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You are at:Home - Sewing Techniques & Tips - How To Shorten Straps Without Sewing: Quick Fixes for Your Wardrobe
Sewing Techniques & Tips

How To Shorten Straps Without Sewing: Quick Fixes for Your Wardrobe

Anna SmithBy Anna SmithOctober 7, 2023155 Mins Read
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Depositphotos 446274818 S
Source: Depositphotos
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Are you in need of a quick solution to fix your too long dress straps? But you don’t know how to fix it without sewing skill? Then don’t worry,

In this blog, I’ll be sharing my time-tested techniques and tips with you to save you from those emergency situations. 

With my techniques, you will be able to fix your straps without sewing and will be able to enjoy your dress to the fullest. 

Sounds interesting right? Let’s begin! 

1. Why Do You Need to Shorten Your Dress Straps? 

Straps that are too long in length can cause  quite a nuisance. They can make your dress  look ill-fitted and uncomfortable, in some cases it can even compromise your modesty. 

Depositphotos 143887457 S
Source: Depositphotos

To save you from this nuisance, I’ll be sharing some hacks with you. So, whether you have a dress or a tank top, you can fix them without sewing.

So, How do you shorten the straps of a Dress? 

There are many options available in the market but, I’ll be sharing some of my top ones here:

2.Use Safety Pins

This hack is super easy to perform and does not need many tools. You only need safety pins, Here’s how you can do it.

2.1. Collect Supplies 

First of all, you need to gather some safety pins, your outfit (with long straps), and a mirror to check the adjustments you’ll be making. 

2.2. Fold and Pin

Now, you need to put your dress on. After that, just fold the excess strap at the back. 

Once you’re done folding the strap, secure it with safety pins. Be careful while using the safety pins to avoid any pricks.

2.3. Try It

Just put your outfit back on and check the outcome, if you’re not satisfied then readjust the straps with pins again.

You need to repeat this process to each strap, make sure that both sides are even. Now, your dress straps are fixed without any need of sewing. This safety pin hack is especially useful when you’re in need of a temporary solution.

Depositphotos 420997860 S
Source: Depositphotos

3. Use Elastic

Elastic hack is my favorite as it lasts much longer than the previous one. So, If you think you can devote a little more time and want a sturdier solution then, friend consider using elastic bands.

Here how you can do it properly:

3.1. Measuring and Cutting 

First of all, you need to measure the length that you want your straps to be. After that, just cut elastic bands accordingly.

3.2. Sewing Elastic 

Now, you need to sew (by hand) one end of elastic to your dress strap. Repeat the whole process to the other strap too and make sure the elastic is attached properly. 

3.3. Try It

Now, just put the dress back on and check the results, if you’re not satisfied then make the necessary adjustments. 

With this, you’re done fixing your dress straps without sewing. Elastic offers a more permanent solution compared to safety pins.

4. Use Ribbon

Alright, it time to learn what to do if you are thinking for using ribbons. This is also important If you wanna to add a touch of your own style on your outfit then you can use ribbons. Here’s how you can use it:

Depositphotos 167621812 S
Source: Depositphotos

4.1. Measuring and Cutting

Similar to elastic, you need to choose a ribbon of your choice (which compliments your dress) and cut it to the desired length for your straps.

4.2. Sew Ribbons 

Now, it time to sew ribbions if you are into it. For this you just need to sew one end of the ribbon to your dress strap and then the other end  side to the back of the outfit.

This not only shortens your dress straps but also adds your personal touch to your outfit.

4.3. Try It On

Once you’re finished sewing, now put your dress on and then check the outcome. 

Congratulations! Now you’ve successfully fixed your dress straps on your own. 

5. Some Other Temporary Hacks

If you’re in an emergency situation and do not have pins or elastic in your hand then you can try these below-mentioned hacks:

5.1. Knots 

If you don’t have time to make your straps shorter than you can just tie them in single or multiple knots. It is a quick fix solution and doesn’t require any tool and material. 

5.2. Hair Ties 

You can use hair ties too,  just attach them to the ends of the straps. Make it to your desired length. This method is very useful if you don’t have anything by your side. 

Depositphotos 6221541 S
Source: Depositphotos

Closing Thoughts

Many people believe that shortening dress straps without sewing can be a hard task and it requires professional help. but we have some solution that can be a real strap savers.

The solutions for shorten shoulder straps I’ve mentioned are convenient and can be used by anyone, if they dealing with spaghetti straps or shorten dress straps.

