When I first blogged about this adorable dress, I mentioned the waist ran wide and suggested a few easy DIY “fixes.” Per your requests, here’s a step-by-step tutorial for one of my favorite quick tricks to make a shapeless garment fit better: by adding a partial elastic waistband. This is a total shortcut method (sewing experts … don’t judge), but it takes 10 minutes, it’s comfy, and it’s easy to undo if you gain weight later!
My sewing machine is 20 years old (it’s my baby!), but if you’re shopping for one now, I’ve purchased this affordable Brother sewing machine for family members and would recommend it. It has the basic functions and stitches without unnecessary extra features, and I found it to be easy and straightforward to use for beginners.
You will need
A sewing machine, a piece of elastic, thread that’s the same color as your dress / top, and pins.
Notes
Before we get started, note this shortcut method works best on casual dresses or tops that are unlined, or garments where the lining is a separate layer that’s not attached at the waistline. For this tutorial, I am only adding a partial length of elastic along the back waist. This partial elastic is enough to gather in the waist a few inches and make it look noticeably more fitted.
If you’re new to sewing, I would practice doing a few basic hems and stitches before working with elastic.
Step 1:
Turn the dress inside out and lay it flat (for these photos, I’ve pushed the dress lining up out of the way).
Step 2:
Cut a strip of elastic a few inches shorter that the dress waist width (I cut a ~ 9″ strip of elastic here).
Step 3:
Find the center waist point of the dress (pin “B”) and the center point of the elastic strip. Pin both together. Make sure not to catch both layers of the dress fabric (front & back) while you are pinning the elastic down.
Step 4:
Use fabric chalk or pins to mark how far you want to stretch the elastic band out (pins “A” and “C”).
Note: The total distance that you stretch the elastic band out while sewing is the approximate amount that the waist will be “gathered in” and narrowed by. For example, I marked pins A and C about 2 inches farther out than each end of the un-stretched elastic band. After stretching out & stitching the elastic to where pins A and C are, the entire waist of the dress will be gathered in about 3 to 4 inches.
Step 5:
Keeping the dress inside-out and backside facing-up, position the pinned dress and elastic at your sewing machine. Match one end of the elastic to pin C, remove the pin, and use a wide zig zag stitch to secure the elastic to the dress. Do a few reverse stitches so the thread won’t unravel.
Step 6:
Continue sewing the elastic on between pin C & pin B with a wide zig zag stitch, while simultaneously using both hands to evenly stretch out the elastic band until the dress fabric is laying flat and taut.
The hand further away from you should be steadily feeding the fabric and elastic through the sewing machine. The hand closer to you should be pulling the elastic towards you, while also pinching the dress fabric to keep both pieces in place (I’m doing this with my thumb & index finger below). This part can be a bit tricky for beginners. Check my Instagram stories later today for a short video clip on stretching the elastic as you sew!
Continue this process along section by section. Once you reach the last pin, remove the pin and do a reverse stitch to secure loose ends before trimming the thread.
And that’s it! Here’s how it looks close up, with the dress still inside-out (pardon my uneven stitches):
Here’s how it looks from the exterior. The waist is now gathered in for a more fitted look.
PS – I had also suggested adding two darts to the back waist instead of elastic, but that wouldn’t work as well here because this dress is pullover style and doesn’t have a zipper entry. If you make the waist smaller without any stretch, it might be hard to slip the dress on and off over your head.
hello! I know this is an old post and you may not see this comment, but I wanted to weigh in. I’m a physicist in a field with almost no women (about 3%), and I don’t have very much free time AT ALL. I found this post because I was looking to alter a dress to wear to work during the summer, and because I find that after a busy day in a field where being a woman can be challenging, taking even a few minutes to do something I love (like sewing, knitting, baking, or settling in with a good book) helps keep me sane. Nobody should be working 24/7, hobbies are so incredibly important, and lifting other women up is the single most important thing any of us can do to help improve gender equity.
