How to Tell if a Handmade Dress is Well Made: 3 Easy Ways to Check
10/1/20241 min read
When investing in a handmade dress, you want to know that you're paying for something thoughtfully made that's going to last. If you're not a seamstress yourself, it can hard to know what to look for. Here are three quick tips to help you avoid those poorly made pieces.
The Hem: The hem is where my eyes go first. I'm looking to see if it's a visible or invisible stitch (you want invisible). This can tell you a lot about the effort put into the dress. In a visible stitch you will see a constant line of thread running around the hem of the garment. When an invisible stitch is used, you will see only a small mark of thread every half inch or so. An invisible hem takes a little longer but looks polished and more professional. While this doesn’t affect durability, it’s a sign that the maker took extra time for a cleaner finish.
Seam Finishes: Check the seams on the inside of your garment. You should see finished edges, such as surged edges or french seams. You shouldn't ever see raw edges. Raw edges means there's no finishing on the edge of the material and the fraying edge will be visible. Well-finished seams protect the fabric from fraying and add durability.
Bodice Lining: In most women’s dresses, the bodice has several seams that should be tucked away by a lining. A lined bodice not only hides these seams but also makes the dress more comfortable to wear. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how the garment feels and lasts over time.
All 3 of these are finishing elements of the dress that indicate the maker took extra time to make the dress durable, feel good when worn, and look good on the inside. If the dress only looks good on the outside at a quick glance, it's a sign the maker did not care about the durability. Use these tips and you're much more likely to end up with a garment built to last!
