me understanding something math-wise? So your top opening was about 2.5 inches. You then cut out two pieces of extra fabric, each 2.25 inches wide at the tops which included a half inch seam allowance. Then you attached those at the sides- wouldn't that make the triangle fabric (minus the seam allowance) 1.5 inches each, for a total of 3 inches, making the alteration .50 inch bigger than the original 2.5inch opening? Maybe my math is totally wrong (very possible) but I'm confused :(

[@SewAnastasia]

I don’t remember doing it but basically make it as big as you need it plus seam allowance. Happy sewing! Maybe I added ease? I don’t remember exactly what I did unless I go back & watch it but I hope that helps.

[@user-gq3mt8ln6c]

Yes, this helps! Thank you! @@SewAnastasia

[@mony19831]

What sewing machine is this that has a thread cutter I need that. 😲🤩

[@SewAnastasia]

The designer epic !

[@Lily-sm3me]

Thank you so much, well illustrated

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you! Happy sewing!

[@xxx-il9dv]

Great content, as usual!😊

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you 😊

[@ramonapereira128]

Thank you for the video tutorial

[@SewAnastasia]

Your welcome!

[@meltyberryashley]

Is there a technique that works for letting out a dress with a side zipper? I’m ordering a dress online in the largest size available, and noticed in the product images that the zipper is on the side and not the back.

[@cosetteshuman1815]

This woman must be protected at all costs

[@SewAnastasia]

Awww 🥰

[@holly806]

I have a dress I want to let out but the zipper is on the side. I’m thinking I can still use this technique but just add the extra fabric to both side seams of the dress.. idk I’m kids stumped any recommendations?

[@holly806]

Kinda stumped*

[@SewAnastasia]

You totally can do this. Just take out the zipper & put it back in after you add fabric

[@craftyandtherapy2227]

It turned out so cute!

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you!

[@TaraSykes3]

would opening back and front darts help instead?

[@SewAnastasia]

You can open up the darts but you might need them for shape. It really depends on how the top is fitting. I have defiantly done that to darts before and it has worked. This dress had princess lines and no darts.

[@TaraSykes3]

@@SewAnastasia Thank you Anastasia, my dress is a full skirt with a fitted bodice. I opened the back darts but left the bust darts in and it now fits perfectly. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@mkaynash]

I’m a cosplayer and I really want tot attempt this but I’m afraid it’s difficult to find the same fabric as the storebought costume. Can I do this with a stretch fabric?

[@SewAnastasia]

Yeah you can use a stretch fabric !

[@nicholakay1731]

I have a dress I want to do this with, like yours it has a velvet bodice and is lined, however it also has sleeves. I’m not sure how to go about it because of the sleeves.

[@SewAnastasia]

You can take off the sleeves, let out the bodice & let out the sleeves & then see them back on

[@laurenbeeton9528]

You are amazing!!

[@SewAnastasia]

Aww thanks for watching :) Happy sewing :)

[@Jennifer-up1ki]

What type of dress form do you like? I’m trying to decide how much to spend :/

[@SewAnastasia]

I would buy one with a collapsable shoulder.

[@aileenveebee3044]

Looks nice 😊

[@emimcc3614]

I just bought a dress that was originally $200 and was on sale for $10. I couldn't pass it up!! I'm scared it'll be too small, but with this I might be able to fix it!

[@SewAnastasia]

Awesome find!!!! & you can totally do this! What’s it look like?!

[@emimcc3614]

@@SewAnastasia it's this really pretty off the shoulder, high low gown with a iridescent fabric! I've never bought anything like this, so I'm so excited!!

[@SewAnastasia]

@@emimcc3614 omg I can’t wait to see

[@emimcc3614]

@@SewAnastasia I just wanna say that I got the dress and, while it's a bit long, it fits perfectly! Thanks for the tutorial tho, I'll totally use it in my future projects!

[@PurpleRhymesWithOrange]

Thank you. Found a fantastic dress at a thrift store but the size was mislabeled.

[@SewAnastasia]

Happy to help you save it!

[@lisabuckner243]

@sew Anastasia, I just bought a dress that’s 1 size too small, but they sold out of the size small, if you decide to take your clothes to a professional tailor, do you still have to purchase the fabric on your own? Or can they use the bottom hem line to fill in the side of the bust & side to open the waist as well, I’m very short, so losing some length shouldn’t be a prob, Ty, I hope I hear back from you!

[@SewAnastasia]

Hi Lisa, The tailor can totally use the fabric from them hem since you are shortening it! I hope it turns out awesome!