Hi jean,
your tutorial was so great after all. this is a great post with some amazing tips to do some beautiful jobs. thanks for sharing some great ideas.
Thank you Jean for your blog. I’m a long time reader for the past 5 years and can’t wait to try this trick for when I’m ready to start a family and need to adjust “loose” clothing and accommodate for the bump.
I’m a female engineer and petite. Your style blog helps me look polished and professional at work especially in big board meetings which gives me confidence. Besides work, I too like fashion (I’ve made many purchases based on your reviews since I dont have time to shop and running around multiple stores!), the outdoors, and practically everything – aka ENJOYING LIFE in whatever brings you happiness. (PS your blogging on make up and wedding planning is helping me RIGHT NOW cause I’m a DIY bride and NEVER used make up before!!!)
My mom taught me sewing basics, the rest I wing it and try to “engineer” my own solutions, its what dressmaking/sewing/pattern making is about – construction and style 🙂
Keep it up, I look forward to following your & Nick’s beautiful story.
Jenny from Texas
Such a simple trick that can elevate your look instantly!
Jae
http://www.allthatjae.com
Hi Jean! Don’t even sweat those trolls that have the time to post negativity in regards to your post. I absolutely love your blogs! I started following because my girlfriend recommended you on IG for great inspo for pregnancy and maternity wear. They’ve been so useful to me! I also came across your travel blogs and coincidentally, am also traveling to Italy/Amalfi Coast during my pregnancy next week! Your blogs have been super informative and had even decided to look into cooking classes and hired a private driver from
Naples to Positano based on your recommendation. Also love your Amazon favorited – tried to purchase the straw bag for Canada but unfortunately it won’t ship soon enough for me to purchase. Keep the pregnancy, maternity and travel blogs coming!!! I love reading them! 🙂
This is crazy to me. I am a woman in a STEM career. I have a bachelors in BioChem and my masters in BioEngineering. I’m also a mother. That being said, I love Instagram, shopping too much, reading blog posts, sewing, having a cocktail or 3, and supporting other women. And I hope I raise a daughter who is kind and feels equally empowered to be a stay at home mom or an engineer.
PS if you have time to be critical of someone else then maybe YOU have too much time on your hands.
I cannot believe that woman was so negative towards your tutorial. She needs to get off her high horse. I’m in the STEM field and don’t see why I can’t sew or do whatever I want at home. I have two boys (ages 5 yrs and 3 mon) and will be starting work full time again in 2 weeks. I love being home with the kids, but it is by far the toughest thing I’ve ever done. It’s work 24/7. There are so many challenges, both physically and emotionally. I would say it’s more than at my office, seeing patients and running my business. But I would gladly stay home with my boys any day. I find your blog refreshing and inspiring. I learn new things everyday. Who wouldn’t want to learn tips and pointers that would save you time and money?! I have also learn to buy pieces that fit well and will stand the test of time. So keep doing what you are doing. Ignore people. They are the worst!
PS can’t wait to see what you come up with in terms of nursing outfits. So tough to find nice nursing clothes.
Hi Jean! Thank you for sharing this…you make it look so easy. 🙂 For those of us who are petite, we all know too well how alterations can add up over time, and while I also want a pro to handle complicated pieces, for simple things like hems or work-arounds for simple silhouettes, it’s fun to try! Plus, it gives me a better respect for those who do this professionally. It’s neat to see how to do things yourself. Brava to you!
I had mentioned that I was trying to reach you in an earlier post. You had asked in an earlier post back what group it referred to? It’s in relation to the Newburyport Mothers and Families Club. Hope that helps! You can reach me via my email submitted with this comment. Thanks!
Jean! You are truly a resource. I love that you take the time and really teach us tip and tricks to make clothes look better on the body. Thank you so much.
May || http://themoderness.com/
Jean, please don’t let those who send negative energy get you down. You presented a helpful idea, not a mandate for those who prefer a different approach . Thank you. If someone doesn’t find this helpful, no need to try it! Keep up you positive and helpful tips.
