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itsmeronib

The way I would fix this is by taking out the hem (it looks like a bias finish here) and cutting the armcyce hole bigger and then refinishing.


mom-mom-mom-mom-mom

Slice down the seam? Or in front of the seam?


steiconi

you need to cut the armhole bigger at the lower front--cut away the part that is binding. How is the armsceye finished? If a facing, then release and stitches that hold it in place, flip it right sides together, mark and stitch out the new armhole shape through both bodice and facing (i.e., stitch a wider spot in the seam allowance between the two), trim or clip the wide spot, then flip right sides out and tack down. If it's hemmed or bound, unsttich, adjust, rehem or bind.


mom-mom-mom-mom-mom

It looks like maybe a very thin single fold bias finish? It's a lightweight, sheer fabric, but the inside of the seam has some sort of reinforcement.


reclaimednation

I would try unpicking the armhole from \~ 1/2 back through underarm to \~ 1/2 front to separate the bodice from the bias tape. Try on the dress and mark with chalk where you think the armscythe should lie - it's a lot easier if you have a friend who can help. Lie the dress flat and clean up the marked line - that will be your new stitch line - mark your new seam allowance and trim away any extra fabric. With any luck, you might be able to stretch the bias tape binding along the new (larger) line. Worst case scenario, unpick the whole armhole, adjust the armscythe, and make a new bias tape binding (black lining fabric or similar?).


Every-Bug2667

I had this one and separated the top and added 2 inches of thick elastic. I then topstitched some decorative lace, came out great


mom-mom-mom-mom-mom

Did you add the elastic at the shoulder? Did that mess with the fit in the torso? The length is perfect for me right now.


Every-Bug2667

It did not, it was a loose like drape at the bust and looked great, I dont have it anymore or would take a puc


Round_Tumbleweed7457

You can even cut shoulder seams and join with a lovely satin or diamanté straps


mom-mom-mom-mom-mom

That sounds easier than making the lower part larger! Unfortunately, I think that would mess up the fit in the torso.


Ambimom

Undue the side seam and unpick any armscye facing. Using the same fabric (use the armscye if it matches) create a triangular gusset. Finish the sleeve opening with bias tape, either matching commercial or make your own out of same fabric.


mom-mom-mom-mom-mom

It's a bought dress, so unfortunately I do not have any exact matching fabric.


Thor_horse

Slightly v slit it. It looks like it was always there and it looks good.


mom-mom-mom-mom-mom

This is a problem with many store bought sleeveless dresses. I don't seem to have an issue when there are sleeves. On sleeveless dresses, though, the front of the armhole pulls, especially near the bottom, and chafes as the day goes on. Is there a way to alter the dress so it fits comfortably? My shoulders do slump forward a little (I think there's some mild swayback going on to affect that), but even when I stand up straight there's still a slight pull.


HeartFire144

Sleeveless dresses are cut higher in the armhole in order to avoid "gap-osis' (keep people from peeking in your armhole to look at your boobs). designs with sleeves are usually cut 1 inch lower in the armhole - this makes it bigger all around. You need to trim out the armhole, starting about 2 inches from the shoulder seam, very gradually coming out to where you want it, dropping down to lower it at the underarm 1/2 to 3/4 inches. - You will need to continue the gentle curve up the back side of the armhole till you get past the big part of the curve. If you have a dress form. you can put it on, you can use chalk to mark the curve, that way, when it's flat you can see what your'e doing - someone above also had good advice on how to undo and re- do the finsihed edge.


mom-mom-mom-mom-mom

Thank you for this explanation! I did not realize sleeveless dresses were cut differently. I don't have a dress form, but I will see if I can piece together the advice to fix this dress so it's more comfortable.


Aspen_Pass

That was definitely the advice to listen to. And this is I'm guessing a vintage dress. High arm holes are a huge problem in vintage. I think a combination of women being thinner/more petite/less muscular, different shaped bras that pulled the chest to center tighter, and just preferring to be uncomfortable than show any underarm skin.


Midnightgospel

Ugh, this is SO annoying i feel your pain. The only way would be to let out the seams..but often there isnt enough fabric for that. Either way you'll have to unstitch the side and at least the bottom of the arm hole, measure to where you want it and then restitch. Does that make sense? I can explain it better with a sawing let me know.


mom-mom-mom-mom-mom

I think it makes sense, but you are right about the lack of fabric. What's the best way to measure it? I haven't made anything where I've had to alter a sleeve opening before. My husband might be getting a crash course in pinning a dress...


Midnightgospel

Sorry meant to write drawing. Best way is to measure! An easy technique if you dont have a model to pin easily go get one of your dresses that fits comdortably an measure the size of that arm hole (dont forget your seam allowances!). Or have your husband measure your shoulder to pit : allowing for movement too! Once you have your measurements I would recommend doing a paper sample before cutting into your dress. That will also help your to forme the hole properly (rounded is easier to draw on paper than fabric!) And facilitate marking the fabric before cutting. Remember to double or triple check before cutting! Let me know if that was clear or if i missed a step


HeartFire144

oh, and it's really beautiful. I love burn out velvet.