How to Alter a Lace Princess Seam Bodice
Altering a lace princess seam bodice can be a delicate task, as it requires a careful balance between maintaining the intricate lace design and ensuring the bodice fits comfortably. Whether you’ve purchased a pre-made lace bodice or are working on a custom design, this guide will walk you through the steps to make the necessary alterations.
First and foremost, it’s essential to assess the fit of the bodice before making any changes. Take the bodice and place it on a dress form or a fitting stand. Ensure that the bodice is laid flat, and check for any areas that are too tight or too loose. Common problem areas include the bust, shoulders, and waist.
1. Adjusting the Bust
The princess seam bodice typically runs from the shoulder down to the waist, providing a snug fit around the bust. If the bodice is too tight around the bust, you may need to take in the side seams. To do this, pin the lace at the bust line and gently ease the fabric inwards. Be sure to maintain the original princess seam lines to preserve the bodice’s shape.
If the bodice is too loose around the bust, you can add width to the side seams. Begin by marking the desired width increase on the side seam. Then, cut a horizontal line across the side seam at the marked width. Remove the excess fabric and rejoin the two sides, making sure to maintain the original princess seam lines.
2. Adjusting the Shoulders
Shoulder width can vary greatly from person to person. To adjust the shoulders, you’ll need to remove or add width to the shoulder seams. Begin by marking the desired width on the shoulder seam. Cut a diagonal line from the marked point to the princess seam.
If the bodice is too wide at the shoulders, remove the excess fabric by cutting along the diagonal line and rejoining the shoulder seam. If the bodice is too narrow, add width by inserting a strip of fabric along the diagonal line and rejoining the shoulder seam.
3. Adjusting the Waist
To adjust the waist, you may need to take in or let out the side seams. Similar to the bust adjustment, mark the desired width on the side seam at the waistline. Cut a horizontal line across the side seam at the marked width.
If the bodice is too tight at the waist, remove the excess fabric by cutting along the horizontal line and rejoining the side seam. If the bodice is too loose, add width by inserting a strip of fabric along the horizontal line and rejoining the side seam.
4. Finalizing the Fit
Once you’ve made the necessary adjustments to the bust, shoulders, and waist, try the bodice on again. Check for any remaining gaps or bulges. Make further adjustments as needed, and repeat the process until the bodice fits comfortably.
Remember to preserve the lace design throughout the alteration process. When removing or adding fabric, be cautious not to damage the delicate lace. Once you’re satisfied with the fit, sew the seams securely, and your lace princess seam bodice will be perfectly tailored to your figure.
