How to Alter Nightgown

A nightgown should be the epitome of comfort, allowing for a restful night’s sleep. However, sometimes the fit isn’t quite right. Whether it’s too long, too loose, or needs a strap adjustment, altering your nightgown can transform it from simply wearable to perfectly comfortable. This guide will walk you through several common alterations you can make at home, ensuring your nightgown fits just the way you like it.

1. Hemming a Nightgown

A nightgown that’s too long can be cumbersome and even a tripping hazard. Hemming is a straightforward alteration that can make a significant difference.

Steps:

1. Try on your nightgown: Put on the nightgown and use pins to mark where you want the new hemline to be. If possible, have someone assist you to ensure the hem is even all the way around.
2. Remove the nightgown: Lay it on a flat surface. Use a measuring tape to ensure the pinned hem is even at all points.
3. Add a hem allowance: Add 1-2 inches below your desired hemline to allow for the fold. If the nightgown has a curved hem, it’s best to follow that curve as much as possible.
4. Cut the fabric: Carefully cut along the hem allowance you have marked with scissors.
5. Press the hem: Fold the raw edge over by about half an inch, and press it with an iron to create a crease. This makes the following step easier.
6. Fold and pin again: Fold the hem again to your desired length and pin securely all around.
7. Sew the hem: Using a sewing machine or hand-sewing, stitch the hem in place, keeping the stitch straight and neat.
8. Press again: Once sewn, press the hem one more time for a crisp and professional finish.

2. Adjusting the Straps

Nightgown straps can often be too long, leading to the gown slipping off the shoulders. Shortening them is a simple fix.

Steps:

1. Try on the nightgown: While wearing the gown, pinch the strap at the shoulder where it feels most comfortable. Pin the excess length.
2. Remove the nightgown: Carefully take off the gown. Measure the amount you have pinned. This is how much you need to shorten each strap.
3. Adjust the straps: Remove the straps from the front or back, based on the design of the nightgown. Overlap the strap by the measured amount, pinning securely in place.
4. Sew the strap: Using a sewing machine or hand-sewing, carefully stitch across the overlap point. Ensure that the strap is securely attached.
5. Trim the excess: After sewing, trim the excess fabric from the overlapped portion, leaving a small seam allowance.

3. Taking In the Sides of a Nightgown

If your nightgown is too loose or baggy, taking in the sides can give it a more fitted and comfortable shape.

Steps:

1. Try on the nightgown inside out: Wear the nightgown inside out and use pins to mark the new desired fit along the side seams.
2. Remove the nightgown: Take off the nightgown and lay it flat. Make sure the pins mark the new seam evenly on both sides.
3. Mark the new seam: Use a fabric marker or chalk to draw a line along the pins, creating your new seam line.
4. Pin the new seam: Remove the pins and repin along the marked line, securing the front and back fabric together.
5. Sew the new seam: Using a sewing machine or hand-sewing, stitch along the marked seam line.
6. Try on again: Try the nightgown inside out to check the fit. Make adjustments as needed.
7. Trim the excess: After finalizing the fit, trim the excess fabric, leaving about half an inch of seam allowance.
8. Finish seams: Use a zigzag stitch to secure the raw edges of your new seam, preventing fraying.

4. Adding Elastic to a Loose Neckline or Waist

Sometimes a nightgown might have a neckline or waist that is too loose. Adding elastic can provide a better fit and more support.

Steps for Neckline Elastic:

1. Create a casing: Fold over the neckline edge by about 1/2 inch and then another 1/2 inch, then stitch along the folded edge. This creates a casing for the elastic.
2. Measure elastic: Measure the neckline where you will be inserting the elastic. Cut the elastic to approximately three-quarters of this measurement.
3. Thread the elastic: Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the casing you’ve created.
4. Secure the elastic ends: After threading the elastic through, overlap the ends and sew them together securely.
5. Adjust and sew opening: Gently adjust the gathered fabric and stitch the small opening in the casing closed, so that the elastic cannot slip out.

Steps for Waist Elastic (if a casing already exists):

1. Measure elastic: Measure the waist area where the elastic will be placed. Cut the elastic to approximately 3/4 of this measurement.
2. Thread the elastic: Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the existing casing, if it exists.
3. Secure the elastic ends: After threading the elastic through, overlap the ends and sew them together securely.
4. Adjust the gathers: Gently adjust the gathers to distribute them evenly around the waist. Sew closed any openings.

5. Adding Lace or Fabric Trim

While not a fit alteration, adding lace or fabric trim can personalize and enhance the look of your nightgown, making it feel more special.

Steps:

1. Choose trim: Select lace, ribbon, or another trim that you wish to add.
2. Pin the trim: Place the trim along the hem, neckline, or any other area you wish to embellish, pinning it in place.
3. Sew the trim: Use a sewing machine or hand-sewing to stitch the trim securely to the nightgown.
4. Finish neatly: Remove pins, and trim excess threads for a clean look.

These alterations can significantly improve the fit and comfort of your nightgown, ensuring you get the rest you deserve. Whether you’re hemming, adjusting straps, or adding a personal touch, these simple techniques can make a big difference. With a little time and effort, you can tailor your nightgown to perfectly suit your needs.