Need advice/pointers on hems.

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I am in need of some guidance on the issue of hems and vintage clothing.

What does everyone else do when they acquire a vintage garment that has been hemmed? Do you let the hem out or just note that it was hemmed in your description and leave it at that.

And, if you do take the hem out, what is the best way to get the hem crease out - especially if the tag says "Dry Clean Only" and you are afraid to wash it.

I am having a hard time with this simple issue. :rolleyes:

Many thanks!! :spin:

~Maureen
 
Lots of fifties dresses were shortened in the sixties.
When possible I usually let the hem back out. Steaming usually gets the crease out. If it is a crease that looks like it wont come out or will show then I wouldn't let it down.
Many times things that are marked Dry Clean Only can be sucessfully hand washed. That's usually a judgement call.
 
Good question, Maureen.

I think that it is on a case by case basis as far as the letting out goes.

This is what i do anyways as far as hems in general....

If the hem was taken up so far as to alter the silhouette or the original intent of the dress or skirt, I take it out. I.e. someone shortening a 50s dress to match the new 60s higher hemlines, etc, and maxidresses made into midi dresses or minis. You could be missing out, as Lin found out with a particular dress that a whole design element or even a part of a border print could be hiding.

If the dress is hemmed just an inch or two, etc, and the workmanship was obviously by someone who knew what they were doing... presumably to fit a woman in that time frame who was just a little shorter, and the shoulder to waist ratio was very shortwaisted, I would be tempted to leave it as is because a petite or short gal would be buying it. or just disclose the seam allowance available if people wish to length it. If it is done very poorly, i would take it out.

Another factor to consider is if the item is just smashing, but was hemmed to hide damage along the hemline that is irreparable and was made wearable by hemming just a little. Then I wouldn't take the hemline out and sell as is if the dress hem has the merits of being collectible or just fun to wear as is. Not to the point of being reconstructed, but slightly taken up.

I would like to hear what others have to say too!

:)

And about getting rid of the lines...i am sure you already tried ironing under a towel or steaming?
 
For the most part, I take it out, especially if I feel the original line of the dress has been compromised. If gotten very good at getting the line out, pressing with a vinegar solution sometimes seems to help.
 
I'm with the others Maureen and will rehem a dress if the silhouette is
changed from what it was originally - or as Chris mentioned, the border
print, etc., is altered.

In the case of garments that are questionable as far as getting rid of the
crease, I usually release part of the hem and steam the area to see if the
crease does disappear. It is surprising how many do. Some fabrics will retain tiny pinholes from the thread though. (that's when I decide if
it is worth to rehem it)

Sue
 
Thanks ladies! I went ahead and bit the bullet on a 50s dress. I took down the hem (which had been stitched and sewn up with that melting tape stuff - ugh!! I them bit another bullet and decided to hand wash it... and it came out fabulous!!

Thanks for the advise and handholding!!

Lizzie, what kind of a vinegar mixture do you use? And do you put it in your steamer or how do you apply it??

TIA ~ maureen
 
I make a 1 part vinegar to about 4 parts water solution, and sponge it onto the line. It really does seem to help.
Lizzie
 
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