Great tips… I’m surely going to use it on my dress..
Quite helpful jean😊😊😊
Thanks for the tutorial! I am wondering if this would work on a shift dress that has no waist?
Hi Carey, for shift dresses, I usually prefer just to slim it down at the waist along both sides.
Thank you for taking the time to post this!
I purchased this dress and had to take it to a tailor to have the wait taken in a bit. I wish I would have seen this before that. Do you have any issues with this dress? Wrinkles so bad on me when I wear it. Thank you so much for this DIY.
Hi Cecilia – I didn’t find it to wrinkle more than the average dress! But I don’t sit for long periods of time anymore (usually getting up to walk around) so maybe that helped.
I purchased that dress too. I had to take it to the tailor to have the waist taken in. I wish I would have seen this first. Do you have issues with that dress at all? It wrinkles so much when I wear it
Love this tutorial so much <3 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing these great tips! I'm definitely not a sewing expert, so I'm going to be taking my time with this guide LOL!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
This is so cool! The step by step with pictures and short instruction/description is so helpful! I bought a sewing machine and can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing!
Jean, I am an avid follower of your blog since I discovered it. How would this work on a sheath dress? I purchased the Ann Taylor dress (refer to your photo on your blog of the dress you wore on your trip to Italy, the one that is blue with the flowers and you have the boat hat from Nordstrom). I need to make the waist a bit smaller to give it shape and I am not too fond of wearing belts.
Hi Laura, thanks for the kind words! Ah..I really love that dress. So for a sheath dress like that one (which has a more tailored silhouette, a wider banded waist, plus a back zipper entry), I’d suggest just taking it in on both sides instead of adding elastic.
What a great idea! I’ll have to try this the next time I want to take in a casual dress . Thanks for sharing, Jean!
Thank you for this post! I have been wanting to buy a sewing machine and learn to sew basic things like hems. Your straight-forward instructions are very helpful. 🙂 I hope you will post more DIY’s.
Have a wonderful day.
Kayla
Thanks, Kayla! Pinterest can also be a wealth of info for basic instructions like how to do a hem. Good luck learning and experimenting!
Thank you so much Jean! I was hoping you would be willing to share this as a tutorial (I am a visual learner!). I truly look forward to your posts every week – they’re such a visual treat and also so very helpful.
Thank you for the kind words, Stacia!
Being a sewer and dressmaker I don’t always recommend doing this yourselves. Sewing can be one of the most frustrating things and what looks little could end but being a nightmare for those with little experience. Find a professional and save your nerves and your garment .
Jandrew
I get that … which is why I almost always go to a tailor except when the solution can be this quick! For suiting or tailored pieces with lining, I won’t attempt it at home anymore.
Hi Jean, Nice short tutorial on making this quick fix for dresses/top with a waist! Could this be applied to a dress without an already existing sewn waistline? I have a lightweight knit a-line dress that I want to make more fitted around my waist. I was thinking of sewing on fabric at the sides to have them tied together at the back, but what do you think?
Hi Amanda, it could work … although for a A line dress, the easiest way may be just to slim it down on both sides instead? Or, if you want to add the gathered waist look, I know the proper way would be to add a “tube” on the interior to fit a full circle of elastic in so that the entire waist was elasticized.
Thanks for your ideas – I’ll consider them all before giving up on this old, unworn yet comfortable casual dress from the Gap. I usually have trouble finding affordable yet decent quality dresses for my petite “stick” body, so with your post, the idea of altering my own clothes is being reconsidered again. Should be a good learning experience. Thanks again!
You really have time in your hands. Good for stay home mothers who are trying to find a way to kill time.
I don’t have much time on my hands and I think stay at home mothers have even less! I don’t see how learning how to do a quick alteration yourself is for ppl who need to kill time.
