How to Hem a Dress with Attached Lining?

If you mess up with your lining fabric you might end up ruining your favorite dress. The lining is not just an extra layer of fabric attached to your dress. It serves to enhance the appearance of dresses and increase durability and comfort. It provides insulation during colder weather, the lining can help prevent the outer layer of the dress from clinging to the body, creating a smooth and comfortable fit. Sometimes we need to alter our dress for a much better fit and to do so we need to hem it. The dress could be formal, skirt, jacket, etc. which has lining by default.

How to hem a dress with attached lining? Well, this layer of fabric is sensitive as it functions in a wider range so to hem it requires, attention, proper expertise, and professional guideline to end up this task successfully. You must know a few fundamentals about it before you start your hemming project even for practice.

Key Takeaways

• Lining fabric comes with different options and styles
• Hemming a dress with attached lining is different than hemming other clothing
• Make sure you know the basics of hemming and follow the steps carefully
• Gather some brief scanning about lining fabric and its types for better understanding.

Why Hemming a Dress with Attached Lining?

Knowing how to hem a dress with an attached lining is important for a few reasons. First of all, hemming the dress will ensure that it fits you perfectly and looks great. If your dress has an attached lining, hemming becomes a bit more complicated than if it didn’t have one. The lining needs to be hemmed separately from the outer layer of fabric, which requires some additional steps and techniques to get it right.

Understanding the Basics of Hemming

When it comes to hems, there are a few different types to choose from. Each one serves a different purpose.  Understanding the basic hemming would help you to choose which one would be perfect for your dress.

1. DOUBLE-FOLD HEM

This is one of the most commonly used hemming methods in sewing patterns. This hem is double-folded and gives an impressive professional finish to most dresses

2. NARROW ROLLED HEM

While the narrow hem is very similar to the double-folded hem, it is much narrower. It is typically used for lightweight fabrics.

3. BIAS TAPE HEM

When you want to create a rolled hem or double hem, but do not want to bulk up the fabric, use bias tape.

4. BLIND HEM

These Invisible hems are usually found at the bottom of slacks or skirts and are normally sewn using a blind hem stitch on most sewing machines with or without a special foot.

5. ZIG-ZAG OR OVERLOCKED HEM

Using your serger and the regular machine is a popular way to sew a hem. You can see this type of hem in many clothing items purchased from stores. It’s great for bulky, hard-to-press fabrics, as well as curved edges. It provides a better and strong grip than other ones respectively.

How to Hem a Dress with Attached Lining

Hemming a dress with an attached lining may seem daunting yet following these steps would make it easier to do it accurately.

Tools and Materials

This procedure requires a few tools and materials to ensure a clean and professional-looking finish. Here are some of the items you will need. By having these tools and materials ready, you’ll be prepared to tackle any hemming project and achieve great results.

• Sewing Machine
• Pins
• Seam Ripper
• Measuring Tape or Ruler
• Fabric Scissors
• Iron
• Thread

Step 1: Measure and Cut

Take measurements to determine how much you need to hem and use pins to mark the length. Remove the lining from the dress by cutting stitches. You can use a seam ripper in this case carefully. Make sure there’s no attachment together with the dress at the bottom edge.

Step 2: Prepare the lining

Study the lining carefully and fold the fabric to the marked length of the hem and pin it there. Keep the lining flat on the ground or surface and make sure there’s no chance of getting wrinkles on the fabric.

Step 3: Hem the lining

Hem the lining by sewing a straight stitch along the folded edge, using a sewing machine or hand-sewing needle and thread. If your dress is bulky or hard then use zigzag hemming. However, you can use a double-fold hem for other clothes. Make sure that the stitches are small and even, and that they don’t show through to the right side of the fabric.

Step 5: Trim and press

Once the lining is hemmed, trim any excess fabric from the seam allowance with a cutter or scissors and press the hem using an iron on a low-heat setting.

Step 6: Hem outer part

Now it’s time to hem the outer fabric of the dress. Fold the fabric up to the same length as the lining and pin it in place.

