Time to re-design/ re-purpose some of my old wardrobe. Old and out-dated clothes can use some update and re-design every once in a while. Changing the look of an old dress is not a very complicated task. I think we should all try to save our old clothes before buying new ones.
Use some imagination and little bit of time and extra material, you might be able to save a lot of money on new clothes. This tutorial will show you how to modify a mid length spaghetti strap summer dress into a short beach wrap dress in less than 15 minutes. The total cost for this modification: 1 US dollar!
You might ask me this: why would you re-design this dress? The style is not too out-dated and there is no major damage. Well, I totally agree. Beside having some minor stings on my old dress, the style, color and material of this dress is all acceptable after 10 yrs. But don’t you just want to get new stuff sometimes even thought the old one still work?
Love having new items is not a crime, but if we can recycle some old things into new items, not only it can help save the environment and lots of money, it will also give you a great sense of accomplishment at the end. To me, that is by far the best reward in the world. DIY is not just a hobbies, it is a lifestyle.
So, back to this simple beach dress re-design tutorial, we need a scissor and some rubber band. Everything else is optional, including sewing machine. Of course, make sure you can hand sew the rubber band pocket if you do not have a sewing machine. All we will sew is a straight line, so I’m sure you can handle this.
Detail tutorial step by step:
Original dress:
Step 1: Plan out your new design
Use simple drawing if you can to outline the new dress look. Always plan before you act.
Step 2: Cutting
Use a sharp fabric scissor and cut both layers right across the middle around the original dress’ upper chest area. If you want to significantly shorten the dress, go ahead and cut a little bit extra out in this step.
Step 3: Sewing
Make a 1 inch deep pocket for the rubber band to weave through later on. Simply fold the top edge toward the inside of the dress (both layers together). Hand or machine sew the pocket along the 1 inch edge. Leave a small opening for rubber band to enter and exit.
Step 4: Insert the elastic band
Measure your top chest area and cut an elastic that’s enough to wrap around that. Attach a dipper pin or hair pin on the end of our measure rubber band. Insert the band into the pocket we made earlier. Guide the band through the whole dress then sew two ends together.
Step 5: Add other decorations
Feel free to add a belt or other embellishments to complete the new beach dress look. A black belt across the waist is a perfect touch for the casual new dress.
ENJOY YOUR NEW DRESS:
Very cute. I love your belt.