{"id":130,"date":"2022-08-12T16:25:29","date_gmt":"2022-08-12T16:25:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yetanotherthread.com\/?p=130"},"modified":"2022-08-12T16:25:30","modified_gmt":"2022-08-12T16:25:30","slug":"how-to-cinch-a-dress-at-the-waist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yetanotherthread.com\/how-to-cinch-a-dress-at-the-waist\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Cinch A Dress At The Waist (With and Without Sewing)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you have any dresses in your closet that you don\u2019t wear because they\u2019re a little loose around the waist? Perhaps you have a tiny middle that you\u2019d like to show off. How do you cinch in a dress at the waist?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"how<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cinch a dress at the waist permanently by sewing a fitted casing to the dress and inserting elastic. If you can\u2019t sew, cinch in the waist of your dress by wearing a belt, bum bag, or corset, tying on a ribbon, scarf, jacket, or sweater, or making a coin fold.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upcycling clothes is a popular trend, allowing you to breathe new life into unworn, ignored, or thrift shop items. To get a dress to look more flattering, is tighten the waistline to streamline your curves. Let\u2019s look at ways to cinch in a dress at the waist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Cinch A Dress At The Waist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"how<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many of us avoid wearing items in our wardrobes because they don\u2019t fit neatly. But transforming an ill-fitting dress is easier than you think. Whether you want a new look for the day or a more permanent solution, here are ideas for cinching in your dress at the waist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Cinch A Dress At The Waist With Elastic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you want a permanent solution to a baggy garment, use elastic to cinch in your dress at the waist. Sewing in elastic works best if your dress is made with a light fabric<\/a> that drapes well, like linen, cotton, or rayon. It also only works if your dress has no lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To cinch in a dress with elastic, you need to sew a separate casing or tube, attach it to the garment, and insert elastic. Although this seems time-consuming, you have a neat, flat finish. Follow these steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find Your Waistline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"how<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Begin by putting on your dress inside out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Put a narrow belt around your waistline where you want the elastic. The slimmest part of your waist may be higher or lower than you expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Mark the waist using pins, a water-soluble pen, or tailor\u2019s chalk (which washes out). Marking is easier if you have someone to help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Remove the dress, lay it on a flat surface, and mark the whole waist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: The waistline may not be straight as it will curve with your bust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Measure Your Casing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. While the dress is flat, use a measuring tape to measure the length of the marked waistline or circumference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. To make the casing, choose a piece of fabric with a similar weight and color to your dress \u2013 it shouldn\u2019t show through. You\u2019ll need about two to four feet (1\/2 to 1 meter) of fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Cut the fabric the same length as the waist circumference, plus an extra inch (2.5 cm) for seams. For example, if your waist measures 40 inches (102 cm), you will cut a strip measuring 41 inches (104 cm).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"how<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Cut the fabric into a strip 1 \u00be inches (4.4 cm) wide. This size fits a standard \u00bc-inch elastic with a seam allowance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sew The Casing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"how<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"sew<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"how<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise, keeping the right sides together. Press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Allowing a seam or edge of \u00bc inch (0.64 cm), sew a straight seam along the length of the fabric to create a tube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Leave one to inches of fabric unsewn at each edge of the length. You\u2019ll use this to sew the ends of the casing together when you turn it right-side out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turn The Casing Right-Side Out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Turning the long tube right-side out can be tricky, so follow this hack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Attach a safety pin to a layer of the unsewn edge of the tube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Push the safety pin through the tube, feeding it through until it comes out the other end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Your casing will now have the right side on the outside. Remove the safety pin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Press the casing flat with the seam along the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finish The Short Edges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Align the edges of the tube that you left unsewn earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Sew the ends together, allowing for a \u00bd inch (1.27 cm) seam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. After sewing, trim the seam to \u00bc inch (0.64 cm) and press it open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Fold in the rough edges at the openings of the tube and press inwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pin The Casing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. With the dress lying flat, pin the top edge of the casing along the waistline marking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The open edges of the casing should meet at the dress\u2019s side seam or back seam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: Use a pin every inch or so (2.5 cm) so that the casing fits securely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sew The Casing To The Dress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"how<\/figure>\n\n\n\n