Q&A for How to Hem a Prom Dress

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How do you make sure the hem is straight?

Kpoene Kofi-Bruce
Couture Bridal Designer
Kpoene Kofi-Bruce is a tailor, couture wedding gown designer, and the Creative Director of Mignonette Bridal and Ette the Wedding Tailor in Chicago, Illinois. With nearly two decades of experience as a wedding gown designer, small business owner, and vintage sewing enthusiast, Kpoene specializes in wedding gown design and the social history of wedding dresses. She received a BA in Creative Writing from Middlebury College and studied the business of fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program and the Chicago Fashion Incubator and has written about wedding fashion for Jezebel, Catalyst, the Sun Times, and XO Jane.

Kpoene Kofi-Bruce

Couture Bridal Designer

Expert Answer

Hemming isn't simple, so give yourself some time. Have the wearer stand on a tall box, platform, or table wearing the shoes they plan to wear with the dress. Have them look straight ahead as you pin. Going layer by layer, pin horizontally around the hem where the fabric touches the floor (or where the client wants the dress to sit). Double-check with a ruler or measureing tape at the end to ensure it's even.

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Question

My daughter wants to go to the prom in her heels and take them off to dance. What length should I shoot for? What length would you recommend for just with the heels?

Community Answer

Go with the shorter length (bare feet). If you go with the longer length she will ruin the dress by stepping on it or dragging it on the floor. My best advice would be to have her wear flats instead of bare feet (if she doesn’t want her toes squashed).

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Question

Is the length of the dress longer in the front?

Community Answer

It's never longer in the front, because you need to walk in heels and the long fabric from the front might make you trip.

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Question

Are hemming and alteration the same thing?

Community Answer

Not exactly. Hemming is part of the alteration process, but alterations could include fitting the bodice, adjusting the waists, straps, etc. There are times when the seamstress will basically take the dress completely apart to fit it to the new wearer.

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Question

How can I hem by hand instead of with a machine?

Craftsmart

Top Answerer

Just measure and pin as the steps indicate above, but use a back-stitch to sew the hem by hand. Secure each end with a knot. Be aware this may take longer than if you use a machine.

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Question

How can I make a prom dress about 10 inches shorter if I don't want to cut off the extra material? The dress is going to be resold after the dance.

Community Answer

Hemming tape, which is easily found in any fabric or craft store. You can remove it after the prom is over.

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