Tho I have no sewing machine, I’m becoming interested! I think it saves both time in running it to an alteration person, (driving, try on, pick up) And Money! Thank you!
How do you know stay at home less time on their hands you are not a stay at home mum.
Your blog is okay/ average it is not for professionals you offer no new content apart from just standing and showing off clothes that most women dont care for and dont have time to buy. Stay at home moms or women who need to kill time will do such needle work. We need more women in STEM. We need more women to defy stereotypes and your blog fails to deliver this.
You’re entitled to your opinion. Many fields could use more female representation and leadership. But we also need more women who don’t put down other women just because they choose a different line of work or life path than your own.
Posting negative comments, coming back and posting more negative comments. Now, who was it that has time to kill? 🤨
This!
I work as a mechanical engineer and previously worked in IT consulting. I.e. I am a woman in STEM and I love this blog! As a petite woman (5’1” for me) it’s so hard to find clothes that fit well & look professional/flattering. And sometimes you have to do alterations to get that! Jean you’ve been such a style inspiration for me at work and on my own time. Women in STEM/other careers is an absolutely unrelated issue to this. You’re totally right that we just need more women who support each other <3. Thanks for your inspiration!
Amen Jean 👏🏻 Let’s lift each other up not tear each other down. I’m a 45 year old Mom of a 2 year old, work full time as a Loan Officer. I appreciate your blog for the great work wear tips and other content. As a busy Mom and professional it’s great to get advice from others. Keep up the great work Jean! 💕
I love your content! I may not be your immediate audience every time but I personally still find a lot of insight and value in your posts :).
I just want to say that your blog has been a game changer for me. I remember being mystified as an undergrad about how to dress professionally as someone who is 5 ft nothing. I wore jeans and boxy t-shirts for far too long. Years later, I feel much more confident at work knowing how to find professional clothes that actually fit and look good. Supporting women means supporting all women, not just women who work in certain fields.
Jean,
I have no idea what that lady was talking about. What’s any of this got to do with women in STEM. If it matters so much, I am a woman in STEM. I have an engineering degree and an MBA. I am a project manager, very same thing the lady has in her profile. And I love your blog, I have followed your content for 3 years now and I think you look wonderful and do great.
Great come back, Jean! I’ve also been a career girl and worked my way up to working for one if her biggest company on the planet. But one day you wake up and realise there is no one around cos you didn’t spend enough time at home. Also, well done on you running such a successful business. There is clearly demand for what you do and I read your posts and watch your Instagram stories with much enjoyment and admiration. It’s a skill to make something like this work (I know because I am in digital marketing myself) and earn an income where an employed person (full time even, employee can only wish for)!
Anjiline, why are you spending time putting someone down? If you do not like the content, move on. Comments like yours hurt & serve no purpose. Jean is just providing some helpful tips, I don’t see what the problem is here
If you think her blog is so average, then why do you take the time to read and comment on her posts? This is a fashion blog where Jean features styles that are good for petite women. It’s not a STEM blog, a women in tech blog, a job hunting blog, or anything of the like.
This post shows women who have to get many things tailored (like me!!) easy ways to do it yourself without having to shell out extra money for alterations. As a very petite woman myself, who has struggled to find well-fitted professional clothing, Jean’s blog has provided me with immense inspiration over the years. Not only does she have incredible fashion sense, she is also smart, educated, genuine, kind and composed.
I suggest you spend your time trying to help uplift women, and not bring them down. Bullying is not okay. Ever. Period.
Wow, what a totally rude, unnecessary comment… don’t follow if the topics are not of interest to you, it’s as simple as that…
You’re implying stay at home moms have time to kill? That’s laughable. Jean doesn’t only talk about fashion or sewing on this blog. Don’t knock her hobbies just because they’re not STEM. Do you put down the men if your family who are into stereotypical manly things? If you don’t like what’s here, then move on!
