How To Close Slits In A Dress Without Sewing
Have you ever bought a dress you absolutely loved, only to realize it has a thigh-high slit that is much too revealing for your liking? Slits in dresses and skirts can be very trendy, but they aren’t always appropriate.
If you don’t want to give up the dress altogether, don’t worry – you can easily close the slit without sewing!
If you need a quick fix, here are some easy ways to close the slit: use fashion tape or double-sided wardrobe tape, small safety pins, removable hem tape, or even large binder clips. Read on and we’ll explain these tricks and more in detail.
Assess the Slit and Gather Supplies
Before attempting to close a slit in a dress without sewing, it’s important to assess the slit and gather the necessary supplies. This will help ensure that you have everything you need to successfully close the slit and maintain the integrity of the dress.
Check placement and length of slit
The first step is to carefully examine the placement and length of the slit. Is it located on the side, front, or back of the dress? How long is the slit? This information will help you determine the best method for closing it.
For example, if the slit is located on the side of the dress and is relatively short, you may be able to use a simple adhesive tape or fabric glue to close it. On the other hand, if the slit is longer or located on a more visible part of the dress, you may need to use a more secure closure method, such as a fabric fastener or iron-on patch.
Collect tape, pins, clips, etc.
Once you have assessed the slit, gather the necessary supplies. These may include adhesive tape, fabric glue, pins, clips, or other closure methods depending on the fabric of the dress. Adhesive tape or fabric glue are great options for temporarily closing small slits.
Pins and clips can be used to hold the fabric together while you explore more permanent closure methods.
Choose closure method based on slit size and fabric
Next, consider the size of the slit and the fabric of the dress. Different closure methods work better with certain fabrics and slit sizes. For example, if you have a satin dress with a small slit, using a fabric fastener or iron-on patch may be the best option.
If you have a cotton dress with a larger slit, using a combination of fabric glue and pins could be more effective.
It’s always a good idea to consult online resources or seek advice from professionals when choosing a closure method. Websites like Sew Guide offer step-by-step tutorials and guidance on various closure methods for different types of slits and fabrics.
By properly assessing the slit and gathering the necessary supplies, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the task of closing slits in a dress without sewing. Remember to take your time and be patient, as achieving a seamless closure may require some trial and error.
Use Removable Tapes
If you have a slitted dress that needs a quick fix, but you don’t have access to a sewing machine or you’re not confident in your sewing skills, using removable tapes can be a great solution. These tapes are easy to apply and can securely hold your dress together without the need for any sewing.
Here are a few types of removable tapes that you can use to close slits in your dress:
Hem Tape
Hem tape is a double-sided adhesive tape that is specifically designed for hemming garments. It is a popular choice for closing slits in dresses because it is strong, durable, and easy to use. Simply apply the hem tape along the edges of the slit and press the fabric together.
The adhesive properties of the tape will keep the dress closed and in place. Hem tape is available in various widths and colors, making it suitable for different types of dresses.
Double-sided Fashion Tape
Double-sided fashion tape is another excellent option for closing slits in a dress without sewing. This tape is commonly used in the fashion industry to keep clothing in place and prevent wardrobe malfunctions.
It is a transparent tape with adhesive on both sides, making it ideal for securing slits and preventing them from opening up. To use double-sided fashion tape, simply cut the desired length, apply it to the edges of the slit, and press the fabric together firmly.
This tape is easily removable and does not leave any residue on the fabric.
Sew-on Snap Tape
If you prefer a more secure and long-lasting solution, sew-on snap tape can be an excellent choice. Sew-on snap tape consists of two strips of fabric tape with snaps attached. One strip has male snaps, while the other has female snaps.
To close the slit in your dress using sew-on snap tape, sew one strip of the tape along the edge of one side of the slit and the other strip along the opposite side. The snaps will securely hold the two sides of the slit together, giving your dress a neat and professional look.
Sew-on snap tape is available in various colors and sizes, allowing you to choose the one that matches your dress.