[@kagekoot]

What are the other ways to sew in the second lining seam without flipping it inside out? Do you have/recommend any videos or sources that provide a kinda general list of the different options? I'm not removing any other seams or the zipper so I think it would be easier for me to do an alternative (especially because I have a tendency to make holes when seam ripping , oops)

[@SewAnastasia]

The easiest thing would be to hand sew up the hole that’s created

[@SewAnastasia]

Basically you have to create some sort of opening to be able to get into the dress or you have to hand sew up to seam. like with a slip stitch

[@kasiako355]

Awesome and helpful, thank you

[@SewAnastasia]

Your very welcome! 💕🎀

[@milenam9160]

Can you show how to make a lase up at the back?

[@SewAnastasia]

Totally! I am going to do that one next week! Stay tuned! Thank you for watching.

[@bettyennin6335]

Thank you for this tutorial!

[@SewAnastasia]

Your very welcome 🤗 Thank you for watching.

[@rosie01ism]

Awesome, explained so wellx

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you Rose 🌹

[@mariawhittaker906]

Going to try this now😊

[@jackline7218]

Really nice,thanks I will to that

[@clothingalterations]

Love your idea. Great job

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you!!! ☺️

[@domdow2884]

Omg I desperately need your assistance @Sew Anastasia

[@SewAnastasia]

You can always sign up for lessons in person or virtually with me. www.sewanastasia.com

[@spookytv1531]

Yay a new video ♥️😍

[@SewAnastasia]

😊😊😊

[@ladycrystal3293]

What if I need to also make the waist larger too at the same time?

[@SewAnastasia]

Then you can go all the way down. Make it a rectangle & not a triangle.

[@pipermaru2006]

what about a long sleeved dress that needs expanding from the top?

[@SewAnastasia]

You can add to the sleeves & side seams or center back

[@eulaleemiller6194]

I could not see the stitch because the cloth is black

[@niksand1713]

Nice job!

[@SewAnastasia]

Thank you

[@hollymay170]

How would you let out a dress with a side zipper? Also is there a way to let out a dress when it’s too tight on the waist?

[@SewAnastasia]

Hi, You can take out the zipper and add the fabric and then put the zipper back in. If it is too tight in the waist too then your stripe of fabric that you put in can go all the way down to your waist.

[@kayleekittredge4035]

How long did this take all together I wonder

[@SewAnastasia]

Great question! I think with shooting it took about 3/4 hours. So if I sat down to sew it, probably around 60-90 mins. Hope that helps. Thank you for watching.

[@lisatothelee7]

What if the bust is too small on a dress with sleeves?

[@SewAnastasia]

You will also need to add to the sleeves.

[@kaylahall1219]

Sewing is so incredibly mathematical! It’s like chemistry! (Except I can understand this; but maybe that’s because the teacher😆)

[@SewAnastasia]

Aww thanks. I really appreciate you watching.

[@wyannew2364]

Thank you so much for this!! 🥰🥰

[@SewAnastasia]

Very welcome 🎀 Thank you for watching.

[@loreleimccartney2756]

I bought a prom dress that was too small in the waist and bust and the zipper broke 😔 it’s also too long. I need help it’s so pretty but I’m scared to do it myself 🥺 I’m afraid I’ll ruin it

[@SewAnastasia]

Take your time and I am sure that you can fix it up!

[@KeepingUpWithUs]

Have you done any videos on making a dress bigger that has sleeves? 😅 I watched this and was like, oh that'll be so easy! And then I realized... Sleeves are scary. 😂

[@SewAnastasia]

I have not but you can use the same method and open up the under arm and side seam. Thank you for watching Sew Anastasia and happy sewing!

[@wriqhts]

in theory could you hand sew something like this? i know it would be more time but i dont have a sewing machine at home

[@SewAnastasia]

Yes you could

[@kaylinbischoff487]

What do i so if i dont have a dress form

[@SewAnastasia]

You are going to have to try it on your self and maybe grab a friend to help. Happy Sewing!

[@daebak_hana]

I bought the most fantastic dress but it is my size but clearly not made for some with a large bust. I need 1-2 inches in the bust to be able to zip it.

[@SewAnastasia]

I hope you are able to fit it!

[@carolinahummingbird]

How would you fix a dress that fits but squashes the girls?

[@SewAnastasia]

Maybe just add fabric at the top to open up the bust area. I would have to see it. Could you let out some darts?

[@miunya]

I bought an adorable maxi dress online. My bust is way too large but it fits in the waist and is the perfect lenght. It was 15 euro and returning it is 11 euro so what is the point :( so had to look up if I can fix this mess. The thing is I have no sewing Machine

[@SewAnastasia]

You could try to do it by hand sewing! Or maybe a friend has a sewing machine you can use?