Abaya Alterations Part 1 - How to Lengthen or Shorten Your Abaya/Modest Dress

Abaya/Long Modest Dress Alterations Guide

Abaya is such a statement clothing. Living in KSA has made us fall in love with it. Aside from religious point of view, they are so comfy and time-saving when going out in hot temperatures of Middle East. Abayas come in different styles, sizes, colors. It is so hard to choose which one to buy.

    And when we do buy, it needs some adjustment according to our needs and wants. For instance, I look for abayas which have zipper and pockets. It’s not easy to find one that meets all my criteria. Something’s gotta give - I buy the one that needs least adjustment and do it myself.

    And you know what? It is not difficult at all. If you know sewing basics, you can do it yourself in no time. You can save some money too. You can even add your own style element and make it one-of-a-kind.

To help you in your Abaya/Modest Dress Alteration journey, I have list down the most common problems and created a separate post for each. You can easily jump to your issue and find the solution. 

In this 6-posts series, we will cover:

1. Adjusting Abaya Length (shorten/lengthen)
2. Adjusting Abaya Fit (too tight/too loose)
3. Adjusting Sleeves Length and Fit
4. How to insert Zipper in Abaya
5. How to add Pockets in Abaya
6. How to Embellish Abaya and Modest Dress

7 Abaya Measurement Tips   

13 Struggles Only Those Wearing Abayas Will Relate To(a funny compilation)

Why Muslim Women Wear Abaya 

Abaya Alterations Part 1: Abaya Length Issues

Things You Will Need:

• Abaya or Dress that needs adjustment
• Matching Thread
• Measuring Tape
• Tailor's Chalk
• Scissors
• Straight Pins

(looking to buy any of above sewing tools in Jeddah? Click here to see the List)

• Sewing Machine (don't have a sewing machine yet? Here is where you can buy one in Jeddah)

Abaya Too Long? Here is How to Shorten It!

• Wear your abaya and with help of a friend, see how short it needs to be. Fold it underside and pin.
• Wear again and check in mirror if it needs adjusting. Fold more inside or take it out depending on your preference. Pin again and wear to check.

• When you are happy with it, measure the folded edge from original hem with a measuring tape and mark all around.

• Add an inch towards hem and mark another line for cutting.

• Cut on 2nd marking.

• Fold edge half inch inside twice and pin. Iron if necessary. ( I know too much pining but it will save your time while sewing).

• Thread your machine with matching color.

• If your abaya is front open, start stitching from left corner. If its not, then start from left side  seam. 

• Sew on inner fold. Take out pins just before they reach the foot. Backstitch at start and end to secure. Trim thread tails.

New Hem

• Press hem if needed.

Abaya too Short? Here is How to Lengthen It!

Well, there are few ways to do it.

• If your abaya has broad hem, you can unpick its stitching and make it narrow.
• You can add a trim or lace according to length you need.
• You can add a frill of fabric at the hem.

Things You Will Need:

• Abaya or Dress that needs adjustment
• Matching Thread
• Scissors
• Straight Pins
• Trim or Lace
• Matching or Contrasting Fabric

(looking to buy any of above sewing tools, fabric or trims in Jeddah? Click here to see the List)

• Sewing Machine (don't have a sewing machine yet? Here is where you can buy one in Jeddah)

Lengthening Abaya/Dress with Trim

• 
  Prewash your trim to let it shrink. When its dry, iron it from backside to remove wrinkles.
• Pin your trim over or under hem depending on design and look you want. Turn the edges of trim to wrong side to hide threads.
• Sew it on with machine or by hand.

This trim added 2 inches to my Dress Length, Sewn by machine on top of hem to show-off its design.

Adding a Ruffle to Lengthen Abaya/Dress

You will need same or contrasting color fabric to add a ruffle. It is a good way to increase length if dress is too short.

Click on link below to view full tutorial. Melly from MellySews.com has described step-by-step on how to Make Ruffle and Add to a garment. You can use the same method for adding ruffle to your Abaya or Dress.

https://mellysews.com/add-ruffle-garment/

I hope the Part 1 of Abaya Alterations Issues on How to Lengthen or Shorten your Abaya or Dress has helped you. If you know sewing basics, you can do it in no time, in shaa Allah. Let me know in comments if you have any questions. :)

Happy Sewing,

Rabeea 🧵✂👚

Next: Abaya Fitting Issues Part 2