Replies

1. 
   Teaf5 | Aug 16, 2006 04:53am | #1

   If the original hem has a curve you like, you can get the exact hem by measuring up from the original the same amount all the way around, marking with pins or chalk. 

   If not, you can mark the center of the front, the center of the back, and then mark the midpoint between those at each side seam.  Fold the dress, sides together, and draw a sweeping curve from the front point to the side seam, then from the center back point to the side seam.  I use classroom chalk, which doesn't stain but brushes out easily.

   Another option is to take a length of plain newsprint or butcher paper, fold it, and practice with sweeping, curving lines--rather like cutting out valentine hearts--until you get the curve you like.   The beauty of an asymmetrical hem is in the drape and flow, so there's really no need to be terribly precise about the curve.

1. 
   liudadovy | Aug 16, 2006 05:02am | #2

   Wow, I hadn't thought of marking the points and then setting the curves. Since the dress is having a lot of hem removed this method since great! Thanks (this was my first ever post!)

1. 
   Teaf5 | Aug 16, 2006 05:08am | #3

   Welcome to the forum; it's an amazing resource!  I don't participate in any other online communities, but this one is so friendly and useful that I'm fairly addicted to it now. 

2. 
   mem | Aug 16, 2006 05:55am | #4

   I would do it thuis way too and measure it while your daughter is wearing it and the shoes she will be wearing . I have people stand on a pad of newspaper on the table and then use a wooden ruler or just a straight piece of timber moulding will do . Mark the new hem point oit and use it to mark the hemall the way around the dress . Make sure that the "ruler" is sitting at right angles to the table top .Make the markes close togther for greater accuracy.