Taking in a dress at the side seams

Turn the dress inside out, pin the new seam line evenly on both sides, taper smoothly back into the original seam and sew. Try it on before trimming.

Improver1–2 hours

ResearchedSewSift editorialChecked Nov 1, 2026

Pinny's tip
Take in both sides by the same amount so the side seams stay at your sides.

What you'll need

Pins and chalk: to mark the new line.
Seam ripper: for hems or linings in the way.
Matching thread: to blend with the garment.

Step by step

Try the dress on inside out and pin the excess at each side seam.
Mark the new line with chalk and measure so both sides match.
Baste the new line first and try it on to check the fit before sewing the final seam.
Sew the final seam along your basted line.
Press.

Watch

Take in sides dress correctly from underarm (5:37)
By Judith Turner · Open on YouTube

The video this technique page has always pointed to, a 5-minute one from Judith Turner. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.

Common mistakes

Uneven sides. Measure both.
Sharp angles. Taper gradually.
Trimming before trying on. You can’t put it back.

Watch it done

Take in sides dress correctly from underarm by Judith Turner on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
With THIS METHOD ✨️Anyone✨️ can take in a dress (even w/ boning!) by Sparkle Sewing on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
Alteration 101: Invisible alterations - Taking in a lined side seam by One Girl Creates on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.