Before using any removable tape to close a slit in your dress, it’s important to ensure that the fabric is clean and free of any oils or residues. This will help the tape adhere better and stay in place.
Additionally, always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when using removable tapes to ensure the best results.
Try Safety Pins and Clips
If you find yourself with a dress that has a troublesome slit but don’t have any sewing skills, don’t worry! There are a few simple tricks you can try to close those slits without picking up a needle and thread. One popular method is to use safety pins and clips.
Pin across slit
To start, grab a few safety pins and pin them across the slit, horizontally. Make sure the pins are secure and evenly spaced to ensure that the slit stays closed. This method is great for temporary fixes or if you don’t want to make any permanent alterations to your dress.
Binder clips at top of slit
If you prefer a less visible solution, consider using binder clips. Attach a couple of binder clips to the top of the slit, securing the fabric together. The tension from the clips will keep the slit closed and can be easily adjusted if needed.
Just be cautious not to clip too tightly, as it may cause discomfort.
Large safety pin at top corner
Another option is to use a large safety pin at the top corner of the slit. Fold the fabric together and secure it with the safety pin. This method works especially well for slits that are located near the waist or hip area.
Just make sure the pin is sturdy enough to hold the fabric in place without causing any damage.
Remember, these methods are temporary fixes, so if you want a more permanent solution, it’s best to consult a professional tailor or seamstress. They can provide expert advice and make any necessary alterations to your dress.
For more fashion tips and tricks, check out Fashion Magazine or Vogue, where you can find a wealth of information on how to keep your clothes looking great without breaking out the sewing kit.
Sew a New Hem
Pin fabric
When closing slits in a dress without sewing, one of the easiest and most effective methods is to sew a new hem. Start by turning the dress inside out and carefully pinning the fabric together at the desired length. This will ensure that the new hem is even and straight.
Make sure to use enough pins to secure the fabric in place.
Sew along pins
Once the fabric is pinned, it’s time to start sewing. Using a needle and thread or a sewing machine, sew along the line of pins. This will create a new hem and close the slit in the dress. Take care to sew as close to the edge of the fabric as possible for a clean finish.
Remove pins
After sewing along the line of pins, carefully remove them from the fabric. Be gentle to avoid damaging the new hem or the dress itself. Once all the pins are removed, give the dress a quick once-over to ensure that the slit is fully closed and the new hem looks neat and tidy.
Consider hand sewing for invisible look
If you want the closed slit to be virtually undetectable, consider hand sewing the new hem. Hand sewing allows for more control and precision, resulting in a nearly invisible finish. Take your time and use small, discreet stitches to secure the fabric in place.
While it may take a bit more time and effort, the end result will be worth it.
Make Temporary Darts
If you have a dress with slits that you want to close without sewing, one option is to make temporary darts. Darts are folds in the fabric that create shape and structure. They can be used to close slits in a dress and provide a more fitted look. Here’s how you can do it:
Fold fabric inwards
To start, identify the slits in your dress that you want to close. Take the fabric on either side of the slit and fold it inwards towards the center. Make sure the fabric is folded evenly and securely.
Use pins or clips to hold fold
To keep the folded fabric in place, use pins or clips to secure it. This will prevent the fabric from unfolding and keep the slit closed. Make sure to use enough pins or clips to hold the fold securely, especially if you’ll be moving around a lot.
Arrange darts evenly across slit
Once the fabric is folded and secured, you can arrange the darts evenly across the slit. Darts can be created by folding the fabric at an angle and pinning it in place. This will give the dress a more tailored and fitted appearance.
Make sure to adjust the darts as necessary to achieve the desired look.
Remember, these temporary darts are a quick fix and may not be as secure or long-lasting as sewing. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider taking your dress to a tailor or learning basic sewing skills.
But for a temporary solution, these darts can help close slits in your dress without sewing.
Conclusion
Slits in dresses can be stylish, but sometimes you need a more modest look. With some simple supplies like tape, pins, or clips, you can temporarily close the slit without sewing. For a permanent solution, sewing a new hem or darts is best.
With these easy tricks, you can tailor any dress to meet your needs and style.