I just don’t understand, if, as you say, her blog is so “okay/average”, why you bother to look at it and then comment something negative. It’s really sad to see women putting other women down instead of supporting them. If you don’t like the blog, that is you’re right move on.
Way to support other women, and NOT sound condescending AT ALL.
Wow, your comment is completely off base. I am employed full time and most importantly am a mother. I do it ALL. If fashion, travel, and sewing tips aren’t your cup of tea, then why are you even reading this blog? I applaud you Jean for sharing all that you do! Your blog has been a wonderful inspiration. Thank you!
Are you a stay at home mom? If so, then you are one of the exception who do have time at hand. If not, then I think it is a prejudice to state that stay at home moms have a lot of time at hand. I am a mom of two and works four days a week (so not a stay at home mom) but the one day I am with my kids it is busier than a normal work day for me. I have to cook the meals for my kids, keep them entertained, clean the house, do grocery shopping etc etc. so I think i can relate how it is to be a stay at home mom.
In addition I also think there is no reason to attack other women just because they have another opinion than you. Have you ever seen the quote: “You can always tell who the strong women are. They are the ones you see building one another up. Instead of tearing each other down.”
Jean, I don’t think you need this, but I just want to say I love your blog. I used many of your tips and tricks for my work wardrobe. I also very enjoy reading your blog! Keep up the work! Can’t wait for you to share your life as a mom! Regards from the Netherlands!
I’m a working mom with a 6 month old baby girl. Used to think stay at home moms are lucky and have the easiest job but changed my mind after spending time with my daughter during maternity leave.
You raised a good point. I would encourage and guild my child towards STEM area as I agree women are underrepresented in those fields. However, I would also teach her to be kind, compassionate, respectful to others, and to always see the positive side.
For years I enjoy Jean’s blog as her words and beautiful photos take my mind away from the stress in life. If you cannot relate to anything she posted here then maybe you should move on and find something you can. No need to make harsh comments on a fashion and lifestyle blog.
Right, because us SAHMs have SO MUCH extra time on our hands. You clearly are not one. I’ve spent my fair share of time working in a corporate law firm and the last thing we need in ANY sector is women putting other women down. You are more than welcome to unfollow and leave if this type of blog doesn’t suit you.
I’m a woman studying medicine full time and I have time to do basic alterations on my dresses… and I love fashion blogs 🤷🏻♀️
I’m a professional working in Downtown LA, a mother of a toddler and a wife and I think your comment is absolutely ridiculous! Please don’t speak on behalf of other women. If this blog is not suitable for you then move on.
This is my favorite blog/IG account and she’s my favorite blogger. I have saved so much time shopping in stores and online by simply clicking on the links she provides and able to purchase pieces for my personal and work wardrobe. As well as reading all of her tips. So move on, lady!
I’m a woman in STEM, and in fact, I’m finishing up a PhD in Molecular Biology. I love the content that Jean provides on her blog and on Instagram. My interests range from science and tech to food and fashion. Needle work is actually a very practical skill to have and can save you quite a bit of money. We’re also living in a age where technology is all around us and is rapidly progressing. Online shopping is very convenient for someone like myself who might not have the time to buy something in a store in person.
??? Wait what?
As a woman scientist, nothing breaks my heart more than seeing ladies tear each other down. Even if it’s true that there needs to be more female representation in STEM, there is no reason to target this blog. Blogs reflect blogger interest, and this is obviously not a STEM blog because that is not the blogger’s expertise or goal. If you followed along, you’d discover that this blog empowers women instead of putting them down, and is a great community of people who encourage each other using fashion and beauty as a means.
The road towards gender equality is built on women supporting each other whether their interest and strength shine in male-dominated STEM fields, or fields that are traditionally associated with femininity. There is nothing wrong with either. In fact, there is nothing worse than choosing to be a homemaker (which is a difficult task that leaves no “kill time”) and being criticized for “being lazy” or “giving up”. Some women thrive in STEM careers, some women thrive in business careers, and others thrive at home with their family. We decide for ourselves what makes us feel alive. If you’re looking for women who defy stereotypes and blogs that are STEM-career driven, there is plenty of content out there.