Amd allow you to make your dress straps shorter by utilizing excess fabric material.

If you want a permanent solution, then it’s advisable to seek professional help or consider using a sewing machine to alter your garment.

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View 15 Comments

15 Comments

  1. Majo on November 8, 2023 6:51 am

    Your instructions on shortening straps on a dress were so clear and easy to follow. It transformed a dress that didn’t fit quite right into one that fits perfectly. I’m grateful for your guidance

    Reply
  2. Maura on November 9, 2023 6:33 am

    Game-changer for anyone looking to revamp their wardrobe with minimal effort. Quick fixes provided are not only practical but also brilliantly cater to those of us without advanced sewing skills.

    Reply
  3. Winnie Muriuki on November 9, 2023 7:55 pm

    It is no secret that I can’t sew anything, probably even though that’s what was to save my life. So, you can imagine the smile on my face when I saw this piece. I must try out one of these techniques to fix the straps of my sapphire oval dress. I can’t wait for this dress to get comfortable again since it is one of my favorite clothing.

    Reply
  4. Alexis on November 16, 2023 11:46 am

    Strap adjustments made simple, a fashionista’s go-to for the perfect fit, I love reading this article, it gives so much information.

    Reply
  5. Pratyusha Biswas on November 17, 2023 4:47 am

    This DIY guide is totally worth it! I have strapped dresses and I was struggling with them, but now I know how to fix them. Thanks!

    Reply
  6. Arpita Kar on November 17, 2023 12:32 pm

    This article was a lifesaver for me! Used the safety pin hack on a dress with too-long straps, and voila…instant fix without a needle in sight.

    Reply
  7. Yash on November 17, 2023 3:11 pm

    I found this article on shortening straps without sewing incredibly helpful! The author’s time-tested techniques provided quick fixes for my wardrobe without requiring any sewing skills. It’s a lifesaver for emergency situations, and now I can enjoy my dresses to the fullest. Thanks for the practical tips!

    Reply
  8. Naira on November 19, 2023 2:41 pm

    A literally important and needed post for girls, it happens most of the times but it’s so hard to adjust the straps, your post is a game changer as there are many alternate ways you have given.

    Reply
  9. Rafi on November 24, 2023 2:38 pm

    It’s quite common to get loosened outfits, especially when getting it as gifts. The simple steps mentioned in the writeup are quite useful.

    Reply
  10. Kanika on November 24, 2023 7:38 pm

    OMG! thank you for the easy hacks.. i always struggled with some of my dresses and therefore, avoided wearing them often.. i think i can now pull those dresses out and fix them with these sewing hacks.

    Reply
  11. Renuka on November 25, 2023 10:29 am

    This is just awesome. I just learned some crazy time saving as well as emergency hacks. when you are out but dealing with straps the best way I would say is the use of safety pins. Mostly we women carry pins all the time so this article just help so much people who can use these hacks in case of time saving as well as emergency.

    Reply
  12. Kiran tariq on November 25, 2023 4:12 pm

    This blog provides practical and creative solutions for shortening dress straps without sewing. The use of safety pins, elastic bands, and ribbons offers versatile options catering to different preferences. The step-by-step instructions make it accessible for anyone, emphasizing the convenience of these methods, especially in emergency situations. The variety of temporary hacks, such as knots and hair ties, demonstrates resourcefulness. Overall, the article encourages self-sufficiency in fixing dress straps while offering insights into personalizing outfits.

    Reply
  13. Hamza on December 7, 2023 6:47 pm

    I found this guide on cutting straps shorter without sewing to be very helpful! I didn’t need to be an experienced sewer to solve my garments thanks to the author’s tried-and-true methods. The article’s fundamental techniques are quite helpful. All in all, the essay offers advice on personalising clothes and encourages self-sufficiency in dress strap repair.

    Reply
  14. Hamza on December 19, 2023 2:35 pm

    You can thus imagine my happiness when seeing this piece of art. In an emergency, it’s a lifesaver, and I can now fully enjoy my clothes. I appreciate the helpful guidance. Using temporary fixes, such as hair ties and knots, shows creativity. In general, the essay offers advice on personalizing clothes and encourages readers to fix their own dress straps.

    Reply
  15. Naira on December 23, 2023 4:34 pm

    A most useful quick hack article, your tips to shorten the straps are amazing and the most important part is without sewing, everything seems reasonable and I am going to try it.

    Reply
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