Abaya/Modest Dress Alterations Guide
Part 3 - Adjusting Sleeves of Abaya/Modest Dress
Welcome to Part 3 of Abaya Alterations Guide -
How to Adjust Sleeves of Abaya or Modest Dress. I am going to show you How to
Shorten Sleeves, Lengthen Sleeves, Make Sleeves Fit and Make Sleeves Loose.
In this 6-posts series, the topics are:
- Adjusting Abaya Length (shorten/lengthen)
- Adjusting Abaya Fit (too tight/too loose)
- Adjusting Sleeves Length and Fit
- How to insert Zipper in Abaya
- How to add Pockets in Abaya
- How to Embellish Abaya and Modest Dress
Sleeves can make or break a dress. Too big and
they look awful! Too tight or short, they reveal skin and shape.
Most Abayas have Cuff-Style Sleeves. That gives
them a formal look. Same goes for Modest Dresses. It is a tad tricky to alter
that kind of sleeves. But fear not! I have a step-by-step tutorial on How You
can easily master it!
How to Shorten Long Sleeves
Things You Will Need:
- Abaya or Dress that needs adjustment
- Matching Thread
- Measuring Tape
- Tailor's Chalk
- Scissors
- Straight Pins
- Seam Ripper
How to Do It!
I have placed my need-to-be-altered abaya on floor and placed a best-fit abaya on top of it, matching centerlines of both. Can you see how long the sleeves are?
Open up side seam for few inches with Seam
Ripper.
Unpick cuff seam. Cut and unpick overlock
stitching if there is any.
Press sleeve and cuff to straighten.
Mark 3 inches on sleeve and add half inch for
seam allowance. So you will only cut 2.5 inches fabric away.
Pin sleeve and cuff(top side only) right sides together.
Sew with half inch seam allowance.
Press stitching. Turn seam towards cuff and press
again.
Press the other edge of cuff towards wrong side. Fold the cuff in half so the other edge is covering the stitch line of top side slightly. Pin them together.
Now we will do "Stitch in Ditch" means
sewing a line of stitching between the two fabrics. It will make stitching
invisible from right side.
Perfect Sleeves Length.
How to Lengthen too Short Sleeves
Things You Will Need:
- Abaya or Dress that needs adjustment
- Matching or Contrasting Fabric
- Wide Lace or Trim
- Matching Thread
- Measuring Tape
- Tailor's Chalk
- Scissors
- Straight Pins
How to Do It!
If your sleeves are too short, here are few ways
you can add length to them.
- Sew a wide Lace/Trim around Sleeve.
- Add a Gathered Ruffle in matching or Contrasting fabric.
- Add a Half Circle or Full Circle Flounce around Sleeves. https://tuesdaystitches.com/how-to-draft-sleeve-flounces/
How to Alter Too Tight Sleeves
Things You Will Need:
- Abaya or Dress that needs adjustment
- Matching or Contrasting Fabric
- Matching Thread
- Seam Ripper
- Measuring Tape
- Tailor's Chalk
- Scissors
- Straight Pins
How to Do It!
Other option is to add a Strip of Matching or Contrasting Fabric in side seam or Shoulder seam. You can follow the same method I used in Adjusting fit of Abaya in Sleeves to make them loose.
How to Fit Baggy Sleeves
Things You Will Need:
- Abaya or Dress that needs adjustment
- Matching Thread
- Measuring Tape
- Tailor's Chalk
- Scissors
- Straight Pins
How to Do It!
Place your baggy abaya and then place a
well-fitting abaya on top of it to see how much adjusting needs to be done.
Following top abaya, mark half inch extra on
bottom one.
If there is too much fabric, Trim it away.
Pin the sides together and mark where you want your new seam.
Sew the side seams and finish with overlock or
serger.
Press the stitching. Turn sleeves to right side
and press again.
A Perfect Fit!
Rabeea 🧵✂👚
Next: Abaya Issues Part 4 - Adding a Zipper
A business suit may be worn day to day if you work in a finance profession that requires formal attire or if you are going through the interviewing process. Casual suits are acceptable for businesses that use a 3 piece suit for men code policy or informal career fair events.
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