Step 7: Sew Along

Sew a straight stitch along the folded edge of the dress as you did for the lining and remember to use small stitches so that it doesn’t become visible on the other part of the dress. Don’t forget to trim and press this time as well.

Step 8: Attach The Lining to the Dress

Reattach the lining to the dress by pinning the two layers together. Carefully do the task and ensure that the hemlines of the dress and lining are lined up.

Tips for Hemmed Dress: Aftercare

Now that you’ve successfully hemmed your dress, it’s important to take proper care of it to ensure that the hem stays in place and the dress stays looking its best. Here are a few tips on how to care for your newly hemmed dress:

• Check the label for instructions on how to wash and dry the dress. Different fabrics require different types of care, so make sure to follow the instructions.
• When storing the dress, hang or fold it properly to avoid wrinkles or creases in the hem.
• Iron around the hem instead of directly over it to prevent it from becoming distorted or undone.
• It is recommended that you use caution when wearing the dress. Make sure the hem does not snag on anything or get caught, as this can cause damage to it.
• To prevent the issue from becoming worse, address any loose threads or damage to the hem promptly.

Choose Your Lining Fabric

This information might be a game changer for you if you are sewing your dress or taking your sewing expertise one step forward with lining fabric or attached lining. However, there are a few fabrics to choose from when it comes to lining fabrics.

One of the most popular choices is anti-static polyester. The lightweight fabric won’t change the way your garment drapes, but it will prevent static build-up and unsightly clinginess.  There are also fine cotton lawn options. It has the same benefits as other cotton fabrics, and it comes in a wide variety of colors. It allows your skin to breathe more due to its natural fibers; it’s perfect for summer dresses.

Lastly, using a heavier-weight lining or satin on a coat or jacket can enhance the look of your outerwear. They give the lining a rich, full body. However, these fabrics are prone to fraying, so make sure to neaten the raw edges before use. Keep your garment’s overall look and feel in mind when choosing lining fabric. You can create linings that serve both practical purposes and add a touch of luxury to your outfit.

Types of Lining Fabric

Now that you have information to choose your lining fabric for your dress or hemming modification, here’s a brief overview of the popular types of lining fabric.

Stretch Linings

This type of lining is specifically designed to be used with stretch fabrics as it will stretch and move with the outer fabric as the wearer moves, thus preventing dresses and skirts from riding up.

Bemberg Cupro Linings

It is designed from natural cotton fibers. Belberg Cupro linings are lightweight, breathable, and durable. It is ideal for lining jackets and skirts made from wool or linen. Bemberg Cupro Lining is anti-static, and anti-cling and wicks away sweat and moisture.

Taffeta Lining

This fabric has a shiny surface. Luxury clothes use this delicate, crisp plain-woven inner fabric. Its shape retention makes it ideal for corsetry, bridal dresses, and evening attire.

Satin Linings

There are different qualities of satin linings, most of which have a glossy surface and a dull back, and they tend to weigh more. Because of their finish and weight, satin linings are commonly used to line jackets, evening gowns, coats, waistcoats, and coats.

Twill Linings

This heavy-weight lining is commonly used by bespoke tailors and fashion designers to line coats and jackets. It provides a couture feel as it is often used by bespoke tailors and fashion designers to line garments.

Interlinings

In coats and jackets, interlinings are used as additional layers of fabric between the lining and the outer garment that provide further insulation and support the fabrics (especially expensive outer and lining fabrics).

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Hemming a dress in general is very important because it ensures a better grip on the edges of a dress. Without this procedure any dressmaking is incomplete. This procedure differs based on the dress, that’s why hemming a dress with attached lining is different. you must maintain the step-by-step guideline and follow each step by using appropriate tools without skipping. You’ll end up with a clear and amazing outcome from this effort. So do not be afraid to experiment and try new things. It’s possible to achieve beautiful, long-lasting results with a little patience, persistence, and creativity.