As an aside, I find this blog very useful professionally in terms of fashion inspiration when I need to be at a formal event or dress up appropriately for a scientific presentation. Thanks for the detailed outfits and inspo, Jean!
… Jean is an entrepreneur that started this blog around a prestigious 9-5 job and then built it into her own business. That’s just the kind of woman this society needs.
Well you’re clearly not a stay at home mom. I’m currently one to my precious baby boy and holy moly I do not have a minute to myself. I don’t have free time on my hands – let alone to use the bathroom on my own. I don’t understand why you would shame someone and take the time to write it out. I pray for you soul girl, you clearly need it. And thank you Jean for sharing your alteration tips! And congrats on the baby!!! Can’t wait for the big day 👶🏻
Wow! I never comment on blogs nor do I have time to read many blogs as my very busy schedule doesn’t allow me to but I couldn’t skip over such a RUDE and unnecessary comment! Jean, I love your blog on fashion and DYI tips. I want to encourage you to keep up the great work. You’re very talented and have a keen eye for beauty. I’m a mother of boys and I don’t follow other fashion blogs (only STEM ones 😉 ), because I’m so busy. I go out of my way to get your fashion advice. Your style matches my own and I always get compliments on what I wear. I wish you the best at your endeavors, and on becoming a new mom soon. Don’t listen to such negative people who have nothing better to do.
Keep being beautiful inside and out!
I am a stay at home mom of three. I also work from home. Between my mom duties and my professional ones, I don’t have much time to waste. Normally I wouldn’t answer to stupid comments but I find your comments bitter and cheap. It’s easy to come and belittle others and this blogger amd her efforts. Seems that you have the time to write down your advice. If you don’t like this blog, maybe you should just move on with your busy life and leave people enjoy it peacefully.
So why are you on her blog then?
You clearly aren’t a stay at home mother.
Wow, this comment is beyond rude! Jean, we love your DIYs! Please continue!
This is extremely rude and totally demeaning to women. Also, you try being a stay at home mom and let me know if you’re desperate to fill your time with sewing…
Lol are you kidding me? Why are you hating? Do you really think SAHM have time on their hands? Maybe you should go get to know one before you spew all the hate. I know so many people I’ve worked with who wish they were a stay at home mom! Instead they’re stuck working all day or night and not able to see their children grow up. Be happy with what you have and not worry about others. Seems like you’re just jealous because you have to work and not stay home. While many SAHM respect women who work full time and take care of their children.
As much as I love your impeccable style posts, these genius DIY tricks are my favorite posts to read! Thanks so much for sharing, this will definitely come in handy for those cute summer dresses that billow just a little too much over a petite figure. 🙂
Happy to hear that, Jocelyn! I haven’t done one in a while but this one was too quick & easy not to share.
I wish I was a lot more skilled at sewing! Thank-you for sharing this Jean!!
I hope you’re having a lovely Wednesday!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
Great idea on how to narrow the waist and maintain some give. Another idea which might require less coordination would be to sew a straight line from A to C with a straight stitch, making it wider than usual (5 mm?). Then you pull the thread from both A and C until you achieve the desired length (i.e. the same length as the unstretched elastic) and even out the pleats. After pinning the unstretched elastic to the shortened A to C, you can just zig-zag stitch from A to C like you did. I haven’t actually tried this out, but this might work as an alternative.
Thanks, Bela! Without trying it out, I’m not sure whether that would work either but it sounds like an interesting alternative!
Beautiful work … the top looks great!
This is a great DIY, perfect for petite girls! Nothing I buy ever fits me properly (I’ve resorted to shopping exclusively in the kid’s section at this point) so I’m always looking for ways to alter my clothes. Thanks, Jean. 🙂
http://charmainenyw.com