How to Sew Straps on a Dress: A Step-by-Step Guide

Want to add straps on your old dress to change its outlook? But if you are unsure about the process then don’t worry, I’ll be telling you my tips and techniques on how you can sew straps onto your dress effectively in this blog. 

But before starting, let me explain about straps; straps have the power to change the whole look of your dress without any effort, your old dress can be new again.

So, if you are sure about changing your dress look then let us proceed with the process. 

1. Basic Preparation 

Before I begin explaining the sewing process, you need to gather the tools and materials I’ve listed below:

1. A dress with strap (attachment points).
2. Fabric for making straps (select fabric that compliments your dress)
3. Some thread
4. Sewing machine or Needle (for hand sewing) 
5. Scissor
6. Some Pins or clips
7. A Measuring tape or ruler.
8. An iron and ironing board.
9. Strap adjusters or closures (optional) 

2. How To Sew Straps Onto A Dress – Sewing Machine Method 

You’ve got your materials ready now, it’s time for sewing.  

Follow the process I’ve mentioned below if you’re thinking of using sewing machine.

2.1 Prepare the Dress and Straps

If you’re thinking of making straps from scratch, then start by cutting your fabric, according to your style preference. 

2.2 Hem the Strap Edges

After you’re done with the above mentioned step, now you need to consider hemming the strap edges. I’m telling you from my sewing experience, this step is very important if you want a neater finish that’s why make sure to do it properly. 

You need to fold the straps you’ve created (about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm)) to the wrong side of the fabric and press them with an iron. 

After that, fold the edges of your strap fabric (over another 1/4 inch (0.6 cm), now you need to use iron again to press it. Now, start sewing, you can use pins to secure it. 

Also, when you’re sewing your straps, always make sure to use a straight stitch. 

2.3 Position the Straps on the Dress

Now, you need to place the straps you’ve made onto your dress. Be very careful, while placing it as the placement of the straps can change the whole outlook of your dress. 

If your dress already has markings for strap attachment then align the straps with these markings only. If not, then you can take help from your friends and family, they can help you determine the ideal strap placement. 

After that just secure your straps with pins on your dress and put your dress back on. Check the outcome, if you’re not satisfied then make the necessary adjustments. 

2.4 Sew the Straps

Now, it’s time to sew the straps you’ve created onto your dress. Just take your sewing machine out and start sewing along the edges of each strap where it meets the dress. 

Straight stitches are best for sewing straps but, to secure the stitches you’ve created, backstitches at the beginning and end of each strap are required.

You can add additional stitches too to provide extra strength and stability to your straps. 

2.5 Add Adjusters or Closures

This step is optional, if your dress requires adjustable straps or closures then you can add them. It totally depends on your preference. You can sew small loops or buttonholes to secure the straps too. 

2.6 Press the Dress and Straps

Once you’re done with the sewing process now, you need to press your dress with an iron. This step is important to smooth out any wrinkles and set the stitches. 

Also, if you’ve noticed any extra thread then do remove them from your dress. You want your dress straps to look professional right?

Then removing extra thread is necessary. Just use scissors to do that, this will give your dress a more neat look. 

Congratulations! Now you’ve successfully sewn straps onto your dress. Which you were thinking is a hard task and requires professional help. 

3. How To Sew Straps Onto A Dress – By Hand Method

If you don’t have your sewing machine by your side and thinking of hand sewing then follow the steps I’ve mentioned below: 

3.1. Prepare

First of all, you need to select the strap material. Make sure that it complements the look of your dress. After that, cut the fabric  to your desired length and mark attachment points on both the dress and strap.

3.2. Thread and Needle

Now, you need to thread ( choose thread that matches your dress) a needle and make a knot at the end. After that, just start sewing from the inside of the dress. Sew near an attachment point.

3.3. Stitching

In this step, you need to pass your needle through the strap’s end. You have to create a small stitch to the back down of the strap. 

3.4. Secure Stitches

Use straight stitches to sew straps, they work best on straps. But, to secure the stitches you’ve to use bachstiches at the end of the strap. Repeat the whole sewing process to another strap too. 

3.5.  Test

Once you’re done with sewing, put your dress back on and check the fitting, if you are not satisfied then make necessary adjustments as needed. 

3.6. Finishing

To make your dress straps look more professional, you need to press them with an iron. Now, put your dress on and enjoy. 

Closing Thoughts

Many people believe that sewing thin spaghetti straps onto a strapless dress is a very hard task and requires technician help.

However, this is not true. You can sew straps with proper seam allowance in mind on your own by using the steps I’ve mentioned above, especially when working with strapless dresses and adding that perfect sew spaghetti straps detail.

Do you have something to share with us? let us know in the comment section below.