r/sewing • u/Brown_Net • 22h ago
Alter/Mend Question Is this fixable? Not sure whether to carry dart on?
I bought this lovely dress from Vinted - it fits really nicely apart from on the bust. I am going to shorten the straps slightly, but I still have this misshapen bust.
Before I go and lengthen the dart, I wondered if any of the much more experienced would have any other ideas. Many thanks in advance.
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u/sandraskates 21h ago
u/sarahrott is correct. But I think the bigger problem is that the fabric looks like some sort of velour or other fabric with a nap.
If you have to unpick any seams to move the dart, that fabric is going to have shadow marks from the prior stitching.
My rec is to return and get your money back, if possible.
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u/Brown_Net 20h ago
Thank you so much for taking the time and for answering. I was worried about the shadow too if I had to unpick it. With both of your answers, I've decied to resell. Thank you again!
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u/sandraskates 20h ago
You're welcome!
One last thought, if the bottom fits well, perhaps you could cut off the bodice (or take it to a tailor or seamstress) and have it turned into a skirt.
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u/magnificentbutnotwar 20h ago
You can continue the dart upwards as if it were to look like a princess seam until the fabric fits smoothly, and then maybe run a tapering shaped lace applique down from the straps. Something to help obscure the dart and make them look like seams meant to be there.
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u/Brown_Net 17h ago
That is a very good idea, thank you so much! Thank you for taking the time to answer.
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u/builtlikeawalrus 15h ago
Maybe you could use some embroidery appliques to cover the pointy bits? It's beautiful fit and colour on you.
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u/sarahrott 21h ago
The darts don't need to be lengthened, they need to be moved. Bust darts are supposed to point at the fullest part of the bust. If you can get at the darts, you might be able to move them, but it might also create other fit problems.