Sureau Sew-along: Lengthening/shortening the bodice

If you find that you're bodice hits you lower or higher than your natural waist (the most narrow point of your torso), measure how much length you need to subtract or add and let's proceed.

Remember to take this measurement with a muslin that has a thread-marked seam allowance, or better yet, with the skirt attached, so that you're seeing the length of the finished bodice.

1. On the front bodice, draw a line perpendicular to the grainline that cuts the side seam approximately in half. 

2. Cut along the line.

3. According to the alteration you need, either lay one piece over the other, or distance them. The most important thing is to keep the grainline on a straight line.

If you're making your piece longer, put some paper under it and use some tape to hold everything in place.

Re-draw the dart, the side seams and the grainline, and you're done!
Now you just need to repeat the same steps for the back bodice and add the same amount to the button placket.

And we're finished with the alterations! If you need help fitting your muslin, don't hesitate to post your pictures on our Flickr group.

I'll see you next week, when we start to sew up our dress! :)